25 Flexible Side Hustles for Australians in 2025

Some of today’s most flexible and lucrative side hustles can be done from your couch. All you need is a laptop, free time, and a willingness to learn something new. The following ideas can be done online; some require skill, while others can be learned on the job or through free online resources.

These six ideas are best suited to people who already have skills in writing, design, or video production, and are looking for ways to turn that experience into income. They’re not the best options for quick cash, but with a solid portfolio and consistent effort, they can grow into reliable, long-term income.

If you’ve got a way with words, freelance writing can be a great side hustle. You can start small, writing blog posts, editing resumes, or proofreading articles. As your client base grows, this can even lead to enough work to write full-time if you choose.

Whether you’re creating social media graphics, logos, or branding kits, graphic design is a solid way to earn money if you've got a good eye and know how to use tools like Figma or Adobe. Start with personal projects or offer discounted services while you build your portfolio.

Short-form video content is booming, and so is the demand for simple editing. If you already enjoy working with apps like CapCut or Premiere Pro, you can start editing Reels, TikToks, or YouTube intros for creators and small brands.

If you already have a camera and a skill for taking photos, you can make money through product photography, portraits, or even stock photo sites. This works well if you’re already sharing your work online and want to monetise it.

Building a blog or podcast takes time, but if you’ve got a unique voice and something to say, it can become a platform for affiliate income, sponsorships, or product sales. Choose an area in which you have expertise and stay consistent with your posting.

If you already enjoy creating posts or videos for your own socials, there’s a growing demand for content creators who can help brands show up more authentically online. This one works particularly well if you’re already building a following or have strong creative ideas.

If you’re organised, good with people, and comfortable using a computer, these side hustles are worthwhile. You don’t need a fancy setup or years of experience, just a willingness to help, learn as you go, and the ability to be reliable.

Plenty of small business owners need help behind the scenes doing things like scheduling meetings, managing their inboxes, or uploading content. You can start by offering general admin support, then figure out what tasks you enjoy most and build from there.

If you’re confident in a subject (such as English, maths, or even basic computer skills), there’s a good chance someone out there would pay to learn from you. Look for platforms that let you host a course and get it in front of the right people, all from your laptop.

If you speak more than one language, there are businesses, bloggers, and individuals who need help translating everyday documents or text. It’s usually flexible, remote, and doesn’t require you to write original content.

Anyone who is detail-oriented and comfortable using spreadsheets can start doing online data entry. There are plenty of simple tasks like entering data or reconciling invoices that can be done after hours or on weekends.

If you’re happy to put in the work upfront, starting an e-commerce business online can grow into a long-term income stream. Starting a business is not an instant money-maker, but it will give you something to grow over time.

If you can create useful digital products once (think templates, printable planners, or small business tools), you can sell it over and over without extra effort. Etsy is a popular place to start.

You don’t need to have a big brand or fancy website to sell online. Whether it’s custom T-shirts, handmade gifts, or digital downloads, setting up a store is easier than ever. The key is starting simple and focusing on one product at a time.

Affiliate marketing is where you share product links on your blog, email list, or social media, and earn a small commission when someone buys. It works best when you stick to promoting products you would genuinely recommend.

With dropshipping, you don’t keep any stock. You promote the product and your supplier ships it. It’s low risk but can be competitive, so having a clear point of difference and a strong brand helps you stand out.

These ideas are quick to start and don’t need much more than a phone, a laptop, and time. They’re not going to replace your income, but they’re great for covering small expenses or giving you a bit of extra cash to play with.

Get paid to answer questions or give feedback on products. Aussie platforms like Octopus Group or Pureprofile are a good place to start.

Apps like Clickworker pay small amounts for small tasks, like sorting images, checking websites, or verifying info. It’s low commitment and you can do it in short bursts.

Brands pay everyday users to test out new websites or apps and give feedback. Look at websites like UserTesting and TryMyUI to find opportunities in this area.

Not every side hustle has to happen behind a screen. If you like getting out of the house or don’t want to spend any more time in front of a computer, there are plenty of practical ways to earn extra income in your local area.

If you don’t mind a bit of physical work, these are simple, reliable ways to earn on evenings or weekends. They are an especially great option if you like being outdoors or want to help people in your neighbourhood.

People are always looking for reliable cleaners, whether it’s for regular weekly jobs, end-of-lease cleans, or Airbnb turnovers.

If you’ve got the right gear or can hire it, both these services are often outsourced. They’re not simple jobs, but you can charge more per visit and do them around your existing schedule.

From mowing lawns to weed-wacking, basic garden maintenance is something many people would rather pay for than do themselves. All you need is a mower and a few tools to get started.

Mobile car washing is popular with people who don’t have the time to wash their own car or want to sell their car. You can buy basic supplies from a local auto store and get started quickly.

If you’ve got a truck, access to rent one, or are strong, you can offer help with moving furniture, picking up marketplace buys, or clearing out old junk. You can charge by the hour and list your service on your local buy/sell group.

These side hustles are ideal if you enjoy working with people or animals. They’re often flexible and can fit around full-time work or study.

Whether it’s weekends, evenings, or last-minute jobs, babysitting is a trusted way to earn if you’re good with kids. Many families find nannies or babysitters through word-of-mouth, or you can use apps to find work directly.

Lots of pet owners need help while they’re at work or away. You can offer walking, feeding, or simply checking in on pets during the day. It’s easy to start with people you know and build up from there.

Lots of people need someone to look after their homes and pets while they’re away. It’s a low effort, and in some cases, you get paid and have free accommodation. It’s a great option if you want to travel somewhere new for less.

Starting a side hustle doesn’t need to be overwhelming. The key is to start small, stay consistent, and get the basics in place early. Here’s a simple roadmap to help you go from idea to income.

Are you trying to earn extra money, explore a passion, or test out a business idea? Get clear on your reason; this will help guide future decisions.

Choose something that fits your time, energy, and skill level. You can start your side hustle casually and then get more invested as time goes on.

Register for an ABN so you can track income properly. If you plan to scale or earn more than $75,000 a year, you may need to register for GST.

If your side hustle involves equipment, working on someone’s property, or offering services in public (like lawn mowing or cleaning), it’s worth looking into basic public liability insurance.

Even small side hustles need to be declared at tax time, so keep accurate records and stay on top of your income from day one.

If you're looking to maximise your earnings, here are some of the most profitable side hustles in Australia, based on 2025 data.

1. Online tutoring: average hourly rate of $101
2. Graphic design: average hourly rate of $43.59
3. Video editing: average hourly rate of $40.18
4. Content creation: average hourly rate of $38.48
5. Photography: average hourly rate of $32.93
6. Removals: average hourly rate of $32.93
7. Carpet cleaning: average hourly rate of $32.93
8. Gardening: average hourly rate of $32.43

Keep in mind that success in these roles often depends on the quality of service, skill and consistency, as well as demand.

There’s no perfect single side hustle from which everyone can make money. Where you can thrive and excel is based on your own skills and interests. However, with dedication to your craft, time and a little bit of online marketing, you’ll be able to make a steady stream of extra income.

No matter your side hustle, when you’re ready to grow, Salesforce Commerce Cloud can help you manage sales, marketing, and customer service in one place.