The car wash franchising sector in Australia is experiencing steady growth, driven by rising vehicle ownership, expanding urban populations, and increasing consumer demand for professional, eco-conscious vehicle care. The industry encompasses services such as drive-through washes, automatic in-bay systems, express tunnel services, and mobile and detailing offerings—many of which leverage convenience and sustainability to meet the needs of busy lifestyles.
In 2024, the Australian car wash services market was valued at approximately USD 635.7 million and is projected to reach USD 1 billion by 2030, representing an impressive CAGR of 7.9% from 2025 to 2030. (GVR)
Although a car franchise is not a cheap franchise, like vending franchises, it is also not as expensive as a Retail Franchise, which requires substantial investment.
In my personal opinion, the Car Wash Franchise business is next to Real Estate Franchises in terms of the business growth and investment required.
Founded in 2003 in Mascot, New South Wales, Star Car Wash has grown to become Australia’s largest professional hand car wash and detailing provider. Built around the vision of delivering a premium “new car” feel, the brand is known for its focus on quality, customer service, and convenience, operating across shopping centres, standalone sites, and café-integrated formats.
Star Car Wash offers an extensive range of professional services designed to preserve and enhance vehicle appearance:
Startup costs: A$500K – 700K + GST (covers setup, equipment, and franchise fees)
Network: 160+ locations across Australia | 200+ employees | 1.1million cars serviced in 2024.
Training: Full industry training and ongoing operational support provided; no prior car wash experience or qualifications required.
Additional: Proven, easy-to-run model backed by marketing and leadership support; franchisor assists with securing high-traffic shopping centre sites.
(source: Star Car Wash)
Founded in 1989, Jim’s Car Cleaning is part of the larger Jim’s Group franchise network, one of Australia’s most recognisable brands. Offering affordable, mobile car wash and detailing services, it delivers convenience to households and businesses while leveraging the reputation of the Jim’s Group brand.
Jim’s Car Cleaning services include:
Mobile Detailing – Professional detailing at the customer’s chosen location.
Startup costs: A$25K – 60K + GST | A$700/week + pay per lead fees
Network: 700+ franchisees across Australia.
Training: Comprehensive induction covering mobile systems, operations, and customer management. On-the-job training, as there are no experience/certification requirements.
Additional: Franchisor assists with defining exclusive service territories and marketing support. $1,100/week Pay-for-Work Guaranteed Income
(source: Jim’s Group)
Founded in 1994, Magic Hand Car Wash has grown from a single site in Collingwood, Victoria, into one of Australia’s leading hand car wash networks. Known for its café-style service model and fast, high-quality washes, it serves over 700,000 customers annually across multiple states.
Magic Hand Car Wash services include:
Startup costs: A$300K – 1M (depending on site type) | Ongoing fees: 8% royalty + 2.5% marketing fees
Network: 20+ outlets nationwide, washing 700K+ vehicles per year
Training: 3-months induction covering operations, customer service, and team management (some franchisees may complete a longer training pathway).
Additional: National marketing support, proprietary POS system, franchisor assistance with finance, licensing, and ongoing business development.
(source: Magic Wash)
Founded in 2004 (originally EcoWash Mobile), Nanotek introduced a waterless car wash system using advanced liquid polymer nanotechnology. The brand franchised in 2011 and has since expanded into international markets, positioning itself as an eco-friendly alternative in mobile car care.
Nanotek Car Cleaning services include:
Startup costs: A$180K – 290K | Ongoing fees: 5% royalty + 1% advertising levy
Network: 60+ locations in Australia; 200+ units globally across 12 countries
Training: 2-week induction program covering nanotechnology cleaning system, operations, customer service, and business management.
Additional: Exclusive territories, national marketing and PR support, mobile POS and accounting systems, and a strong eco-friendly positioning as a differentiator.
(source: Franchise Accountants)
Founded in 1885 in Augsburg, Germany (as Kleindienst GmbH, merged into WashTec AG in 2000), WashTec has become the world’s leading provider of professional car wash technology. Unlike traditional franchises, WashTec operates on an equipment-based partnership model, supplying gantry, tunnel, and self-service systems along with water recycling solutions.
WashTec Car Wash solutions include:
Digital & Remote Monitoring Tools – Software and apps to track performance, manage operations, and improve profitability.
Startup costs: Varies by system type and size (gantry, tunnel, or self-service) | Royalties: None (equipment-based model)
Network: 80+ countries worldwide; 40,000+ installations globally; 600+ WashTec-supported sites in Australia.
