Moving to a new city is an exciting change, but it can also come with its fair share of challenges – especially when it comes to building a new social circle from scratch.
As an expat who moved to Australia solo, I’ve experienced firsthand the highs and lows of trying to meet new people and form meaningful connections. So, I thought I’d gather all my tried-and-tested advice into this blog post on how to make friends in Perth.
The good news is that Perth is booming at the moment, especially thanks to the well-paid FIFO jobs on offer, meaning there are a tonne of people living there who weren’t born there, so there are lots of other people looking to make friends!
Here’s a rundown of some of the most effective ways I know for how to meet new friends in Perth, based on my own experiences and those of others I know. Hopefully, these tips will help you find your new friends quickly, so you can start enjoying everything this fabulous city has to offer!
How to Meet New Friends in Perth
Meeting friends in Perth is a lot easier than you might think, with the city making you feel like you belong right from the get-go. Here’s what you can do:
Attend Meetup Events
Meetup.com is your go-to for finding groups that match your interests. Whether you’re into hiking, photography, craft beer tasting, or even learning a new language, you’ll find a Meetup group in Perth for just about anything. These events are an awesome way to dive headfirst into your passions while connecting with others who share your interests.
And if you’re feeling tech-savvy, Bumble BFF is one of the best apps to make friends online. I’ve heard great things from others who’ve used it to expand their social circles in Australia.
Utilise Social Media and Expat Forums
Facebook groups and online expat forums are another treasure trove for meeting new people in Perth – I’d say it probably has more “find a friend”-type groups than any other city in Australia!
Here are some of my favourite Perth-specific groups to get you started:
Don’t be shy! Jump into the conversations, ask questions, and RSVP to events. Plus, many of these groups encourage you to post a quick intro when you join, so you can immediately connect with like-minded people. Trust me, it’s worth it.
The problem I’ve found is that, for whatever reason, most of these groups are female-only, making it slightly harder for lads to find friends quickly. Luckily, if you’re under 35, the Perth Working Holiday Society is gender inclusive, as are most Meetup.com groups and Bumble BFF.
Aside from these, if you’re a man wondering how to make friends in Perth, I’ve found that the best way is through sports clubs, work, or through your partner if you have one!
Embrace the Local Culture
One of the best ways to connect with people here is by getting involved in Perth’s local culture. West Aussies are known for being relaxed, approachable, and always up for a good time. There are so many people here on a working holiday from all over the world, so you’ll often find other travellers at events like this too. It’s a fantastic way to get a feel for the Aussie lifestyle while meeting new people.
Explore, Explore, Explore!
Perth is packed with cool neighbourhoods, each with its own vibe. From the trendy streets of Leederville to the beachy feels of Scarborough, there’s no shortage of spots to explore. Make a habit of wandering through different areas, popping into cafes, and striking up conversations with the regulars.
Perth’s café culture is alive and well, so grabbing a flat white and chatting with someone new isn’t as hard as it sounds.
While this might not be your go-to for making friends, it’s a great way to get familiar with the city and maybe even stumble upon a hidden gem. Plus, getting out and about beats sitting at home and wondering where everyone is!
Sign Up for Classes or Workshops
Learning something new and making friends at the same time sounds like a match made in heaven. Perth is buzzing with classes and workshops that are not only fun but also a great way to connect with others. Whether you’re taking a surf lesson (you’re in WA, after all!), joining a breathwork class, or getting your creative juices flowing at a painting workshop, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to meet people with similar interests.
And you don’t have to be a pro. Perth’s laid-back attitude means there’s zero pressure to be good at something from the start. Everyone’s just there to have fun and connect. Who knows? You might just meet your new best mate while smashing it at a spin cycle class or catching your first wave!
Volunteer and Give Back
One of the best ways to meet like-minded people is through volunteering. Whether you’re passionate about the environment, helping out in animal shelters, or getting involved in community projects, there are loads of options to give back in Perth. Plus, when you’re bonding with others over a shared cause, friendships form naturally and have time to develop.
By volunteering you’ll be doing something meaningful. Plus, it’s also a feel-good, do-good way to make friends while making a difference. Win-win, right?
Stay Open-Minded and Proactive
Making friends in a new city like Perth isn’t always instant, but staying open-minded and proactive makes a world of difference. Try to go in with a “say yes” approach, accepting invitations even if you don’t necessarily “feel” it. Maybe even try saying a few affirmations to make friends to boost your confidence before you head to events if you’re nervous!
Try to push yourself outside of your comfort zone to start a conversation with someone at a barbie, show up to a Meetup event solo, or even delve into the dating scene. You’ll find that the more you put yourself out there, the easier it gets.
It can feel intimidating at first, but remember: everyone’s in the same boat. Stay patient, stay positive, and keep showing up – good things will happen!
Where to Meet New Friends in Perth
Let’s dive into some practical ideas on where you can meet new friends in Perth:
Join Social Sports Clubs
If there’s one thing Perthians love, it’s sports. From footy to netball, you’ll find heaps of local clubs where you can jump in, have a laugh, and meet a solid group of people. And it doesn’t need to be competitive – social sports are a fun, low-pressure way to get active and make friends without feeling like you have to force anything.
Just Play is an awesome option to join all sorts of fun sports leagues, and if you’re into running, check out clubs like Rise+Run or Early Ones to meet like-minded people who love to get their sweat on in Perth’s stunning parks and along its coastlines.
Cultural Festivals and Events
Perth is packed with festivals celebrating its love for the arts and having a good time. From the Fringe World Festival to the Perth International Arts Festival, these events are prime opportunities to mingle with locals and fellow newbies alike. Not only will you get to enjoy live performances, food stalls, and art exhibits, but you’ll also have plenty of chances to strike up a conversation with people enjoying the festival alongside you.
The Scarborough summer markets on a Thursday evening are also one of the most fun recommendations I have when it comes to how to make friends in Perth.
Even if you’re not feeling super chatty, attending these events gets you out into the city’s social scene. Plus, if nothing else, you’ll have a blast soaking in Perth’s creative energy!
Language Exchange Groups
Want to brush up on your language skills or learn something completely new? Language exchange groups in Perth are a super fun way to meet people while expanding your horizons. By swapping your English for someone’s French, Spanish, or even Japanese, you’ll get to meet with people from all walks of life.
Language exchange meetups are all about socialising, so it’s a great way to connect with others who are keen to learn and chat over a coffee or pint.
Get Involved at Work
Don’t underestimate the power of making friends through work. It’s one of the oldest tricks in the book!
Regardless of whether you’re in a full-time job or working casual hours, it’s worth taking the opportunity to get to know your colleagues outside the office. Suggest a coffee catch-up or grab a drink after work. Sometimes, your workmates can end up being your closest friends in a new city.
Plus, there’s nothing like bonding over those shared Aussie workplace struggles, right?
It’s Time to Get Out There!
Making new friends when moving to Perth – or any new city – can feel a little challenging at first, but trust me, it’s more than possible.
All you need is the right mindset and a bit of effort, and you’ll be surrounded by a group of mates who make your new life here all the better in no time!
Moving away from Perth to Sydney check out my recommended blog: How to make friends in Sydney
