If you’ve ever walked through a music festival at sunrise—empty stages, scattered cups, and the faint smell of last night’s fun—you’ve seen the aftermath of a great event. What most people don’t realise is that this is when the real work begins. Packing up and cleaning after concerts, festivals, and events is a reliable way to earn money, especially if you’re physically fit, don’t mind getting your hands dirty, and enjoy flexible, casual work.
Whether you’re looking for a side hustle or a steady stream of gigs, here’s everything you need to know about getting started in this line of work in Australia.
What the Job Involves
Post-event work typically falls into two categories: pack-down and clean-up. Some roles combine both, depending on the size and type of event.
Pack-Down Duties
- Dismantling stages, fencing, signage, and marquees
- Loading equipment into trucks or storage containers
- Rolling up cables, stacking chairs, and folding tables
- Assisting with lighting and sound gear (under supervision)
Clean-Up Duties
- Picking up litter and separating recyclables
- Sweeping, mopping, and pressure washing surfaces
- Emptying bins and replacing liners
- Cleaning toilets and restocking supplies
- Removing decorations and signage
You’ll often work in teams, sometimes overnight or early in the morning. Shifts can be physically demanding, but they’re usually short and well-paced.
Skills You’ll Need
You don’t need formal qualifications to get started, but a few key traits will help you stand out and get rehired.
- Physical Fitness: You’ll be on your feet for hours, lifting, bending, and moving equipment.
- Reliability: Event organisers rely on tight schedules. Showing up on time is non-negotiable.
- Teamwork: You’ll work alongside other crew members, often under time pressure.
- Attention to Detail: Clean-up crews are expected to leave venues spotless.
- Safety Awareness: You’ll often work around heavy equipment, cables, and crowds.
Where to Find Jobs
There are several ways to land event clean-up and pack-down gigs in Australia. Many companies hire casual workers on short notice, especially during peak seasons. Summer is always a busy period, and companies are always looking for people who are willing and able to work on public holidays, such as new years day. Here are a few places to try:
Event Cleaning Companies
- Clean Vibes – Known for working at major festivals like Splendour in the Grass and Falls Festival.
- Australian Green Clean – Offers roles at events like the Royal Adelaide Show.
- Stafflink Workforce – Frequently posts casual event cleaning jobs in Brisbane and other cities.
Job Boards
Event Staffing Agencies
- Tri-Point Rigging Services (specialises in labourers, riggers, truck drivers, and scaffolders/stage builders)
These companies hire crew for setup and pack-down roles, often including bump-in (setup) and bump-out (pack-down) shifts.
When and Where the Work Is
Peak Seasons
- New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day: Concerts and fireworks in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
- Summer Festival Season (Dec–Mar): Laneway Festival, Falls Festival, Lost Paradise.
- Public Holidays and Long Weekends: Easter, Australia Day, and Labour Day events.
- Spring Racing Carnival (Oct–Nov): Especially busy in Melbourne.
Cities with the Most Work
- Sydney: Qudos Bank Arena, Olympic Park, and major festivals
- Melbourne: Moomba, White Night, Melbourne Cup
- Brisbane: Riverfire, Valley Fiesta
- Adelaide: WOMADelaide, Royal Adelaide Show
- Perth: Fringe World, outdoor concerts
- Gold Coast and Byron Bay: Beachside festivals and NYE events
How Much You Can Get Paid
| Role Type | Pay Range (AUD/hour) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| General Cleaner | $28 – $35 | Entry-level, casual |
| Pack-Down Crew | $30 – $40 | May include overtime |
| Team Leader | $40 – $50+ | Requires experience |
| Overnight Shifts | +10–20% loading | Higher pay for late hours |
| Public Holidays | Up to double time | Especially on New Year’s Day |
Tips for Getting Hired (and Rehired)
- Get a White Card: Required for some pack-down roles involving construction tasks.
- Wear the Right Gear: Steel-capped boots, high-vis vests, gloves may be required.
- Be Available on Short Notice: Many jobs are filled within 24–48 hours.
- Build a Reputation: Reliable, hard workers often get repeat gigs.
- Network with Crew Members: A lot of job leads come through word-of-mouth.
Final Thoughts
Working behind the scenes at concerts and festivals may not be glamorous, but it’s a great way to earn honest, flexible income. Whether you want to pick up a few shifts a month or aim for consistent casual work during the busy seasons, there’s demand across Australia for reliable people who can help put events back in order.
You’ll stay active, learn how major productions tick, and sometimes even catch a glimpse of the action before the crowds arrive. If that sounds like your kind of work, there’s no better time to jump in.
