The Side Hustle Ideas That Could Change Your Year in Perth for 2026

As 2026 approaches, many Perth residents are looking for ways to increase their income, diversify earnings, or pursue passions outside their day jobs. The side hustle a flexible, small-scale business or project offers the perfect opportunity to generate extra income, build new skills, and even turn hobbies into revenue streams.

 

Whether you live in the city, northern suburbs, southern suburbs, or the Perth Hills, there are unique opportunities to tap into local demand and emerging trends. In this article, we explore practical side hustle ideas that could transform your year in 2026, along with strategies to get started, scale income, and maintain balance.

 

5 Reasons To Consider a Side Hustle in 2026?

 

Side hustles are more than just extra cash—they are opportunities for:

1. Financial Flexibility: Supplement your primary income to save for big goals, reduce debt, or invest.
2. Skill Development: Explore new fields, sharpen talents, and increase employability.
3. Passion Projects: Turn hobbies into income streams, making work more fulfilling.
4. Entrepreneurial Experience: Test business ideas with low risk before committing full-time.
5. Community Engagement: Many side hustles in Perth leverage local networks, events, and markets, fostering connections.
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The Perth economy in 2026 presents a unique mix of opportunities

from booming residential and commercial sectors to creative and digital industries. With thoughtful planning, your side hustle can generate real impact and income.

1. Local Market and Artisan Sales

Perth’s suburban and city markets are vibrant hubs where local makers and food producers thrive. Markets like the Sunday Treasures Night Market in Hillarys', Perth Hills Artisan Markets, and Vic Park Markets are excellent platforms for selling products.

Ideas to consider:

• Handmade crafts: jewellery, pottery, candles, or home décor.
• Art and prints: photography, paintings, or digital art prints.
• Gourmet foods: baked goods, specialty sauces, or coffee blends.
  
  

Tips for success:

• Offer a small product line that’s manageable.
• Focus on quality over quantity; unique, local items sell well.
• Build a social media presence to promote market stalls and connect with customers.
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Why it works: Markets provide immediate feedback, cash flow, and a chance to test ideas before committing to a full online or retail business.

 

2. Freelancing and Digital Services

 

Freelancing continues to grow in demand, especially in Perth’s expanding professional and tech sectors. Many businesses are looking for short-term contractors or remote assistance.

Popular options:

• Graphic design, web development, or app development.
• Copywriting, social media management, or content creation.
• Virtual assistance, bookkeeping, or administrative support.

How to start:

• Register on platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, or Airtasker.
• Network locally with small businesses who may prefer in-person collaboration.
• Start with small projects to build credibility and reviews.

 

Benefits: Freelancing offers flexible hours, scalable income, and opportunities to learn skills relevant to your career or side business ambitions.

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3. Delivery and Gig Economy Work

 

Perth’s gig economy remains a reliable option for quick income. Delivery apps and on-demand services allow you to work when it suits you.

 

Opportunities in 2026:

 

• Food delivery (Uber Eats, DoorDash, Menulog).
• Grocery and parcel delivery (Coles, Woolworths, Amazon Flex).
• Task-based apps (Airtasker for home repairs, cleaning, or moving services).

Pro tips:

• Track peak times to maximize earnings.
• Combine multiple gig platforms to increase opportunities.
• Keep a fuel and maintenance log to optimize profit.

This side hustle works well for people who value flexibility and want immediate cash flow without large upfront costs.

4. Property and Short-Term Rentals

With Perth’s tourism and student population, short-term rentals and Airbnb hosting continue to be viable side hustles in 2026.

 

Ideas include:

• Renting out spare rooms or a separate dwelling.
• Hosting short-term stays for visiting professionals or students.
• Offering experience-based packages, such as guided tours or local food experiences.

Tips for success:

• Ensure compliance with City of Perth and local council regulations.
• Invest in good photography and online listings.
• Focus on providing excellent hospitality to generate repeat bookings and reviews.

Short-term rentals can generate substantial supplemental income, particularly if you’re strategic about location and amenities.

 

5. Tutoring and Education Services

 

Education and skills-based services are always in demand. Perth has a strong student population, including international students, private school students, and university attendees.

