Amazon Flex is the highest-paying mainstream delivery gig in Australia — $28–$35/hour with predictable income and no waiting for orders. Here's the complete step-by-step guide to signing up, getting blocks, and maximising your earnings in 2026.
What Is Amazon Flex?
Amazon Flex lets you deliver Amazon parcels using your own car as an independent contractor. You book 3–4 hour delivery "blocks" in advance through the Flex app, pick up a load of pre-sorted parcels from an Amazon delivery station, and complete your route. You earn a fixed amount per block — regardless of how many stops it contains.
Requirements to Join Amazon Flex in Australia
- Age 18 or older
- Valid Australian driver's licence (full, unrestricted)
- A roadworthy vehicle — car, SUV, or van with adequate boot space
- Australian Business Number (ABN) — free at ato.gov.au, takes 10 minutes
- Smartphone (iPhone or Android) running iOS 14+ or Android 8+
- Comprehensive or third-party property car insurance
- Pass Amazon's background check (criminal history screening)
How to Sign Up: Step by Step
- Download the Amazon Flex app — available on the App Store and Google Play. Search "Amazon Flex."
- Create your account — use a personal email address. Enter your name, phone number, and location.
- Submit your driver's licence — photograph both sides and upload through the app. Processing takes minutes to 24 hours.
- Enter your ABN — if you don't have one yet, register free at ato.gov.au before completing signup.
- Consent to the background check — Amazon uses a third-party provider. Typically takes 24–72 hours. You'll get an email confirmation when complete.
- Set up direct deposit — enter your Australian bank account details for weekly payments.
- Complete onboarding videos — short instructional videos about the delivery process. Takes about 20 minutes.
- Start booking blocks — once approved, blocks appear in the Flex app. Book your first block and you're ready to earn.
Total time from signup to first block: typically 1–4 days.
How Amazon Flex Blocks Work
Blocks are 3–4 hour delivery shifts. When you accept a block:
- Arrive at the assigned Amazon delivery station at the block start time
- Collect your pre-loaded delivery bag or parcels (already sorted for your route)
- Navigate deliveries using the Flex app's built-in GPS routing
- Scan each parcel as delivered, take a photo as proof of delivery
- Return any undeliverable parcels to the station at block end
A typical 3-hour block contains 20–40 delivery stops depending on your area and parcel size. Apartment buildings take longer; suburban houses are faster.
How Much Does Amazon Flex Pay?
Standard blocks pay $28–$35/hour in Australia. A 3-hour block earns $84–$105; a 4-hour block earns $112–$140.
Instant Offers — blocks released with short notice during high demand — often pay $35–$45/hour. These appear with a timer and expire quickly; have notifications enabled to catch them.
Amazon pays weekly, every Monday, for all blocks completed in the previous week. Direct deposit to your nominated bank account.
How to Get More Blocks on Amazon Flex
Block availability is competitive, especially on weekends and evenings. Strategies experienced drivers use:
- Check the app 3–4 times daily: Blocks are released at unpredictable times — early morning (6–8am), midday, and evening (7–9pm) are common release windows
- Enable all notifications: Instant Offers expire in minutes — you need to see them immediately
- Try weekday blocks first: Monday to Wednesday typically have more available blocks than weekends
- Maintain a high delivery rating: Amazon's driver score affects your priority access to blocks in some markets — deliver carefully and on time
- Check during off-peak hours: Other drivers are less likely to be checking at 6am or 10pm
Tax and Expenses as an Amazon Flex Driver
As an independent contractor, you handle your own tax. Key points:
- Declare all income: Amazon reports your payments to the ATO — always declare
- Set aside 25–30% of every payment for your tax bill
- Vehicle log book: Keep a log of kilometres driven for Amazon Flex — the ATO allows 88 cents/km deduction for business kilometres (2024–25 rate)
- Other deductions: Phone and data (work percentage), insulated delivery bag, any Flex-specific equipment
- GST: Not applicable unless your total business income exceeds $75,000/year
Most Amazon Flex drivers claim $2,000–$5,000 in vehicle deductions at tax time, significantly reducing their net tax bill.
Pro Tips to Maximise Amazon Flex Earnings
- Learn your station's release patterns: Each Amazon delivery station releases blocks at slightly different times. Track when your station typically releases to be ready
- Pick up Instant Offers whenever possible: Higher pay rate than standard blocks and often shorter — great value
- Park strategically in apartment buildings: Find a central parking spot and walk multiple deliveries rather than moving your car for each one
- Use the app's route optimisation: The Flex app sequences your route — follow it rather than doing your own routing
- Deliver accurately and photograph every delivery: Disputed deliveries affect your rating. Take clear, timestamped photos showing where parcels were left
Amazon Flex in Different Australian Cities
| City | Block Availability | Typical Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Sydney | High — multiple stations | $30–$35/hr |
| Melbourne | High — multiple stations | $30–$35/hr |
| Brisbane | Medium | $28–$32/hr |
| Perth | Medium | $28–$32/hr |
| Adelaide | Lower | $28–$30/hr |
| Canberra | Lower | $28–$30/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Amazon Flex approval take in Australia?
Most applicants are approved within 1–3 business days. The background check is the main variable — standard checks complete in 24–72 hours. Having your ABN ready before applying speeds up the process.
Can you do Amazon Flex part-time in Australia?
Yes — Amazon Flex is entirely flexible. You choose which blocks to book and can work as few or as many hours as you want. Many drivers do 2–3 blocks per week for supplemental income; others work full-time hours for primary income.
Do you need your own vehicle for Amazon Flex Australia?
Yes — Amazon Flex requires a car, SUV, or van. Bicycles and motorcycles are not accepted. The vehicle must be roadworthy and insured. There's no vehicle age requirement stated, but practically the vehicle needs adequate boot space for parcel loads.
Final Thoughts
Amazon Flex is the best-paying mainstream delivery option in Australia — period. The setup process is straightforward, approval is fast, and the $28–$35/hour rate is genuinely excellent for flexible gig work. The main challenge is block availability in competitive markets — use the strategies above and you'll secure consistent hours within your first week.