Top 5 Apps to Make Friends in Australia

Moved to a new city? Going through a life transition? Or simply outgrown your social circle? You are not alone, and you are not without options.

There are now plenty of apps that help you meet people based on shared interests and find people who fit where you are in life right now. Whether you are a young professional or a retiree, shy and anxious or bold and outgoing, there is someone who shares your pace and passion, and now you can easily find them. Here are five of the best apps to make friends in Australia for you.

1. Bunchups

Bunchups is a purpose-built platform designed for people who want to make friends in Australia through shared activities. You can connect with others in your area who enjoy the same things. And meet in real life for anything from a coffee to camping, without the overwhelm of big groups or the awkwardness of cold intros.

Instead of scrolling through endless profiles or signing up for events that feel too crowded or impersonal, Bunchups makes it easy to join small, real-world plans that match your rhythm and your location.

Why People Use Bunchups

1. Small-Group Focus: Meet people one-on-one or in small groups of two to five

2. Interest-Based Matching: Choose from over 20 activity categories based on your hobbies and passions, or create your own

3. Built-In Safety: Every profile is verified through phone and selfie, so you know who you are meeting before showing up

4. Free to Use: No subscription fees. No hidden costs

Best for:

• Everyone from young professionals to retirees seeking to make new friends

• People rebuilding their social lives or wanting to expand their social circle

• People looking for interest-based and deeper connections rather than large, impersonal events

• Introverts, socially anxious individuals, or neurodivergent people who prefer to meet in person in small, low-pressure gatherings

2. Meetup

Another app that people often use to make friends as adults is Meetup. It is more of an events platform than a friend-making app, but depending on how you use it, it can offer both. It is also one of the most widely used event apps in Australia and around the world. From professional networking nights and wellness seminars to creative workshops and outdoor adventures, you will find all kinds of events listed here, especially in bigger cities. The app's open structure makes it easy to browse what is happening nearby, join with minimal commitment, and explore different interest-based communities in person.

Why People Use Meetup

• A wide variety of in-person events and group activities across interests, cities, and age groups

• Most events are hosted by organisations and community groups, so you can just attend without having to do the planning

• You can try new things or explore hobbies in large-scale and themed gatherings without long-term commitment

• Free or low-cost events that are great for expanding your professional network and building a personal community

Best For:  

• People in major cities who are looking for large, structured, interest-based events and activities in facilitator-led settings

• Professionals and hobbyists building communities around shared skills or topics

• People who enjoy meeting others through recurring events or club-style settings

3. Bumble BFF

Bumble BFF is emerging as one of the best apps to make friends in Australia. It is actually a friend-finding feature within the globally popular dating app, Bumble. Instead of swiping for romantic matches, you swipe to find potential friend matches based on location and shared preferences.

It is also one of the few apps that actively markets friendship to women, which has shaped its user base and the tone of interaction. That means you are more likely to find platonic matches from people who are there to form intentional friendships, not just kill time.

Why People Use Bumble BFF

• Built for a mobile-first experience

• Swipe-based matching that feels familiar to the dating app users

• Profiles are photo-led and interest-tagged for easier browsing

Best for:

• People in their 20s and 30s wanting platonic friendships

• People living in or moving to larger Australian cities

• Users who prefer chatting before making real-life plans

4. Facebook groups

Facebook Groups isn’t exactly an app to make friends; it is an informal space to build a community. People across Australia use Facebook groups to feel connected, find local updates, or share interests online. Whether it is a neighbourhood swap group, a parenting circle, or a niche hobby group, these spaces often give you a way to become a part of a community. And Facebook lets you quietly observe before deciding to participate, which can be especially helpful when you are just settling into a new place.

Why People Use Facebook Groups

1. A simple way to connect with local or interest-based communities without needing to meet in person

2. Groups are easy to join and range from hyper-local chats to large national networks

3. You can browse, post, comment, or just observe; there's no pressure to participate

4. Stay updated, find resources, or share events without needing another app

Best For:

1. Middle-aged and older adults who are already active on Facebook and want to feel more connected to their area

2. Parents, students, or carers looking for shared knowledge or informal support

3. People who are introverted, busy, or not ready to meet in person

4. Newcomers trying to get a feel for a neighbourhood or community before showing up

5. Eventbrite

Eventbrite is one of the easiest ways to find events in Australia. From comedy nights and creative workshops to networking mixers and food festivals, browse, choose, and book a ticket for anything you like.  While its main purpose isn’t to make friends, it is a great way to meet new people while doing things you like.

What makes Eventbrite stand out is that you do not have to join a group or start a conversation, you simply book a ticket and show up to an event. That makes it especially appealing for people who want to ease into social settings with a clear structure and less expectations.

Why People Use Eventbrite

1. Explore one-time public events across interests, price points, and neighbourhoods

2. A convenient way to book tickets and attend events of all sizes and types

3. Socialise in structured settings without needing to host, chat, or follow up later

Best For

1. Adults of all age groups looking for one-time social events

2. People new to a city who want to explore what is happening around them

3. Those easing into in-person plans at their own pace

4. Users who prefer planned experiences over casual invites or messaging-based apps

Why Should You Choose Bunchups?

There are many ways and apps to make friends in Australia. While all of them help people connect based on shared interests, Bunchups is a little more purposeful. The purpose isn’t just to meet new people or collect business cards. It is to form deep and meaningful friendships that make people feel less lonely.  

Unlike most friend-making apps, Bunchups doesn’t just cater to a younger demographic. Yes, it can help an introverted young professional find his board game buddies in a new city. But it is equally effective in helping an empty nester rediscover her love for sports or a recent widower rebuild his social circle. And it is just as valuable for anyone else who doesn’t see themselves reflected in the typical app audiences.

Where most event-based apps lean towards extroverts, Bunchups makes it easier for people who find crowds exhausting to build interest-based friendships that feel natural.

Instead of focusing on well-curated profiles, likes and follows, Bunchups takes the pressure and the masks off by connecting people locally through shared interests and hobbies.

Final Thoughts

Adult friendships don’t happen by accident; they take conscious effort and energy. And choosing the right app to make friends in Australia is an important part of that story.

Every friend-making app on our list offers something different. Some help you attend events. Some focus on group chats and curated profiles. Some are better for online-only friendships. And others like Bunchups help you make real-life friends through shared activities. There is no right or wrong here. It is about finding what fits your pace, your preferences, and your stage of life.

Whatever you choose, the right connections often start small, with a shared interest, a bit of curiosity, and a willingness to show up.