When Aussies are searching for those super secret money-making websites, what they’re actually after are the online platforms that hardly anyone’s got wind of yet – places where you can get in on the ground floor before the crowds catch on, face less competition and rake in some extra bucks on the side.
Unlike the old standbys like Fiverr or Uber that are just too busy, these “secret treasures” are either pretty new, put together by niche groups or still trying to grow a following in Australia – which means there’s loads more earning potential if you know where to look.
The timing is pretty critical. People are really feeling the pinch when it comes to living costs in Australia. The ABS reckons household expenses shot up a whopping 3.4% in the year up to March 2025 – and that’s way ahead of inflation at 2.4%.
At the same time as costs are going up, the way people work is changing. In Australia, around 36% of people now regularly work from home, and we’re looking at a freelance workforce that’s around 4.1 million strong – that’s roughly one in three Aussies.
And it’s not just random Google searches – the interest is real: a yearly search for things like “how to make money online” in Australia comes in at 179,000 searches, while “passive income” is attracting a staggering 75,700 searches every year.
Many Aussies are on the hunt for new ways to earn a buck – that’s where those secret money-making websites come in.
These aren’t some dodgy get-rich-quick schemes – they’re genuine platforms that pay fair, with options like PayPal, bank transfers or good old Aussie dollars. When used in the right way, they can give you a steady side income, and sometimes, even turn into full-time ventures.
In this article, we’ll be taking a look at 20 secret websites to make money in Australia in 2025 and beyond – grouped into four categories for your convenience:
- Quick win micro-gigs & user testing – where you can make some cash quickly and easily
- Content & creator monetisation – how you can turn your skills into a regular income
- Print-on-demand & digital assets – your ticket to some serious, passive income
- Future-proof platforms – opportunities for the AI, niche and next-gen innovators
20 Secret Websites to Make Money
1. UserTesting.com
UserTesting is a global platform where companies pay regular folk to review their websites, apps and digital experiences. You get to record a short video or audio comment while having a go at using whatever it is, and that helps businesses make it more user friendly.
Getting Started in Australia
- Head to usertesting.com and sign up
- Do a quick test to show you’re the real deal
- Australian testers get paid via PayPal – and anyone can use that
- Tasks get assigned based on what you tell them about yourself and your profile
The Pay
- Generally, Aussie users earn around USD 10 (that’s about A$15) for a 15-20 minute test
- If you’re a top tester, you might even get invited to those fancy live conversations that pay up to USD 120 (around A$185) per session
Pros and Cons of UserTesting
- ✅ Quick cash for short work
- ✅ Companies love Aussie testers – especially since they’re keen on APAC insights
- ❌ Tests aren’t always consistent – you might go weeks without any new work
- ❌ It helps if you’ve got good communication skills and a decent internet connection
2. Respondent.io
Respondent.io is a platform that links businesses up with researchers who are looking for participants all around the world. It’s not just your standard online surveys, but specialist work that requires some level of expertise.
Getting Started in Australia
- You sign up at respondent.io
- You make a profile that tells them about your work, study and interests
- You link up your PayPal account so you can get paid in AUD
- Aussies with specialist skills like IT, healthcare or business tend to have an edge
How Much Can You Earn?
- Most studies pay between A$50 and A$200
- Longer sessions like interviews or focus groups can pay A$500 or more
- It’s a good one for students, professionals or part-timers
Pros and Cons of Respondent.io
- ✅ Much higher payouts compared to online survey sites
- ✅ Great fit for Aussies with specialist skills
- ❌ There’s not always a lot of work available – it depends on project demand\
- ❌ You’ve got to get approved to use the platform
3. Prolific
Prolific is an online survey platform that’s used by universities and researchers who are looking for high-quality participants. It’s not just about getting some free cash – it’s about helping out with some serious academic research.
Getting Started in Australia
- You sign up at prolific.com
- You fill out a profile about yourself – what you’re studying, your interests etc
- Payments are made via PayPal – and it’s available in AUD
- A lot of the time, the surveys are about behaviour, social economics and other pretty in-depth stuff
How Much Can You Earn?
