How to Find Hobby Groups and Build Interest-Based Friendships in Australia
Making friends as an adult is not easy, but it does not have to be awkward either. Whether you are finding your way back to an old passion or discovering something new, hobby groups can help you connect, grow, and feel a little more like yourself again.
Friendships were easier when we were young. You sat next to someone in class, and you became best friends. That magic, sadly, ends with childhood. Making new friends as an adult is arguably more difficult than scaling Mount Everest, at least for some of us.
But there is a cheat code, and it is quite simple – sharing a hobby.
Whether you are new to the city, have grown out of your old friend circle, are widening your social horizons or just want to find people who share your passions, hobby groups and communities are your answer.
Why Join a Hobby Group?
Because it takes the pressure off of making new friends as an adult. Hobby groups don’t require you to be an exceptional conversationalist or put up a show. All you need to do is what you already want to do. Join hobby groups because they are:
- A Space to Grow: It is a safe space for you to enhance your skills or learn new ones, without the pressure of excellence.
- A Place of Belonging: Nothing connects two strangers more than their shared love of the same things.
- A Refuge from Burn-out: Doing things you genuinely enjoy with people who get you, helps you destress and feel better, mentally and physically.
Hobby groups help you connect on a deeper, more meaningful level in the most natural way.
How to Find Hobby Groups?
There is no single way to begin. And honestly, that is a good thing.
Whether you are looking for something local, low-key, or aligned with a specific interest, here is where to look (and what you might find):
- Start local
Libraries, community centres, and neighbourhood noticeboards often list book clubs, fitness groups, creative sessions, or weekend workshops. Some even run hobby nights or skill-sharing events.
- Ask around
Friends, neighbours, coworkers, most people know someone who knows someone. A casual mention in conversation might lead you to your new favourite group.
- Search online communities
Facebook, Reddit, and hobby-specific forums often have active Australian groups. Try searching keywords like “Gardening Perth” or “Knitting Melbourne”. You will find both digital spaces and real-world get-togethers.
- Check out universities or local clubs
Even if you are not a student, many universities offer community access to hobby groups like language circles, sports teams, or drama clubs.
- Bunchups (yes, that is us)
If large hobby groups aren’t your thing, Bunchups is where you begin. It is built to help people connect in-person, locally, over shared interests. You can meet people one-on-one or in small, manageable groups. You can either look for something that catches your eye or just plan on your own. You set the pace and choose what to try. It is free. It is local. And it is designed for people who want connections to feel easier.
Popular Hobbies to Explore (in Australia)
Still not sure what hobby groups to try? Here are a few activities that most people seem to enjoy:
- Creative: Painting, crafting, knitting, photography, writing
- Fitness: Walking groups, pilates, bushwalking, yoga
- Tech & Gaming: Coding, robotics, tabletop games, online gaming groups
- Food & Drink: Cooking classes, wine tastings, food tours
- Nature & Outdoors: Gardening, birdwatching, kayaking
How to Choose the Right Hobby for You
Some people know exactly what they love. For the rest of us, it takes a bit of trying and a bit of remembering.
- Think back, not forward: What did you enjoy when you were younger? Maybe you forgot how much joy drawing gave you. Or how peaceful those early morning runs used to feel.
- Notice what pulls you in: Pay attention to what makes you pause, in conversations, online, even in passing mentions. That curiosity is often a clue.
- Try without pressure: You do not have to commit. Start small. One workshop. One walk. One session. See how it feels.
- Let go of “being good at it”: You do not need to be skilled for something to be joyful. The fun, the learning, the connection, they come from showing up, not from getting it perfect.
- Look for overlap: If something makes you feel better and helps you meet people, that is already more than enough.
You do not have to pick the “right” hobby. You just have to begin and see what sticks.
How to Commit to a Hobby Group
Commitment sounds like a big word. But really, it just means coming back at your own pace, in your own way.
- Begin with one step: You do not have to sign up for ten sessions. Just try one. See how you feel. That is enough.
- Come as you are: There is no need to prove anything. You are not there to perform but to enjoy, connect, and maybe learn something new.
- Let it become a rhythm, not a rule: If it fits into your week, great. If not, try again next time. What matters is that it becomes something that you want, not something that you have to.
- Be open, not pressured: Whether you talk a lot or sit quietly, whether you share your story or not, the group works because you are part of it, not because you push yourself to be anything else.
Consistency looks different for everyone. All you need to remember is to enjoy it, be patient and let it stick naturally.
Final Tips for Building Interest-Based Friendships
Starting something new, especially when it involves people, can feel like a big leap. But it rarely begins with a leap.
Most of the time, it starts with one small step. One message. One shared interest. One low-key activity that feels just right.
And whether that first step leads to a casual chat or a friendship that sticks, it still counts. Because showing up for yourself, in any way, is always a win.
So, instead of aiming for perfection, just focus on finding a hobby group that you actually like, and the friendships will follow.
For your first step in this direction, explore Bunchups and other tools and see if something feels right.
