How to Make Friends in a New City: Australia Guide
Moving to a new city in Australia can feel exciting and overwhelming at the same time. Here’s a practical, research-backed guide on how to make friends in a new city - with simple steps that help you build real social connection.
Moving to a new city in Australia comes with a mix of excitement, hope, and-let’s be honest-an unexpected amount of loneliness. Whether you’ve relocated for work, study, family, or a fresh start, finding your people in a new place can feel harder than the move itself.
If you’ve been feeling isolated, overwhelmed, or unsure where to begin, you’re not alone. Research from Relationships Australia shows that one in four Australians report feeling lonely on a regular basis, and moving to a new place is one of the leading triggers for it (Source: Relationships Australia, 2022 Loneliness Report).
The good news? Making friends in a new city isn’t about being outgoing or knowing the right people - it’s about creating small, consistent opportunities for natural connection. This guide breaks down exactly how to do that.
Why Making Friends in a New City Feels Hard (But It’s Completely Normal)
1. You’ve Lost Your Built-In Social Circles
At your old home, friendships formed through familiarity - shared routines, workplaces, neighbours, gyms, cafés, weekend habits.
A new city resets all of that.
Researchers call this the “proximity principle”: the more often you see people, the easier it is to connect. In a new city, that proximity disappears - but it can be rebuilt.
You can also explore this idea in our guide on the psychology of adult friendship.
2. Your Daily Routine Gets Disrupted
Everything from your closest supermarket to your morning walk route changes. Without predictable routines, it’s harder to meet people consistently.
Reestablishing a “life rhythm” is one of the fastest ways to create new social opportunities.
3. Australians Are Friendly - But Reserved
Australia scores high on friendliness and low pressure socially, but many people are used to keeping to themselves in public settings.
This can make it feel like people are closed off, when they’re just waiting for a cue to engage.
4. You’re Balancing Practical Stress With Emotional Load
New job. New home. New commute.
It’s a lot.
Friendship becomes “important but not urgent,” which is why people delay it and feel lonely longer.
Where Friendships Naturally Begin in a New City
One of the most helpful ways to meet people is simply to place yourself in environments where connections form naturally, without forcing anything.
1. Local Community Spaces
Australia has strong local community ecosystems.
You’ll find most new-city friendships start in places like:
- libraries
- co-working spaces
- community centres
- weekend markets
- council-run programs
- dog parks
- neighbourhood cafés
These locations create casual, low-pressure environments where repeated interactions grow into familiarity.
2. Interest-Based Activities
Shared interests remove awkwardness instantly.
Great starting points:
- creative workshops
- language classes
- pottery or painting studios
- running or walking groups
- social sports teams
- book and board game meetups
- photography walks
If interest-based connection is your thing, you may also enjoy exploring Melbourne, Sydney, and local areas doing fun activities that actually help you connect.
3. Parks, Trails, and Outdoor Spaces
Australia’s outdoor culture makes it easy to meet people doing simple everyday activities - jogging, dog walking, hiking, or exploring local parks.
If you enjoy being active, this becomes one of the easiest ways to connect.
If you want to meet people with similar outdoor interests nearby, you can download the Bunchups app - it’s designed for one-on-one and small group activities that make introductions feel natural.
4. Work & Co-working Spaces
For people who relocated for work:
- after-work drinks
- team lunches
- volunteering days
- coffee runs
all offer small but meaningful chances to bond.
Remote workers can still join co-working communities even once a week to meet others in a similar stage of life.
Practical Steps to Make Friends in a New City (Australia Edition)
Here’s how to build your social circle without feeling overwhelmed:
1. Create One or Two “Anchor Habits”
An anchor habit is something you repeat weekly:
- a gym class
- a Saturday farmer’s market
- a favourite café
- a weekday walking route
- weekly yoga
These rituals create repeated exposure that builds the foundation of new friendships.
2. Say One Small Sentence to One New Person Each Week
It doesn’t need to be a deep conversation. Try:
- “How long have you lived here?”
- “Do you come here often?”
- “Any recommendations for good cafés nearby?”
Micro-interactions slowly build comfort and familiarity.
3. Join Interest-Based Groups (Online + Offline)
Australians commonly use:
- FB groups (local city groups, hobby groups)
- Reddit communities
- local WhatsApp groups
- community workshops
- casual sports teams
The goal isn’t to “network” - it’s to find people who enjoy what you enjoy.
4. Use Small-Group, Activity-Based Apps
Big events can feel overwhelming.
That’s why Australians increasingly prefer micro-socialising: small hangouts, simple activities, everyday meetups.
Apps like Bunchups use this exact approach - helping people meet new friends through:
- walks
- coffee catchups
- beach days
- book sessions
- creative activities
- hikes
- gym visits
Download the Bunchups app to join or plan one-on-one or small group catchups in your new city.
5. Attend the Same Place Twice Before Making a Decision
Whether it’s a group class, a running group, or a community meetup - the first time usually feels awkward.
The second time is where comfort starts.
The third time is where familiarity forms.
Consistency beats confidence.
6. Look for “Low-Commitment Social Moments”
Not every social moment needs effort. Look for:
- the neighbour who always waters her plants at the same time
- the barista who recognises your order
- the dog owners you see at the same park
- the regular commuters you spot on trains
Small talk with recurring faces often leads to real friendships.
7. Explore Your New Area Intentionally
Being intentional about learning your new city builds your social confidence.
Try:
- visiting 2 new places a week
- walking different streets
- joining local tours
- attending community events
- exploring suburbs nearby
The more comfortable you become exploring your neighbourhood, the easier it becomes to build local connections.
How Long Does It Usually Take to Make Friends in a New City?
A 2021 ABS social participation study found that Australians typically take between 3 to 6 months to feel socially settled after relocating (Source: ABS Social Statistics 2021).
The timeline is normal.
What matters is building small, repeatable habits that create exposure and comfort.
Final Thoughts: You’re Not Starting From Zero - You’re Starting Fresh
Making friends in a new city can feel uncomfortable at first, but every long-term friendship begins with a simple moment: a shared smile, a short chat, a small interaction.
You don’t need to “find your people” all at once - you find them by creating small, natural opportunities for connection.
The more you show up in your new city - even in tiny ways - the more your social circle begins to grow, often without you noticing.
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