- Most surveys pay out £6-£10 an hour (that’s around A$12-A$20)
- A lot of Aussies end up earning a steady A$50-A$150 a month on the side
- Payouts are pretty swift too – no waiting around for ages to get paid
Pros and Cons of Prolific
- ✅ You get fairly paid for your time
- ✅ It’s got a good academic rep – they’re used by the likes of Oxford and Cambridge
- ❌ It’s first in first served – so you have to be quick to get the best work
- ❌ The earnings cap is pretty low – it won’t make you a fortune
4. Gigwalk
Gigwalk is a micro-job app where companies pay people to do little tasks in the wild – checking store displays, snapping photos etc.
Getting Started in Australia
- You download the Gigwalk app on your phone
- You sign up with PayPal so you can get paid
- You browse the available gigs in your area (there’s more work out of the big cities)
How Much Can You Earn?
- You can earn anything from A$5 to A$20 per task, depending on how hard it is
- There are some people making A$300-A$500 a month from it, but for Aussies the opportunities are still pretty limited
Pros and Cons of Gigwalk
- ✅ It’s a good way to make some cash on the side – and in your local area
- ✅ There’s more work in the cities and shopping hotspots
- ❌ The pay is low unless you’re doing it a lot
- ❌ You’re limited to jobs that are local
5. Swagbucks
Swagbucks has been around for ages, this rewards platform lets you earn some cash – or gift cards – for doing the usual things like completing surveys, watching a few videos, and shopping online while playing a few games on the side.
Getting Started in Australia
- You can sign up at swagbucks.com, no fuss.
- You can complete surveys or cash in on cashback deals just for being an Aussie.
- Redeem your points for Woolies or Coles vouchers or just cash out into your PayPal account in Aussie dollar.
How Much Can You Earn
- Surveys tend to pay out between $0.50 to $2.00 each.
- People in Australia who are pretty active at Swagbucks are making anywhere from $30 to $80 a month.
- If you shop online a lot the cashback features are pretty useful.
Swagbucks: Good or Not
- ✅ Easy to use and the barrier to entry is super low.
- ✅ You can get your rewards in local vouchers like Woolies or Coles.
- ❌ Not great for making a living, the hourly rate is pretty low.
- ❌ Some of the features you get in Australia aren’t as good as what you get in other countries.
6. Medium – The Partner Program
Medium is a platform where writers get paid based on how much their readers like what they’ve written. The Medium Partner Program pays writers based on how much time people spend reading and how engaged they are with the content. Australians can earn money on Medium by writing about topics that people in Australia are interested in.
Getting Started with Medium in Australia
- All you need to do is sign up for a free account at medium.com.
- To get into the Medium Partner Program you need to apply (and you’ll need a Stripe account – those are available in Australia too).
- Write about things that interest Australians like property, investing, health, or tech.
- You can promote your articles on social media or LinkedIn to try and get more people reading them for a bit more money.
How Much Can You Earn on Medium
- Australians who write for Medium regularly are making $300 to $1,000 a month.
- If you can get something to go really viral or write about something that people are super interested in you can make a lot more than that, like $3,000 or more in a good month.
- Medium also gives you a bit of extra cash when people sign up to read your content because of a link you sent them.
Medium: Good or Not
- ✅ The barrier to entry is pretty low for Australian writers.
- ✅ They pay you in dollars and you can get that money straight into your bank account.
- ❌ Earnings can be a bit hit and miss.
- ❌ You’re going to be competing with a lot of other writers.
7. Veed.io
Veed.io is an online video platform that lets you make professional looking videos without having to spend a fortune on video editing software. In Australia lots of people are using this to create TikTok and YouTube type content.
Getting Started with Veed.io in Australia
- You just need to sign up for an account on veed.io and you can have a look around the different tools and software they have.
- Learn how to use the software to make cool short videos with captions, effects and branding.
- Look for clients on Aussie platforms like Airtasker or Freelancer.
- Target people on TikTok, small businesses or YouTube channels who might need your services.
How Much Can You Earn with Veed.io
- Freelance video editors in Australia are usually charging $50 to $150 for a short video package.
