Moving to a new country can be exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming at first.
Finding a community can help you:
meet new people
build friendships
learn about your local area
find events and activities
feel more settled
get practical tips from people with similar experiences
stay socially active while looking for work or adjusting to life in Australia
There are many ways to connect with others, including online groups, sports clubs, volunteering, community events, classes, and cultural or identity-based groups.
1. Join online communities
Online communities are one of the easiest ways to start connecting with people before or after you arrive in Australia.
Facebook groups can be especially helpful for new arrivals, travellers, migrants, and working holiday makers.
Examples of useful online communities may include:
Irish Around Brisbane
Irish Around Perth
Poms in Oz
Poms in Sydney
Poms in Perth
local suburb groups
backpacker and working holiday groups
expat groups
job seeker groups
rental and flatmate groups
2. Get involved in sport
Playing sport is a great way to make friends and become part of a local community.
Australia has a strong sporting culture, and many cities have casual, amateur, and social sports teams.
You may find groups for:
soccer
rugby
AFL
netball
basketball
cricket
running
cycling
You do not always need to be highly competitive to join a sports group. Many clubs have social teams, beginner-friendly sessions, or casual membership options.
If you do not want to play, you may still be able to become a social member, attend events, support a team, or volunteer with a club.
3. Volunteer in your local area
Volunteering is a popular way to meet people and become involved in the local community. It can also help you build confidence, gain local experience, practise English if needed, and understand Australian workplace and community culture.
Volunteering opportunities may include:
Volunteering option | Example |
Animal shelters | Walking dogs or helping with animal care |
Community events | Helping at local markets, fundraisers, or festivals |
Libraries | Supporting reading programs or children’s activities |
Sports clubs | Helping with events, coaching, or administration |
Charities | Sorting donations or helping with community support programs |
Environmental groups | Beach clean-ups, tree planting, or conservation activities |
4. Attend community events and meetings
Community events are a simple way to meet people and learn what is happening nearby.
You can look for events such as:
local markets
food festivals
cultural events
music events
community meetings
business networking events
library events
council-run activities
migrant support events
neighbourhood gatherings
Attending events regularly can help you become familiar with your area and build friendships over time.
5. Join a class or interest group
Joining a class or group is a practical way to meet people who share your interests.
You may want to look for:
book clubs
running groups
gym classes
cooking classes
language exchange groups
dance classes
art or photography groups
music groups
Classes and groups can be useful because they give you a reason to meet the same people regularly, which can make it easier to form friendships.
6. Connect with LGBTQIA+ communities
Australia has many LGBTQIA+ community groups, support networks, events, and organisations.
If you are looking for LGBTQIA+ communities, you may be able to find:
local LGBTQIA+ social groups
Pride events
community support organisations
queer sports clubs
university or youth groups
professional networking groups
online communities
health and wellbeing services
local events and festivals
Australia also has LGBTQIA+ community events and awareness dates throughout the year. These may include events connected to Pride celebrations, Mardi Gras, Wear It Purple Day, Transgender Day of Remembrance, World AIDS Day, and other community-recognition dates.
If you are moving to a major city such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, Hobart, or Darwin, search for local LGBTQIA+ organisations and community calendars in that city.
7. Look for cultural and nationality-based groups
Many migrants and travellers connect first with people from the same country or cultural background.
This can be helpful when you are new to Australia because these groups often share practical advice about:
accommodation
jobs
transport
banking
tax
phone plans
local events
visa experiences
settling into Australian life
Examples may include nationality-based Facebook groups, cultural associations, sports clubs, community organisations, or religious and social groups. These groups can be a helpful starting point, but it is also worth joining broader local communities so you can meet a wider range of people.
Tips for making friends in a new city
Start before you arrive
You can join online communities before travelling to Australia.
This can help you:
ask questions before arrival
learn about suburbs
understand rental options
find social events
connect with people who recently moved
feel less alone when you arrive
Say yes to small opportunities
Friendships often start from small interactions. Attend one event, join one group, try one class, or message one person who is organising a meetup.
You do not need to commit to everything. The goal is to slowly build your network.
Choose recurring activities
One-off events can be helpful, but recurring activities are usually better for making friends.
Examples include:
weekly sports training
regular gym classes
monthly book clubs
volunteering shifts
language exchange nights
running clubs
Seeing the same people regularly makes it easier to build relationships.
Be patient
It can take time to feel settled in a new country. It is normal if you do not find your community immediately.
Try different activities until you find people and places that feel right for you.
Safety tips when meeting new people
When meeting people from online groups or community platforms:
meet in public places first
tell someone where you are going
avoid sharing sensitive personal information too early
be cautious with offers that involve money, accommodation, or employment
trust your instincts if something feels uncomfortable
check that events, groups, or opportunities are legitimate
If you are unsure about an offer related to housing, employment, or migration services, take time to verify it before agreeing.