 

Opportunities include:

 

• Academic tutoring in subjects like mathematics, English, or science.
• Music, dance, or art lessons.
• Skills workshops for adults, such as coding, digital marketing, or career development.

How to start:

 

• Advertise locally via school noticeboards, community centres, or Facebook groups.
• Offer free introductory sessions to attract clients.
• Gather testimonials to build trust and credibility.

Education side hustles allow you to leverage your expertise while giving back to your community.

 

6. Health, Wellness, and Fitness Services

 

Post-pandemic, there is a growing appetite for health and wellness services. Perth residents are increasingly focused on physical and mental wellbeing.

 

Side hustle ideas:

 

• Personal training, yoga, or Pilates coaching.
• Nutrition or meal planning consulting.
• Guided walking or outdoor fitness programs in suburban parks.
  
  

Tips:

• Obtain relevant certifications to build credibility.
• Use local parks or community centres to minimize overhead.
• Offer small group sessions to increase income while keeping schedules manageable.
  
  

Wellness side hustles also have the advantage of combining income with personal health benefits.

 

7. Seasonal and Event-Based Opportunities

 

Perth has numerous festivals, markets, and seasonal events throughout the year. These can be perfect for side hustles that require short-term commitment but provide high returns.

 

Ideas include:

• Event photography or videography.
• Mobile food or beverage stalls at festivals.
• Event setup, logistics, or staff services.

Example events:

 

• Southside Summer Festival, South Perth Foreshore
• Hyde Park Festival, City of Vincent
• Twilight Markets and seasonal artisan fairs

Seasonal side hustles are ideal if you prefer intense short-term work with flexible downtime.

 

8. Creative Online Ventures

 

Online businesses have low overhead and can scale over time. Perth creatives can tap into both local and global audiences.

 

Potential side hustles:

• Print-on-demand products (t-shirts, mugs, stationery).
• Selling digital products like e-books, guides, or templates.
• Blogging or YouTube content creation monetized via ads, sponsorships, or affiliate marketing.

Tips for success:

• Identify a niche with demand but low competition.
• Combine online ventures with local promotion for a dual strategy.
• Focus on consistent content creation to grow an audience.

Online side hustles are particularly appealing for those seeking passive income streams in 2026.

9. Pet and Animal Services

 

Pet ownership continues to rise in Perth, making animal care a strong side hustle sector.

 

Opportunities include:

 

• Dog walking or pet sitting.
• Mobile grooming or basic training sessions.
• Pet photography or custom pet products.

Tips:

• Advertise through local community boards, Facebook groups, or apps like Pawshake.
• Offer referral incentives for repeat customers.
• Ensure appropriate insurance and certifications for safety and professionalism

Pet-based side hustles are highly flexible and rewarding for animal lovers

 

10. Combining Side Hustles for Maximum Impact

The most successful side hustlers often combine multiple income streams. For example:

• Sell handmade products at local markets while running an online store.
• Freelance digitally while providing tutoring or coaching locally.
• Offer fitness classes alongside digital wellness content.

Benefits of combining side hustles:

• Diversified income reduces risk.
• Leverages different skills and passions.
• Provides more opportunities to scale and adapt to demand fluctuations.

Tips for Success in 2026

1. Start Small: Test your idea with minimal investment to validate demand.
2. Stay Consistent: Even small daily or weekly efforts compound into significant income over time.
3. Leverage Local Networks: Perth’s suburbs, markets, and community groups are ideal for testing and promoting ideas.
4. Keep Learning: Use courses, online tutorials, or mentorship to improve skills and marketability.
5. Track Your Income: Keep financial records to monitor profitability and growth potential.

Conclusion

2026 is a year full of opportunities to diversify income, develop skills, and pursue passions through side hustles in Perth. Whether you choose local markets, freelance digital services, pet care, seasonal events, or online ventures, the key is taking consistent, practical steps toward income generation.

The right side hustle can:

• Supplement your income
• Build transferable skills
• Provide a sense of purpose and achievement

By embracing the right side hustle strategies, Perth residents can enter 2026 with both financial flexibility and a mindset of growth. Start small, stay consistent, and experiment—this year could be the year your side hustle transforms your finances and your life.