- Part-time editors can make $500 to $2,000 a month depending on who they are working for.
- The demand for this sort of thing is going to go up in 2025 because video is really taking off in social media advertising.
Pros and Cons of Veed.io
- ✅ You don’t need to break the bank to get your hands on some good video editing software.
- ✅ There’s a growing demand for this kind of thing from small Aussie businesses.
- ❌ You have to put in the effort to find people who need your services.
- ❌ There is a lot of competition out there.
Teachable is an online course platform where you can create, market and sell digital courses. Australians are using it for coaching niches like real estate, investing, health and fitness.
How to Start in Australia
- Register at teachable.com
- Choose a course niche with Australian demand (e.g. “First Home Buyer Strategies”, “Tax Tips for Freelancers”)
- Record lessons using screen recording or video tools
- Link Stripe or PayPal for payouts in AUD
Earning Potential
- Beginner courses often sell for A$50–A$150 each
- Established educators can earn A$2,000–A$10,000/month with multiple courses
- Aussies with expertise in law, finance and health have strong earning potential
Pros & Cons
- ✅ High scalability — no cap on enrolments
- ✅ Aussie market is hungry for niche education
- ❌ Requires upfront effort to create course content
- ❌ Marketing and audience building are essential
9. Starter Story
Starter Story is a platform where entrepreneurs share their business journeys, including revenue numbers, challenges and growth tips. It offers exposure and sometimes financial rewards for case study contributions.
How to Start in Australia
- Visit starterstory.com
- Submit an application to share your startup or side hustle story
- Include honest figures about revenue, costs and lessons learned
- Stories with unique Aussie angles (eco-businesses, caravans, property tech) stand out
Earning Potential
- Direct payments vary but exposure can bring consulting gigs, partnerships or sponsorships
- Many Aussie founders leverage Starter Story to attract investors and clients
- Some contributors report side income through case study features and affiliate links
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Great platform for Australian entrepreneurs to get visibility
- ✅ Builds credibility and personal brand
- ❌ Not a direct, consistent income stream
- ❌ Requires transparency about your business numbers
10. Podbase.com
Podbase is an emerging platform offering podcast hosting, analytics and monetisation. It’s gaining traction in niche podcasting communities, including in Australia, where podcast listenership is among the highest globally.
How to Start in Australia
- Sign up at podbase.com
- Upload your podcast episodes and connect with their hosting and monetisation features
- Monetise through sponsorships, ads or listener subscriptions* Focus on niches relevant to Aussies (e.g., property investing, Aussie startups, lifestyle, AFL/NRL sports)
Earning Potential
- Beginner podcasters may earn A$50–A$200/month through ads or sponsorships
- Successful Aussie podcasts (5k–10k downloads/month) can scale to A$2,000+ monthly
- Monetisation increases with listener loyalty and niche focus
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Podcasting is big in Australia — 43% of Aussies listen monthly
- ✅ Low setup cost with growing ad revenue potential
- ❌ Requires consistent content creation and audience building
- ❌ Income depends on downloads and engagement
11. Printify
Printify is a global print-on-demand (POD) platform where you design custom products like t-shirts, mugs or hoodies and Printify handles printing and fulfilment. It’s popular with creatives, entrepreneurs and micro-brands.
How to Start in Australia
- Sign up at printify.com
- Integrate with Shopify or Etsy for an Australian online store
- Upload your designs (Canva/Photoshop compatible)
- Choose global suppliers for international shipping
Earning Potential
- Aussies selling designs can earn A$5–A$15 per item
- Full-time POD sellers in AU report A$2,000–A$8,000/month depending on niche and marketing
- Popular Aussie themes include wildlife, surfing and Indigenous-inspired designs (when done respectfully and legally)
Pros & Cons
- ✅ No inventory costs
- ✅ Scale globally without upfront risk
- ❌ International shipping to AU can be slow/expensive
- ❌ Highly competitive market
12. Etsy.com
Etsy is a leading marketplace for handmade, vintage and custom goods. Australians use it to sell jewellery, clothing, crafts and digital downloads, with high demand for authentic “Australian-made” products overseas.
