Moving to a new country can be exciting, but the challenge of making new friends in an unfamiliar place can feel overwhelming. Trust me, I know, I have felt that many times when I moved to Australia in 2010 on a WHV and when I came back in 2012.
Australia is known for its laid-back lifestyle and people offering plenty of opportunities for newcomers to connect.
Whether you’re moving to a bustling city like Sydney, a laid-back coastal town, or anywhere in between, forming friendships is key to settling in and truly enjoying your time Down Under.
In this post, I’ll guide you through some of the best ways to make friends in Australia, drawing on my own experience,check out Average Joe Down Under for more posts like this and find some things to do with friends in each city.
How to Make Friends in Australia
Get Involved in Social Activities
- Join local clubs or groups (sports teams or hobby-based groups).
- Maybe partake in some Aussie activities like surfing, beach volleyball, or hiking.
- Try apps or websites (e.g., Meetup) that help people find social events.
Join local clubs and groups, Australians love their sports, hobbies, and outdoor activities, making local clubs and groups a fantastic way to meet people. Whether it’s joining a sports team, getting involved in beach activities like surfing or volleyball, or participating in some recreational hiking, there’s something for everyone. I did find this part difficult as I don’t do many sports but I found that I liked going on walks and in Sydney Lost and Found did some walks/runs in the evening which were nice.
In fact, in my blog on How to Make Friends in Sydney, I explore various clubs and social groups that are popular in the city, which can easily apply to other Australian cities as well.
Other examples of groups are:
- Working Holiday Girls- various locations across Australia
- Bondi beach Babes- Sydney
- How’s the Head- Sydney
- Lost and Found Social Group
- Sydney Social Group
- Run Clubs- Various locations across Australia
- Cold Nips- locations across Australia
- Croissant Run Club- 30 locations worldwide including multiple in Australia
See my city specific guides on Average Joe Down Under.
Embrace Aussie Workplace Culture
Building connections at work this is where many friendships start especially if you are coming on a work visa or are on a permanent visa. It does depend on what industry you are from, as I find in the likes of Sydney corporate people have this easier, whereas a Teacher like me has found this difficult as everyone wants to get home as soon as possible or there are big gaps in the age of staff.
In Australia people are not just about the job, they like to be social and collaborative, this also depends on what industry you are in. Some workplaces in some of the more modern offices are more like social spaces where people often form close-knit friendships and work as a team (for example recruitment).
Whether you’re attending after-work drinks, participating in team-building activities, or simply chatting in the breakroom, these casual moments are great opportunities to connect with your colleagues.
Attend Community Events and Festivals
Lots of people meet at festivals, community events and public gatherings here in Australia. If you belong to certain communities and move to Australia, these community events are a great way to meet new people. Here in Sydney, there are festivals such as the Ramadan night markets, Diwali festival and many more.
Australia is home to countless community events, from local farmers’ markets to big city festivals. These events are a perfect way to meet locals and get a taste of the Aussie lifestyle.
Major cities like Sydney and Melbourne host world-renowned festivals, such as Vivid Sydney and Melbourne’s Moomba Festival, where you can strike up conversations with fellow attendees.
How to Make Friends in Australia Online
Yes, there is a lot of stigmatism about making friends online and yeah, you are probably right that you will meet a few weirdos along the way. However, at one of the loneliest times in my Australia journey, I tried this and found it a success. Yeah, it took a few months to find your tribe but really some of these ones are my closest friends still to this day.
The key is to be picky and try to get people that align with your core values and not just pick people for the sake of it. There are a number of Facebook groups or other online platforms for meeting people (especially expat communities). The app I used was Bumble BFF, which is quite popular here for meeting new friends.
