Doc Summary
Australia’s freelance economy is booming, and the right platform can be the difference between sporadic gigs and a reliable pipeline of quality clients. Below is a curated, Australia-focused guide to the best places to find freelance work in 2025—covering global marketplaces, Australia-first platforms, niche networks, and job boards—plus practical setup tips for Australian freelancers.
Quick answer: top platforms Australians use for freelance gigs #
- Upwork – Global, broad categories, robust payment protection
- Freelancer.com – Australian-founded, huge project variety
- Fiverr – “Gig” style listings, great for packaged services
- Airtasker – Australia-first, local tasks and services
- 99designs – Design-focused, project matches and contests
- Toptal – Vetted elite network for dev, design, finance
- PeoplePerHour – SME-friendly projects and hourly gigs
- OzLance – Australian freelance community and jobs
- LinkedIn Services Marketplace – Find clients via your network
- Sidekicker – AU/NZ shifts in admin, events, hospitality
- SEEK and Indeed – Contract and freelance-friendly job ads
- We Work Remotely and Remote OK – Remote-first tech and creative roles
- Mable – Independent support workers in Australia
- Mad Paws – Pet-sitting and pet-care gigs
- DesignCrowd – Australian design marketplace
- Guru – Longstanding global freelance site
Global marketplaces with strong Australian demand #
Upwork, Freelancer.com (founded in Australia), and Fiverr are excellent starting points for most skills—development, design, writing, marketing, admin, and more. These platforms provide escrow or milestone-based payments, dispute resolution, and ratings to help you build credibility. Fees and competition can be high, so niche positioning, a strong portfolio, and fast, value-led proposals are key.
Australia-first and local gig platforms #
Airtasker dominates local tasks—from handywork and moving help to copywriting and admin. If you prefer in-person or local services, it’s ideal. OzLance is a community-driven Australian site for tech, creative, and business freelancers. For shift-style work across hospitality, events, and admin, Sidekicker is a trusted AU/NZ option.
Vetted and niche talent networks #
If you’re an experienced professional, consider Toptal (stringent screening; premium clients). Designers can look to 99designs and DesignCrowd (Australia-born) for contests and direct projects. Care and community services are well served by Mable. For pet-care microbusinesses, Mad Paws offers reliable local demand.
Job boards and social channels that convert #
Traditional job boards list many contract and freelance roles. In Australia, check SEEK and filter by contract/temp or “freelance”; do the same on Indeed. Build inbound leads through LinkedIn Services Marketplace by optimising your profile and requesting reviews. For remote-first tech and creative roles, monitor boards like We Work Remotely and Remote OK.
How to choose the right platform #
- Fit and demand: Search for your exact skill and location; review project volume and typical budgets.
- Fees and payout terms: Compare platform fees, withdrawal methods, and currency conversion costs.
- Competition and positioning: Niche down, showcase outcomes, and use case studies to stand out.
- Trust and protection: Prioritise platforms with escrow/milestones, clear dispute processes, and verified clients.
- Locality: If you prefer in-person work, prioritise Australia-first platforms like Airtasker, Mable, and Sidekicker.
Set up correctly in Australia #
- ABN and structure: Sole trader freelancers typically need an ABN. Start here: ATO: Register for an ABN.
- GST: Register if your turnover meets the threshold (check current rules with the ATO).
- Contractor status: Understand the difference between employees and independent contractors: Fair Work: Independent contractors.
- Invoicing and record-keeping: Use compliant invoices and track expenses. See ATO guidance for small business.
- Insurance: Consider professional indemnity and public liability depending on your services.
- Portfolio and credibility: Build a portfolio site, gather reviews, and maintain consistent branding across platforms.
This information is general in nature and not financial or legal advice. Seek professional advice tailored to your circumstances.
How Skills Campus can help #
Whether you’re pivoting into freelancing, converting experience into recognised qualifications, or planning a move to Australia, Skills Campus provides end-to-end support. We assist with Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), skills mapping, training pathways, and practical guidance to help freelancers present verified capabilities that win clients on leading platforms.
Learn more at skillscampus.com.au or speak with our team for tailored advice and next steps: skillscampus.com.au/contact.