Training: Technical and operational training, including location planning, installation, maintenance, spare parts supply, and marketing support.
Additional: End-to-end partner support, financing options, exclusive access to world-leading wash technology, and a strong sustainability focus.
(source: WashTec)
Founded in 1965, iMo Car Wash is a global leader in conveyor-based automatic car washes. Operating in 13 countries with hundreds of sites, it offers a low-risk operator model instead of a traditional franchise, giving individuals the opportunity to run their own site with minimal upfront investment.
iMo Car Wash services include:
Startup costs: Small refundable bond | No traditional franchise fee
Network: 800+ sites worldwide, 34M+ cars washed annually
Training: Structured induction covering administration, marketing, operations, management, and staff training. Ongoing regional manager and head office support.
Additional: iMo secures prime sites, provides equipment and infrastructure, assists with staff recruitment and training, and offers ongoing business coaching to grow profitability.
(source: IMO)
Founded in 1995 in Brisbane, Sparkles Car Wash started as a mobile detailing service and has grown into a premium hand car wash and detailing brand, with multiple shopping centre–based locations across Queensland. Known for its boutique positioning, Sparkles focuses on delivering high-quality, personalised vehicle care to customers seeking more than just a standard wash.
Sparkles Car Wash services include:
Shopping Centre Convenience – Locations in high-traffic retail centres, offering service while customers shop.
Startup costs: A$150K – 300K (est.) + GST | Royalties: Varies
Network: Multiple sites across Brisbane and the Gold Coast, expanding nationally.
Training: In-depth training covering detailing techniques, operations, customer service, and staff management.
Additional: Strong boutique market positioning, targeting customers who value quality and convenience. Franchisees benefit from brand recognition, established shopping centre partnerships, and ongoing support.
(source: Sparkles)
Operating under Pulse Home Services, Pulse Car Cleaning provides a mobile detailing franchise opportunity designed for convenience and flexibility. Franchisees deliver high-quality exterior and interior vehicle cleaning directly to customers at their homes or workplaces, backed by national brand recognition and business support.
Pulse Car Cleaning services include:
On-Site Convenience – Customers receive premium service without leaving home or work.
Startup costs: From A$36,500 + GST | Royalties: Included in package (no ongoing lead fees)
Network: Available nationwide across all Australian states and territories.
Training: Franchise package includes full training, equipment, manuals, marketing materials, and ongoing business development support.
Additional: Low entry cost, mobile-first business model with flexible hours, backed by the broader Pulse Home Services franchise network.
(source: Pulse Home Services)
Profitability varies by model, but the strongest performers include; Jim’s Car Detailing, Pulse Car Cleaning, Nanotek, Star Car Wash, Magic Hand Carwash, IMO Car Wash, and WashTec.
Mobile franchises (Jim’s, Pulse, Nanotek) are profitable due to lower capital costs and flexible operations. However, fixed-site or automated models (IMO, WashTec, Star) can generate higher turnover through volume if located in high-traffic areas.
On average, training lasts between 2 and 6 weeks, depending on the complexity of services offered. Importantly, most franchises emphasise that no prior industry experience is required, as training equips operators with all the skills needed to deliver professional results and run a successful business.
Car wash franchises generally require lower startup costs, fewer staff, and simpler operations than QSR outlets. They benefit from recurring demand as vehicle cleaning is a repeat service, often with lower inventory and supply chain risks.
Australian car wash franchises typically offer ongoing operational support to help franchisees run their business successfully. This includes site selection guidance, equipment setup, marketing assistance, staff recruitment and training, and access to business systems such as POS and accounting tools. Many franchises also provide continuous coaching and troubleshooting, ensuring operators can address challenges, optimise performance, and grow their business with expert backing.
You must receive a Franchise Disclosure Document and a copy of the Franchise Code of Conduct. Legal and financial advice is strongly recommended before signing any agreement.
Car wash franchises in Australia offer a compelling balance of low entry barriers, recurring demand, and scalable growth potential. Entrepreneurs can choose between automated systems, which are ideal for high-traffic, volume-driven locations, or mobile services, which provide flexibility, lower startup costs, and direct-to-customer convenience.
Both models benefit from structured support, ongoing coaching, and opportunities to expand into value-added services such as detailing. With strong brand backing and alignment with eco-friendly trends, car wash franchises continue to be an attractive and resilient option for investors seeking a service-based business with long-term growth potential.
Explore Your Options
Ready to take the next step? Browse our curated list of the best car wash franchise opportunities in Australia and discover the ideal business model to start your entrepreneurial journey.