How to Start in Australia
- Open a shop at etsy.com
- List handmade items, craft supplies or digital printables
- Set prices in AUD but market globally — “Made in Australia” adds premium value
- Use Australia Post or Sendle for affordable local + international shipping
Earning Potential
- Aussie sellers average A$500–A$2,500/month depending on niche
- Top Etsy shops in Australia report A$10,000+ monthly revenue
- Digital downloads (templates, planners) create near 100% profit margins
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Strong global demand for Aussie brands
- ✅ Etsy handles traffic & payments
- ❌ Seller fees can cut into profit
- ❌ Competitive categories like jewellery and candles
13. Redbubble
Founded in Melbourne, Redbubble is a POD marketplace connecting independent artists with buyers worldwide. Designers upload art which is printed on clothing, stickers, homewares and more.
How to Start in Australia
- Create a free account at redbubble.com
- Upload artwork, illustrations or graphic designs
- Set markups for your products* Promote designs through social media (Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok)
Earning Potential
- Average Australian artists earn A$200–A$1,000/month in passive income
- High-performing Redbubble stores have reported A$5,000+/month
- Stickers, t-shirts and phone cases sell best among Aussie buyers
Pros & Cons
- ✅ No upfront costs, Aussie-founded platform
- ✅ Passive income once designs are uploaded
- ❌ High competition in popular niches
- ❌ Profit per item can be low (A$2–A$5)
14. PrintKK.com
PrintKK is a smaller niche POD site gaining traction in “secret website” lists. It’s less saturated than Redbubble or Printify, giving early adopters more visibility.
How to Start in Australia
- Sign up at printkk.com
- Upload designs or experiment with unique product lines
- Target Aussie audiences with limited-edition or personalised merch
- Promote your store via social media or Etsy integration
Earning Potential
- Early adopters can profit A$5–A$20 per sale
- In Australia, sellers report A$200–A$700/month as a part-time side hustle
- Best suited for experimental designs or niches
Pros & Cons – The Good & The Bad
- Lower competition than the big dogs on main POd sites
- Great for testing out new ideas – a low-risk playground to see what sticks
- Less brand recognition in Australia compared to the likes of Etsy Redbubble
- Smaller customer base compared to Etsy or Redbubble – lots of potential there for growth though
15. Website Flipping – A Flippa & SideHustle Nation Guide
Website flipping is basically the digital version of buying a dodgy old house, renovating it and selling it for a profit – but instead of a house its a website! Flippa (an aussie-founded business) provides a platform to do just that.
Getting Started in Australia
- Just join Flippa – signing up is pretty straightforward
- Search for websites that are undervalued – maybe a small blog or an e-commerce store
- Work on getting more traffic, improving SEO or boosting monetisation, then resell
- If you have some digital skills – especially in things like WordPress, SEO or Shopify – you’ve got a real edge in this game
How Much You Can Earn
- Small websites can flip for anywhere between A$500 and A$5,000
- If you can find a site with real potential, you could be looking at A$20,000 to A$100,000+
- Check out Aussie website flipper Joe Burrill – he made over A$1 Million flipping sites through Flippa
Pros & Cons – The Weigh Up
- High potential income – if you can find the right sites
- Great for Aussies with web and SEO skills – you can really make it shine
- Big risk if you get stuck with a site that’s fundamentally flawed
- You need to have some digital marketing knowledge to really succeed
16. TaskRabbit – Getting Paid For Doing Stuff
TaskRabbit is basically an app that connects people who need stuff done with people who can do it. Think furniture assembly, cleaning, moving help and the like. Originally from the US, TaskRabbit is now in some Aussie cities like Sydney and Melbourne (but not yet as widely available as we’d like)
Getting Started in Australia
- Sign up on the TaskRabbit website (taskrabbit.com)
- Make a profile highlighting your skills – are you a handyman? a cleaner? a delivery expert?
- Get your ID and banking details verified so you can get paid in Oz
- Just start accepting local jobs in your area and get earning!
