Make Friends Online (Not Dating): Real Ways to Meet People in Australia

If you’ve ever tried to meet people online in Australia, you’ll know one thing immediately:
Almost every “social” platform feels like a dating app in disguise.

And if all you want is genuine friendship-no romance, no pressure-it can feel nearly impossible to know where to look.

But the good news is that more Australians than ever are actively searching for non-dating ways to meet people online. A 2023 McCrindle report found that 37% of Australians say they struggle to make new friends, and digital platforms have become one of the most common ways people try to bridge that gap (Source: McCrindle, The Future of Social Connection Report).

This blog is designed to give you actionable, safe, practical ways to form friendships online in Australia without it turning into a dating interaction.

Why People Want to Make Friends Online (Not Dating)

1. Modern life leaves less time for in-person socialising

Between work, family, commuting, and daily routines, most adults don’t have the same free time or physical proximity to social opportunities.

2. People want low-pressure ways to connect

Talking online feels safer and easier than trying to build friendships in loud bars or big group events.

3. Online connections bypass city-to-city isolation

In Australia-where cities are spread out-making friends online allows people from any suburb or region to connect.

4. Not everyone wants romantic interaction

Many Australians want friendships that are:

• interest-based

• platonic

• genuine

• non-flirty

• safe

Online spaces can make this easier when structured intentionally.

Where to Make Friends Online in Australia (Without Dating Apps)

Below are the most reliable places in Australia to meet people online with zero dating pressure.

1. Online Hobby & Interest Communities

Connecting over shared interests removes awkwardness instantly.

Some of the best online spaces for this are:

• Facebook groups for hobbies (photography, hiking, fitness, cooking, art)

• Reddit communities (r/australia, r/melbourne, r/brisbane, r/sydney, hobby-specific subreddits)

• Discord servers (gaming, music, film, books)

• Local community forums and neighbourhood groups

These places work because the conversation is about the activity, not about you.

2. Local Australian Groups Based on Life Stages

Certain online groups are built around shared identity or life phase:

Examples include:

• new-to-city groups

• university communities

• parent support groups

• remote worker groups

• LGBTQIA+ friendship groups

• migrant and international student groups

• creative industry groups

• women’s community groups

These groups are safe, welcoming, and insight-driven, not romantic.

3. Online Skill-Based or Learning Communities

If you enjoy learning, these communities create instant friendships around growth and curiosity.

Examples in Australia:

• online fitness programs

• e-learning groups

• language exchange groups

• online book clubs

• art and craft meetups

These naturally attract people who prefer deeper conversations.

4. Activity-Based Apps Designed for Friendship - Not Dating

One of the easiest ways to avoid the dating vibe is to use platforms built specifically for non-romantic connection.

Australia now has several platforms that prioritise:

• small groups

• interest-based matching

• real-life meetups

• low-pressure environments

This is where Bunchups is uniquely positioned.
If you want to turn online interests into real-world friendships, you can download the Bunchups app - it’s designed for people who want genuine, small-group hangouts without the dating atmosphere.

How to Make Online Friendships Feel Natural (Not Forced)

Online friendships only work when they’re built at a natural pace. Here’s how to keep things comfortable and safe.

1. Start with Shared Topics - Not Personal Info

Instead of opening conversations with “tell me about yourself,” try:

• “What got you into this hobby?”

• “How long have you been in Australia?”

• “Do you have any local recommendations?”

These feel safer and less pressured.

2. Avoid Platforms That Blur Dating & Friendship

If the platform is known primarily for dating, it will inevitably attract dating behaviour-even in friendship mode.
Avoid apps that:

• encourage swiping

• rely heavily on profile photos

• use match-based algorithms

• push high-pressure chats

Choose platforms where the activity comes first.

3. Keep Early Interactions Low-Stakes

You don’t need long conversations or deep vulnerability at the start. Instead:

• comment on shared interests

• join small group chats

• respond to community posts

• participate in discussions

This builds comfort over time.

4. Move Offline Only When You Feel Comfortable

A study by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare found that 53% of Australians prefer meeting new people through shared activities, not through blind meetups (Source: AIHW, 2022 Social Participation Report).

When you do move offline, make sure it’s:

• in a public space

• tied to an activity

• within your comfort level

• with a small group if possible

This keeps the interaction safe and pressure-free.

Best Online Spaces in Australia to Find Genuine Friendships

Here’s a breakdown based on different types of personalities and interests:

For creatives

• art communities

• writing groups

• photography Discords

• digital illustration groups

• music production meetups

For outdoorsy people

• hiking Facebook groups

• fishing and camping forums

• active Aussie Reddit communities

• small-group outdoor meetups

For students

• uni discussion groups

• international student communities

• study support chats

• club and society forums

For remote workers

• co-working Slack communities

• WFH social groups

• productivity Discords

For parents

• school or suburb-based parent groups

• online parenting forums in Australia

• local mums’/dads’ groups

How to Avoid the “Dating App” Atmosphere Online

Here are simple cues that help people understand your intention clearly:

✔ Mention you’re looking for friends, not dating

Example: “Here for friendship and meeting locals with similar interests.”

✔ Join activity-first groups

It signals you’re not looking for romantic interaction.

✔ Attend small group events when possible

This removes ambiguity.

✔ Suggest interest-based hangouts

Like: “Anyone up for a photography walk?”
You can use Bunchups to join small hangs or suggest your own - it keeps things comfortable, local, and focused on real activities.

Safety Tips for Making Friends Online in Australia

Australia has strong online safety guidelines, and you should always follow them when meeting new people.

• Meet in public

• Share your plan with someone you trust

• Keep early conversations neutral

• Look for consistent behaviour

• Trust your instincts

• Choose small, simple meetups first (walks, coffee, etc.)

Refer to: eSafety Commissioner (Australian Government) for more on safe social interaction.

Final Thoughts: Online Friendship Isn’t “Less Real” - It Just Starts Differently

Online friendships begin with shared interest, curiosity, and small moments of connection.
Over time, they turn into real-world friendships built on shared experiences, not pressure.

Whether you’re new to a city, working from home, starting uni, or just craving new connection, online spaces are one of the easiest ways to find your people in Australia - especially when you choose platforms built for friendship, not dating.