A well-chosen side hustle can earn you an extra $500–$3,000+ per month in Australia — which could accelerate your mortgage repayment, boost your property deposit savings, or simply give you more financial breathing room.
The best side hustle for you depends on your existing skills, available time, and willingness to deal with upfront setup.
Best Side Hustles in Australia by Income Potential
1. Freelancing (Writing, Design, Development, Marketing)
Monthly potential: $500–$8,000+ Startup cost: Very low
If you have professional skills — copywriting, graphic design, web development, video editing, marketing, bookkeeping — you can offer these as freelance services. Australian businesses consistently hire freelancers.
Best platforms: Upwork, Fiverr, LinkedIn, Freelancer.com, direct outreach.
A freelance web developer charging $80–$150/hr can earn $2,000–$5,000+ per week at even part-time hours.
2. Tutoring (Academic, NAPLAN, HSC, VCE, University)
Monthly potential: $800–$3,500 Startup cost: Nil to low
Private tutoring rates in Australia typically run $40–$100/hour depending on subject, year level, and location. HSC/VCE specialist tutors in maths, science, and English are in high demand.
Best platforms: Cluey, Tutor.com.au, TutorFinder, local Facebook groups, word of mouth.
3. Delivery Driving (UberEats, DoorDash, Menulog)
Monthly potential: $800–$2,500 Startup cost: Vehicle or bicycle required
Food delivery is flexible — you work when it suits you. In major cities, delivery drivers can earn $18–$28/hour effective rate depending on time of day, platform, and tip culture. Peak times (evenings, weekends) typically earn more.
4. Rideshare Driving (Uber, Bolt, Ola)
Monthly potential: $500–$2,500 Startup cost: Vehicle required (must meet platform standards)
Rideshare income depends heavily on hours worked and city. Sydney and Melbourne have the highest density of trips. Most drivers earn $20–$30/hour before vehicle costs (fuel, depreciation, insurance) — after costs, net income is typically $12–$18/hour effective.
5. Airtasker
Monthly potential: $500–$3,000+ Startup cost: Tools/equipment for your category
Airtasker connects people who need tasks done with those who can do them — moving, cleaning, handyperson work, removals, IT help, deliveries. Rates vary by task but tradespeople and handypersons can earn $35–$80+/hour.
6. Selling on Facebook Marketplace / eBay / Gumtree
Monthly potential: $200–$1,500 Startup cost: Nil
Decluttering existing items is the lowest-effort starting point. Scaling up involves sourcing items (garage sales, op shops, bulk buys) and reselling for a margin — known as retail arbitrage.
7. Renting a Spare Room (Airbnb or Long-Term)
Monthly potential: $600–$2,500+ Startup cost: Existing property required
If you own or rent (with landlord approval) a property with a spare room, renting it out provides substantial passive-ish income. Long-term room rental in Sydney or Melbourne earns $200–$450/week. Short-term Airbnb in tourist locations can earn more.
Tax note: Income from renting a room in your primary residence is assessable income in Australia. Some CGT implications apply if you later sell. Consult a registered tax agent.
8. Pet Sitting and Dog Walking
Monthly potential: $300–$1,500 Startup cost: Nil
Pet sitting and dog walking demand has grown significantly. Platforms like Mad Paws connect pet owners with local carers. Dog walkers charge $25–$45/walk; home boarding $40–$80/night.
9. Photography / Videography
Monthly potential: $500–$4,000 Startup cost: Camera equipment (can be significant)
Real estate photography, events, family portraits, and corporate photography are consistent demand areas. Entry-level real estate photographers charge $150–$300/session; wedding photographers earn $2,500–$6,000+ per event.
10. Online Courses and Digital Products
Monthly potential: $100–$5,000+ (passive after setup) Startup cost: Time and platform costs
If you have expertise to teach, creating an online course (Teachable, Thinkific, Udemy) or digital product (templates, guides, printables — via Etsy or Gumroad) can generate passive income after initial effort.
Tax on Side Hustle Income in Australia
All side hustle income must be declared in your annual tax return. The ATO receives data from platforms including Airbnb, Uber, Airtasker, and Gumtree. Key points:
- Income is taxed at your marginal rate (added to your other income)
- Deductible expenses reduce taxable income (fuel, equipment, insurance, platform fees, home office)
- If gross income from your activity exceeds $75,000/year, you may need to register for GST
- Report income in the “Business/self-employment income” section of myTax
Speak with a registered tax agent for advice specific to your circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest side hustle in Australia?
Selling unused items on Facebook Marketplace, pet sitting, and mystery shopping are among the lowest barrier-to-entry options. Tutoring and delivery driving are quick to start if you have transport and relevant knowledge.
What is the most profitable side hustle in Australia?
Freelancing in high-demand skills (software development, copywriting, design, accounting) has the highest ceiling. Skilled freelancers can earn $80–$200+/hour. Real estate photography and wedding photography are also strong earners.
Do I need an ABN for a side hustle in Australia?
You generally need an ABN if you’re running a business activity (rather than a one-off sale). If earning from platforms like Airtasker, Fiverr, or operating as a sole trader, an ABN is recommended. Apply free via the Australian Business Register (abr.gov.au).
Related Guides
- Passive Income Australia
- Uber Driver Australia — What It Actually Pays
- Airtasker Australia — How Much Can You Earn?
- Freelancing in Australia
- Average Salary Australia 2025–26
Income figures are estimates based on platform data and industry reports. Actual earnings vary by location, hours, skills, and market conditions. Tax and GST information is general in nature — consult a registered tax agent for advice specific to your situation.