How Much You Can Make
- You can earn A$30 to A$80 per hour depending on the task and your level of expertise
- If you can get a bunch of gigs going in Sydney or Melbourne you could be looking at A$500 to A$2,000 per month
- Just be aware that the higher-paying jobs tend to be in the bigger cities – but things are slowly rolling out to the rest of the country
Pros & Cons – Weighing it Up
- High demand in the big cities – if you can get there first you can really profit
- Super flexible – do as much or as little as you like
- Availability is still pretty limited outside of the big cities – keep that in mind
- Be prepared to handle your own tax and reporting to the ATO – it’s not a lot of fun I warn you!
17. Speechify.com – The AI Voiceover Tool
Speechify is a tool that uses AI to turn text into speech – pretty cool, right? But what’s even cooler is that creatives in Australia are using it to make audiobooks, narrate YouTube vids and even produce accessibility content for businesses.
Getting Started in Australia
- Sign up on the Speechify website (speechify.com)
- Use the AI to produce voices or do it the old-fashioned way with your own recordings
- Sell your voiceover services on Aussie freelancing platforms (Airtasker, Freelancer) or just market them to local authors, educators and YouTubers
- Don’t be afraid to get creative and find new markets for your services
How Much You Can Earn
- Freelancers can charge A$50 to A$200 per hour for audiobook work
- Aussie YouTubers are often willing to pay A$100 to A$300 per project for narration work
- Accessibility projects (like corporate training videos) can bring in A$500+ contracts
Pros & Cons – The Good & The Bad
- There’s a huge demand for audio content in Australia – you can really make a living from it
- Speechify is way more affordable than recording with a professional studio
- Don’t be afraid to market yourself – it’s a tough game unless you put in the effort
- The AI voices are still a bit basic in terms of tone variation – but getting better all the time!
18. Sweatcoin
Sweatcoin is a health focused app that pays you in digital tokens (“Sweatcoins”) for walking. You can redeem these for products, services or exchange for gift cards. In Australia it’s getting popular among health conscious users.
How to Start in Australia
- Download the Sweatcoin app (iOS/Android)
- Link your account for daily step tracking
- Redeem Sweatcoins for partner rewards or vouchers redeemable in Australia
- Participate in challenges for bonus rewards
Earning Potential
- Average Aussie users earn A$10–A$50/month
- Competitive walkers and marathon trainers can earn more by hitting higher step goals
- Rewards include sports gear, discounts and occasionally PayPal cash-outs
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Encourages healthier lifestyle
- ✅ Fun, gamified earning method
- ❌ Earnings are modest
- ❌ Limited redemption options in Australia compared to the US/UK
19. Cliqly
Cliqly is an email monetisation platform where you get paid to send or click through promotional emails. It’s a newer, less known platform but it’s started to attract Aussie attention for low barrier online income.
How to Start in Australia
- Register at cliqly.com
- Link an email account and follow training guides
- Earn by managing email clicks, sending campaigns or promoting offers
- Withdraw earnings via PayPal
Earning Potential
- New Aussie users typically report A$50–A$200/month part time
- Active members managing campaigns can earn A$500+ monthly
- Requires daily consistency and email engagement
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Easy to start — no skills required
- ✅ Flexible — can be done anywhere in Australia
- ❌ Still niche, not widely proven long term
- ❌ Income relies heavily on email performance
20. Product Tube
Product Tube is a market research app that pays you to record short in-store videos or reviews of products. Companies use the footage to understand how Aussies shop and interact with brands.
How to Start in Australia
- Sign up at producttube.com
- Download the mobile app (iOS/Android)
- Complete video assignments at stores like Coles, Woolworths, Bunnings
- Upload videos and get paid via PayPal* Each task pays A$10–A$50 depending on task
- Consistent users can earn A$150–A$400/month
- Great for Aussies already doing weekly grocery or retail trips
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Can be done on daily shopping trips
- ✅ Good pay per task
- ❌ Must film in-store (not for everyone)
- ❌ Availability can be limited by location
Risk Management – Staying on the Right Side of Aussie Compliance
Diving into those secret websites promising big money can be a real thrill, but don’t forget about the risks. Aussies need to be just as careful about protecting themselves from scams, staying on top of their tax obligations and getting their income streams sorted as they are about finding the right platform. Here’s the lowdown:
How to Spot a Scam and Make Sure You’re Legitimate
In a sea of thousands of “make money online” sites, not all of them are trustworthy. Sadly, Aussies lost a whopping A$480 million to scams in 2023, and most of those were down to investment scams and fake online jobs, according to the ACCC’s Scamwatch.
