Delivering for Uber Eats or DoorDash on a WHV
Since 17 August 2026, a legal hourly minimum applies to platform delivery workers in Australia. What it changes, and which one to choose.
Updated 18 September 2026.
| Vehicle | Minimum per hour of engaged time |
|---|---|
| Bicycle, e-bike, e-scooter | AUD 31.30 |
| Combustion two-wheeler | AUD 31.50 |
| Car up to one tonne | AUD 32.00 |
Fair Work Commission, Interim On-Demand Delivery Minimum Standards Order, in effect 17 August to 31 December 2026. The national minimum wage is AUD 26.44/h.
Uber Eats or DoorDash
Both work the same way. They differ on three things that actually matter on a WHV: coverage, activation time and pay structure.
Uber Eats
Cities covered
45+ cities officially listed
Regional coverage
Yes, including coastal and regional areas
Time to first delivery
3-7 days (identity verification)
Pay structure
Pickup + dropoff + distance
Vehicles accepted
Bike, e-bike, scooter, motorbike, car
Tips
100% passed on, weak culture in Australia
Documents required
ID, right to work, licence depending on vehicle
DoorDash
Cities covered
60+ cities per Dasher Central
Regional coverage
Yes, including coastal and regional areas
Time to first delivery
2-3 days typically, up to 2 weeks
Pay structure
Base pay + distance + Peak Pay at busy times
Vehicles accepted
Bike, e-bike, scooter, motorbike, car
Tips
100% passed on, weak culture in Australia
Documents required
ID, ABN, right to work, licence depending on vehicle
| Attribute | Uber Eats | DoorDash |
|---|---|---|
| Cities covered | 45+ cities officially listed | 60+ cities per Dasher Central |
| Regional coverage | Yes, including coastal and regional areas | Yes, including coastal and regional areas |
| Time to first delivery | 3-7 days (identity verification) | 2-3 days typically, up to 2 weeks |
| Pay structure | Pickup + dropoff + distance | Base pay + distance + Peak Pay at busy times |
| Vehicles accepted | Bike, e-bike, scooter, motorbike, car | Bike, e-bike, scooter, motorbike, car |
| Tips | 100% passed on, weak culture in Australia | 100% passed on, weak culture in Australia |
| Documents required | ID, right to work, licence depending on vehicle | ID, ABN, right to work, licence depending on vehicle |
Verified 18 September 2026 on the official Uber and DoorDash pages. Cities and timeframes change — reconfirm before signing up.
Which one to choose
If you're in a major city
- Uber Eats has the widest, best-documented coverage in metro areas.
- Demand is denser, meaning less dead time between deliveries.
- The longer activation time (3-7 days) is manageable if you sign up before arriving.
If you're regional
- DoorDash generally activates faster, useful if you need to start quickly.
- Its regional coverage is comparable, but check city by city.
Where you can deliver
Uber Eats
- Sydney
- Melbourne
- Brisbane
- Perth
- Adelaide
- Gold Coast
- Newcastle
- Wollongong
- Townsville
- Cairns
DoorDash
- Sydney
- Melbourne
- Brisbane
- Perth
- Adelaide
- Gold Coast
- Cairns
- Hobart
- Darwin
- Canberra
Non-exhaustive list of major cities — both platforms also cover many regional and coastal areas. Check your city in each app before signing up.
Delivery doesn't count towards your 88 days
Specified work must be in an eligible industry and located in a designated regional area. Food delivery meets neither condition. It's top-up income between jobs, not a way to progress towards your second-year visa.
Get started in five steps
- 1Download the app and create your account with a valid work permit.
- 2Provide ID and pass the background check.
- 3Choose your vehicle and provide the matching documents.
- 4Wait for account activation — 2 to 7 days depending on the platform.
- 5Go online during meal times for your first deliveries.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use both platforms at the same time?
Yes, nothing stops you from having an active account on both Uber Eats and DoorDash. Many riders switch between them depending on demand.
Do I need an ABN?
Yes for both platforms — you're treated as an independent contractor, not an employee. Registering with the Australian Business Register is free and quick.
Does the hourly minimum apply if I deliver by bike without a licence?
Yes. The AUD 31.30/h minimum applies to any vehicle that doesn't require a licence (bicycle, e-bike, e-scooter), the same as motorised vehicles.
Do I need to declare delivery income for tax?
Yes. As a contractor, no tax is withheld at source — it's up to you to declare your income on your annual tax return.
Does delivery count towards the second-year WHV?
No. Specified work eligible for the second-year visa (417/462) excludes food delivery, which is neither an eligible industry nor tied to a designated regional area.
Track your delivery income, days and other jobs in one place with the 88mates app.