The side hustle economy in Australia is booming, with fresh and innovative opportunities emerging that go beyond the usual suspects like online tutoring or freelance writing. If you’re looking to explore something new and different in 2025, here are seven unique side hustle ideas that you can start without prior experience. We’ve rated each on the difficulty of setup (1 being the easiest) and provided an estimate of the investment required to get started.
1. Sustainable Packaging Solutions for Local Businesses
Difficulty: 3/5 | Investment: Low to Medium ($100–$500)
With growing awareness of environmental issues, many small businesses are looking for eco-friendly packaging options. If you’re resourceful and passionate about sustainability, you could start a side hustle sourcing and providing sustainable packaging solutions, such as biodegradable containers or recycled materials. You don’t need a background in packaging; a bit of research can go a long way. Your investment would mostly be in setting up a website or contacting local suppliers, along with marketing costs.
Why It’s Growing: As environmental regulations tighten and consumer demand for green products rises, more businesses are keen to reduce their environmental footprint.
2. Virtual Reality (VR) Travel Experiences
Difficulty: 4/5 | Investment: Medium ($500–$2,000)
The tourism sector is evolving, and virtual travel experiences are gaining popularity as a way for people to “travel” from home. If you’re tech-savvy or willing to learn, you can start creating virtual reality (VR) travel experiences, offering digital tours of popular destinations or hidden gems in Australia. No experience is needed, but understanding VR tools and software will be necessary. You could also partner with tour operators to digitise their offerings.
Why It’s Growing: With rising travel costs and interest in virtual experiences, especially in the post-pandemic era, VR travel is an emerging market that combines both technology and tourism.
3. Health and Wellness Retreat Curator
Difficulty: 4/5 | Investment: Medium to High ($500–$2,500)
Wellness is becoming a priority for many people, and there’s a growing market for small, bespoke health and wellness retreats. You can start a side hustle by curating small group retreats that focus on meditation, healthy eating, fitness, or stress management, even without formal wellness certifications. Your investment would go into organising the logistics (venue, transport, marketing), but the entry costs are relatively low.
Why It’s Growing: Australians are increasingly seeking holistic ways to recharge and reduce stress, driving demand for niche wellness experiences. This market is especially strong in regions with natural beauty, such as coastal areas or rural retreats.
4. Personalised Subscription Boxes for Niche Markets
Difficulty: 3/5 | Investment: Medium ($500–$1,500)
Subscription boxes are a booming business, but many focus on generic offerings. You can carve out your niche by curating personalised subscription boxes for more specific audiences, such as those for vegan snacks, sustainable fashion, or local artisan products. While setting up a subscription service requires effort in curating products and organising logistics, it doesn’t require prior experience, only creativity and a good understanding of your target market.
Why It’s Growing: Consumers are increasingly looking for tailored products that cater to their individual tastes and values, such as ethical consumption and wellness.
5. 3D Printing for Customised Products
Difficulty: 4/5 | Investment: Medium to High ($1,000–$3,000)
3D printing technology has revolutionised several industries, and the demand for custom-designed products, from personalised gifts to medical devices, is increasing. With some initial investment in a basic 3D printer and design software, you can offer custom-made products to a range of markets, such as creating prototypes for local businesses, personalised jewellery, or small home decor items. You don’t need experience if you’re willing to learn the basics of 3D design and printing.
Why It’s Growing: 3D printing is cutting-edge, and industries across the board—from retail to healthcare—are adopting this technology for customisation and prototyping.
6. Localised Urban Farming and Microgreens
Difficulty: 2/5 | Investment: Low ($100–$500)
Urban farming is gaining traction, and you don’t need experience to start growing microgreens or small-scale vegetables in your own space. Microgreens are nutritious, easy to grow, and have a short turnaround time. You can sell them to local restaurants, cafes, or even directly to consumers at farmers’ markets. The investment here is minimal: a small indoor growing setup, soil, and seeds. Plus, it can be a sustainable and rewarding way to earn money from home.
Why It’s Growing: As more people become conscious of where their food comes from and seek sustainable alternatives, small-scale farming is becoming a profitable and socially-conscious business model.
7. AR (Augmented Reality) Art Exhibits for Local Communities
Difficulty: 4/5 | Investment: Medium to High ($1,000–$5,000)
Augmented reality (AR) is not just for gaming—it’s becoming a tool for creative industries, including art. As a side hustle, you can partner with local artists to create AR art exhibits that enhance their physical works with digital overlays visible through a smartphone or AR glasses. You don’t need an art background but would need to learn AR design software or collaborate with AR experts. The investment involves software and marketing, but the novelty of AR in art makes it appealing to modern audiences.
Why It’s Growing: As the intersection of art and technology expands, more people are engaging with art through digital means, opening up new creative opportunities in the art world.
Conclusion
In 2025, side hustles in Australia aren’t just about following the crowd. There are plenty of emerging, niche opportunities that require little to no experience but a willingness to learn and adapt. Whether it’s creating virtual reality travel experiences or curating bespoke health retreats, these innovative side hustles allow you to tap into unique markets with relatively low startup costs. By choosing a path that aligns with your interests and skillset, you can build a rewarding and sustainable income stream while exploring uncharted territory in the business world.