Watch out for these red flags:
- Any site that promises you’ll make a “guaranteed income” or a “get rich quick” – those are just not going to deliver.
- If they’re asking for upfront fees or for you to make a purchase before you can start earning anything – that’s a major warning sign.
- If the website looks amateurish, has no ABN, company info or contact details, that’s a giveaway in itself.
- If the communication is only through social media or messaging apps – that’s a sign of trouble.
Your trusted Aussie resources are out there:
- Scamwatch.gov.au is the official word on trending scams
- AUSTRAC is where you go for guidance on money laundering and dodgy payment platforms
- Services Australia has got tips on keeping your identity secure
Do your research before joining up, read the reviews on Trustpilot or Reddit and see if other Aussies are using it successfully.
Tax Time – The ATO’s Got Its Eye on You
The Australian Taxation Office considers all online income to be taxable, whether you’re doing surveys, freelancing or selling on Etsy.
Here are the key points to keep in mind:
- You have to declare all that income – even if it’s just a few hundred bucks a month from Swagbucks.
- GST only comes into play if your side hustle turnover goes over $75,000 a year – that’s mostly relevant for the big sellers on Etsy and similar platforms.
- Superannuation might not automatically kick in for your side income – but if you’re serious about building long-term wealth, you might want to think about voluntary contributions.
- Deductions – if you’ve got internet bills, software subscriptions or home office costs that are directly related to your side hustle, you can claim ’em.
The ATO is getting more and more savvy about monitoring PayPal, Stripe and other international platforms, so transparency is key.
Payment Methods: PayPal and Bank Transfer, and How to Avoid Currency Conversion Loss
Most secret websites pay out through PayPal or Stripe, with some sites using direct bank transfers. Aussies, be aware of these things:
- Currency conversion fees – PayPal will likely take around 3% of your USD to AUD transfers
- Delays – international transfers can take anywhere from 3-5 days
- Workarounds – consider Wise (formerly TransferWise) for better rates when receiving USD, GBP or EUR
- AUD Payout Options – some sites like Etsy and Flippa allow payouts in your local currency, avoiding the need to chase around for cash
Local Regulations to Keep in Mind
If you’re offering services overseas (e.g. freelancing on Upwork/Fiverr), remember these:
- Invoices – if you’re registered, issue proper invoices with your ABN for overseas clients.
- Receiving Payment – PayPal and Stripe are the go-to’s for Aussies, but Wise is getting more popular by the day
- AUD Conversion – always withdraw to an Aussie bank account in AUD to make tax reporting a whole lot simpler.
- Consumer Guarantees – if you’re selling products (Etsy, print-on-demand etc) you must comply with Australian Consumer Law for Aussie customers (repairs, replacements etc)
Conclusion – The Road Ahead for Aussies
As cost of living pressures continue to rise and Aussies look for ways to make ends meet, a lot of people are on the hunt for secret websites that can generate an income.
Some of the options we’ll be looking at include UserTesting, Prolific, Respondent.io, Etsy, Redbubble, Teachable, Flippa, TaskRabbit, Sweatcoin, and Product Tube, each of which give Aussies the chance to earn some extra cash – whether its quick survey cash or building a whole digital business.
We also have some supporting add ons like mystery shopping, Zazzle and Upwork that can add to your earning potential.
The amount of money you can make varies – you might be looking at around A$30 per month on Swagbucks, right through to a ten thousand plus per year from a successful Etsy store. Most of these platforms pay out in AUD, which is great – but you do need to be on the lookout for scams, declare any income to the tax office and make sure your side hustle doesn’t clash with your main job.