Here’s a list of apps to make friends online that are particularly useful for newcomers and expats in Australia:
- Bumble BFF
Bumble is really known for dating but Bumble BFF on the same app offers a feature dedicated to forming friendships. It’s perfect for those looking to connect with locals or other expats in Australia. - Meetup
Meetup is an excellent app to make friends online, especially by joining group activities and events based on your interests. From sports and hobbies to professional networking, you can easily find local meetups happening in cities across Australia. - Facebook Groups
Facebook Groups are a great way to connect with people based on your interests or location. There are many Australia-specific groups for expats, outdoor activities, or local events where you can start conversations and meet new people. - We3
We3 is designed specifically for forming friendships, matching people in groups of three based on common interests. It’s an innovative way to meet new friends online and build connections. - Peanut
While Peanut initially focused on connecting mothers, it now allows women in various stages of life to meet and build friendships. It’s a fantastic app to make friends online, especially for women looking to expand their social circle in Australia. - Patook
Patook is another app to make friends online, focusing strictly on platonic friendships. It matches users based on common interests and values, helping you find meaningful connections.
These apps to make friends online provide ways to expand your social circle in Australia, whether you’re an expat or just looking to meet new friends.
Expat Platforms
Social media and online communities are fantastic resources for meeting new people. Facebook groups are a great way to connect with both locals and fellow expats. There are also Australia-specific expat platforms where you can meet people going through similar experiences. In my blog, I also cover facebook groups which are becoming increasingly popular for making new friends, especially if you’re new to the country.
Please see my city specific guides on Average Joe Down Under.
Take Classes or Learn New Skills
Take a class or learn a new skill that you are wanting to improve like cooking, a language, or join a fitness club to meet like-minded people. In Australia people really put a lot of value on adult learning centres and community hubs and Australians value personal development and socialising through shared learning experiences.
Volunteer or Get Involved in Causes that Align with your Values
Volunteering for local charities or causes is a great way to meet people while contributing and doing something quite rewarding. Some volunteering opportunities you could get involved in: environmental cleanups, visit animal shelters, or food banks, you’ll meet people with shared values and interests. Plus, volunteering gives you a deeper connection to the community, which can make you feel more at home.
Mindset and Affirmations to Make Friends
Making friends often begins with having the right mindset! I found that when I was super lonely, I’d always meet the wrong kind of people. Positive affirmations can help you feel more confident, open, and ready to connect with others.
By shifting your thoughts towards a more positive outlook, you can attract meaningful friendships and build connections that last.
Here are some affirmations to help you on your journey to making friends in Australia:
- “I am open to new friendships and invite meaningful connections into my life.”
This affirmation helps you remain open and receptive to new people and experiences. Prepare yourself mentally and emotionally to meet others and form genuine bonds. - “I attract kind, supportive, and fun friends who enrich my life.”
Use this affirmation to focus on attracting people who align with your values and bring positivity into your world. - “I am confident, approachable, and others enjoy my company.”
This affirmation boosts your self-esteem and projects an image of openness. Believing that people enjoy being around you helps break down any internal barriers and creates a welcoming energy for new friendships. - “I am a great friend, and I nurture the connections that matter to me.”
Affirming that you are a thoughtful and nurturing friend can strengthen the bonds you already have and make you more intentional in developing new relationships. - “I easily connect with others and find common ground with new friends.”
Making friends in person or online can sometimes feel daunting, but this affirmation helps you focus on how easy it can be to find common interests and shared experiences with others.
Using affirmations regularly will help you stay positive, open, and proactive as you seek out friendships. When your mindset is aligned with your goals and is positive, you’ll find it easier to connect with others and develop meaningful relationships.
Making Friends in Australia
Are you ready to make the most of your Aussie adventure and start forming meaningful friendships?
Making friends in Australia might take some effort but by joining clubs, getting involved in the workplace, attending community events, and leveraging online platforms, you’ll find plenty of ways to meet new people and build meaningful connections.
Remember, it’s all about being open and proactive. However, remember it takes time and at different stages of your life it does get harder, but keep trying to make connections and find your tribe to help you thrive in Australia.
If you’re looking for more tips on living and thriving in Australia, be sure to check out my blog, Average Joe Down Under. There, you’ll find helpful guides on everything from expat life to travel tips across Australia. I’ve also written detailed blogs on the best spots to meet people in major cities and states, like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and more.
