To buy a coffee truck in Sydney, decide first where you’ll trade (City of Sydney sites, private forecourts, business parks, markets) and choose a vehicle and fit-out that meets those rules and NSW Food Authority mobile food guidelines. Target sub‑4.5‑tonne GVM so you can drive on a car licence; confirm engineered ventilation, non‑absorbent finishes, a dedicated handwash basin with warm water, and potable/waste tanks with wastewater at least equal to freshwater capacity. Power is the bottleneck: a two‑group espresso machine usually needs 15–32A; specify a quiet 6–8 kVA inverter generator, lithium battery/inverter hybrid for silent service, or 32A shore power inlet. If using LPG, insist on an AS/NZS 5601 gas compliance certificate. Budget AU$80k–$180k for a turnkey truck in Sydney; inspect used stock for chassis rust, electrical load sheets, waterproofing, and service records on machine, pump, and generator. Before trading, notify your local council as a food business, obtain an NSW Food Safety Supervisor certificate, secure public and product liability (often $20m for council sites), and get location‑specific vending permits. For sourcing, compare Western Sydney builders for lead times and warranty, and scan Marketplace/Grays auctions. Validate ROI with site tests: target 150–300 cups/day, 65–70% gross margin, and <6‑minute queue times.
