{"id":643822,"date":"2026-05-02T00:25:13","date_gmt":"2026-05-02T00:25:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/643822\/"},"modified":"2026-05-02T00:25:13","modified_gmt":"2026-05-02T00:25:13","slug":"genius-side-hustle-in-boot-of-aussies-2000-corolla-funds-dream-road-trip-really-fun","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/643822\/","title":{"rendered":"Genius side hustle in boot of Aussie\u2019s $2,000 Corolla funds \u2018dream\u2019 road trip: \u2018Really fun\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hitting the road<\/a> in his $2,000 Toyota Corolla, Jonny Charles had a simple goal to \u201cwork and surf” while travelling around Australia<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The 24-year-old was strapped for cash<\/a> and needed a way to fund his travels<\/a><\/p>\n

So he built one in the boot of his car.<\/p>\n

Turning his Corolla into a tiny coffee shop, Jonny is now selling brews to strangers across the country, using the cash to cover his day-to-day costs on the road.<\/p>\n

Speaking to Yahoo News this week, Jonny said the idea for Cafe Corolla came from his love of coffee and desire to meet new people while on the road.<\/a><\/p>\n

But the ultimate goal is to fund his year-long lap of Australia<\/a> with his mate, and they’re just two months in.<\/p>\n

“It’s purely just to help me get by and pay for my next load of fuel,” he said. “Right now, I’m comfortable if it’s just paying off the day to day”.<\/p>\n

He didn’t share exactly how much he’s made so far, but it’s \u201cenough to get by,” he said,<\/p>\n

His earnings have so far covered the cost of petrol <\/a>and food daily.<\/p>\n

Do you have a story about travelling around Australia? Contact carly.bass@yahoonews.com<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Left:<\/p>\n

The Victorian spent $4,000 to set up Cafe Corolla, which included a big outlay for a commercial coffee machine. Source Jonny Charles<\/p>\n

Before leaving his hometown of Inverlock, Victoria in February, Jonny sourced a commercial coffee machine.<\/p>\n

With his engineering degree, he was able to build a fitout in his car using secondhand materials from his shed. The set-up cost an eye-watering $4,000, including $2,500 for a machine.<\/p>\n

“That’s more than my car,” he said.<\/p>\n

He\u2019s not yet made back the money he spent on the set-up, but he hopes one day he will.<\/p>\n

Plans to take Cafe Corolla to the Top End<\/p>\n

Jonny has so far travelled up the east coast of Australia<\/a>, with plans to hit up Darwin in the Northern Territory.<\/p>\n

“It’s probably my favourite place in Australia. But it’s pretty remote,” he said. “I might not get many [coffee] sales,” he laughed.<\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/p>\n

The novice barista has been sharing his journey on social media<\/a>, including Instagram<\/a> and TikTok<\/a>, updating fellow travellers<\/a> of his whereabouts.<\/p>\n

The issue, he said, is not planning out where he will be stopped. He’s simply winging it. He’s also limited in where he\u2019s allowed to pull up and sell coffee.<\/p>\n

Without council<\/a> approval, public spaces are often prohibited, including parks and beaches. But if given permission to park on private property, he can stop and sell his coffee.<\/p>\n

To help spread the word, the savvy traveller has been handing out free coffee to passersby.<\/p>\n

For the most part, he just enjoys meeting new people who stop for a chat.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s been awesome. And it\u2019s been really fun,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

“People are pretty generous, and they tend to tip quite nicely”.<\/p>\n

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

You can also follow us on Facebook<\/a>, Instagram<\/a>, TikTok<\/a>, X<\/a> and YouTube<\/a>.<\/p>\n