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In this guide, you’ll find a list of the best companies for summer jobs in Australia. We’ve looked at pay, perks, flexibility, and culture to help you find a summer gig that fits your vibe and your bank account.
10 Best Summer Employers in Australia: Who’s Hiring and Why You’ll Love It
Whether you’re saving for uni, travelling the coast, or just want to do something productive over summer break, these companies deliver. Here’s our list of the top summer employers in Australia.
1. Bunnings Warehouse
Pay: Approx. $25–$30 per hour for casual roles (depending on age and location)
Bunnings is an Aussie favourite for a reason. The stores are welcoming, the staff are friendly, and the work is varied (no two shifts feel the same!). Summer roles might include customer service, product restocking, helping with DIY workshops, or even running the iconic weekend sausage sizzle.
It’s a hands-on, team-focused environment where new workers are trained and supported from day one. Plus, there's a sense of fun that makes even busy days enjoyable.
Benefits:
- Team discounts on products
- Flexible shifts
- Great in-store culture and team events
Best for: Outgoing students who want retail experience and love a good DIY environment.
2. Australia Post
Pay: Around $28–$35 per hour for casual summer roles
Australia Post is a go-to for reliable, structured summer work. As the holiday parcel rush begins, they hire extra staff to help sort, process, and deliver mail. You could be based in a sorting centre, working on delivery runs, or supporting customer service in post offices.
The work is active and satisfying, especially if you enjoy physical tasks and keeping busy. Shifts are typically consistent, and the pay is competitive for casual work.
Benefits:
- Consistent hours
- Physical, active work
- Good long-term references
Best for: Early risers and students looking to get fit and earn cash at the same time.
3. Cotton On Group
Pay: Typically $24–$29 per hour for retail assistants
The Cotton On Group includes Cotton On, Typo, Factorie, Rubi, and more, each offering a fast-paced and fashion-forward place to work. Summer staff help with everything from unpacking new stock and setting up displays to assisting customers and managing queues during the busy holiday season.
The environment is trendy and upbeat, with energetic teams and plenty of casual chats over folded jeans or quirky stationery. If you’re outgoing and love pop culture, you’ll fit right in.
Benefits:
- Staff discounts across all brands
- Trendy, upbeat atmosphere
- Great training and potential to stay on
Best for: Fashion lovers and students who want retail experience in a stylish setting.
4. Surf Life Saving Australia
Pay: Volunteer roles + some paid positions ($25–$40 per hour for qualified lifeguards)
Australia’s beaches get packed in summer, and Surf Life Saving Australia is on the front line. If you’re qualified, you can work as a paid lifeguard, supporting beach safety and rescues. If not, there are volunteer and support roles at surf clubs during events and competitions.
Training is top-notch, and it’s a meaningful way to give back to your community while staying fit and getting outdoors. Plus, who doesn’t want the beach as their office?
Benefits:
- Beachfront office
- Valuable life-saving and leadership skills
- Strong sense of community
Best for: Beach lovers, fitness buffs, and aspiring first responders.
5. Woolworths Group
Pay: Around $24–$32 per hour (varies by role and location)
Woolies gears up for massive holiday foot traffic each summer, so they bring in thousands of seasonal workers for retail jobs. You could be restocking shelves, helping customers find Christmas puddings, or packing click-and-collect orders.
It’s a supportive workplace with clear expectations, a strong safety culture, and heaps of training. If you show initiative, there’s a good chance you’ll be asked to stay on after summer ends, making it a great gateway into consistent part-time work.
Benefits:
- Staff discounts
- Flexible scheduling
- Fast-paced but friendly work environment
Best for: Students seeking reliable hours and a straightforward job for a few months with good pay.
6. Luna Park (Sydney or Melbourne)
Pay: $23–$27 per hour, plus perks like free entry
If you want your summer job to feel like a party, Luna Park delivers. These iconic amusement parks hire seasonal staff to run rides, serve snacks, guide guests, and assist with special events.
The environment is upbeat and youthful, perfect if you love being around people and music. There’s a strong safety focus, but once you’re trained, it’s all about helping guests have fun. Expect high energy, themed uniforms, and unforgettable work memories.
Benefits:
- Free park access
- Uniforms provided
- Energetic, youthful workplace
- Sometimes offers free accommodation
Best for: Outgoing types who love being part of the action.
7. Event Cinemas / Hoyts
Pay: Around $22–$26 per hour, plus free movies
Summer is blockbuster season, and cinemas like Event and Hoyts need all hands on deck. Whether you're running the box office, serving popcorn, or cleaning between screenings, it’s a fun and social environment.
You’ll work nights and weekends, but the vibe is relaxed and the perks (like free movies) make up for it. Great if you want to combine work and your love of film, or you're a night owl who prefers late shifts.
Benefits:
- Free or discounted movie tickets
- Flexible hours for late-night shifts
- Relaxed, social environment
Best for: Night owls and entertainment fans.
8. Deliveroo / Uber Eats / DoorDash (18+)
Pay: Varies, average $25–$35 per hour depending on demand and location
Food delivery is booming in summer, especially in busy urban and coastal areas. If you’re 18 or older and have a license (or a bike and stamina), you can sign up to deliver takeout meals as a job on your own time.
You’ll get paid per delivery, plus tips, and you control when you work. The flexibility is unbeatable, and there’s zero pressure; just grab your gear, turn on the app, and earn. Great for students or anyone needing a side hustle.
Benefits:
- Work when you want
- Keep 100% of your tips
- Zero dress code
Best for: Independent workers who want freedom and fast cash.
9. IKEA
Pay: Around $25–$31 per hour for casual staff
IKEA stores see a spike in customers over the summer holidays, and they hire extra help to keep things moving. Casuals support everything from sales to food service to warehouse logistics. You’ll get great training, a cheerful team culture, and a big-name brand for your resume.
It’s fast-paced, but you’ll quickly get into the groove, and there's always meatballs on break. If you like systems and structure, this job will be surprisingly satisfying.
Benefits:
- Staff discounts
- Good onboarding and training
- Inclusive and team-focused culture
Best for: Team players who enjoy helping people and staying organised.
10. Local Cafés and Ice Cream Parlours
Pay: $20–$27 per hour + tips
Across Australia, small cafes and seasonal food businesses flourish in summer. Whether you’re taking orders at a gelato counter or pulling coffees in a beachside café, it’s all about quick service and friendly vibes. Shifts are often flexible, tips can boost your income, and you’ll meet lots of locals and tourists.
Many of these seasonal jobs don’t require much experience, just a good attitude and willingness to pitch in. Great for first-timers or creative types.
Benefits:
- Tips and bonus shifts
- Close-knit team
- Often near the beach
Best for: Friendly, adaptable people who like fast-paced work with personality.
Final Thoughts
Australia’s summer job scene is more than just pocket money. It’s a launchpad for valuable skills, friends, confidence, and maybe even a future career.
Whether you're pouring flat whites in Brisbane, packing shelves in Perth, doing farm work or fruit picking in South Australia, or patrolling beaches in the Gold Coast, there’s a role that fits your style. Start early, stay open-minded, and don’t underestimate the power of a summer well spent.
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