A plain guide to Melbourne groups that welcome new people: walking clubs, board game nights, parkrun, language cafes and volunteering. Every group below was checked on its own official page on 14 November 2026.
Last checked 14 November 2026. Bunchups is not affiliated with the groups listed. Times and details change, so check each group before you go.
Melbourne has a lot of groups, and most are easy to join if you know where to look. Some run weekly and let you turn up and see. Others ask for a small fee or a membership after a few visits. This page lists groups we checked ourselves, with the schedule and cost only where the group's own page states it.
Details change, so check the linked page before you go. We are not affiliated with any group listed here. If you would like a small, one-off plan instead of a regular group, Bunchups is one more way to find one: it is free, plans are small and in person, members are photo and selfie checked, and plans happen in public places. Bunchups is available in Geelong and is now opening in Melbourne.
These groups run many different events, so they suit people who want a mix of nights out, walks and catch-ups. Most events are paid for by the person attending.
A social club that runs a wide mix of events, from drinks and trivia to day trips and dining. Each event is hosted by a long-term member, and members get a weekly events email.
A Meetup group for newcomers, students and locals. It runs hosted rounds where you chat to a few people at a time, plus happy hours and some walks and outings.
A Meetup group for people in their 20s to 40s who want to meet others over coffee, brunch, social walks and weekend events. It says you do not need to know anyone first.
A volunteer-run social group for 18 to 25 year olds. Expect board game nights, trivia, casual bouldering and catch-ups.
Melbourne's walking clubs have run for decades and are used to new faces. Many let you try a walk before you join.
A long-running club with day walks, weekend trips, camps and social walks, graded so you can pick an easier option. Visitors can join bus walks as temporary members.
A friendly club for mature-aged walkers. It runs longer Sunday day walks and shorter Wednesday walks that can be reached by public transport. Bushwalking Victoria lists it as welcoming visitors.
A club for walkers in Melbourne's eastern suburbs and nearby areas. Visitors are welcome on all walks and at monthly club meetings.
A walking club for adults that describes itself as the oldest in Australia. It runs scenic strolls and bushwalks, and visitors are welcome to try a walk.
A volunteer-run, non-profit group for people aged 18 to 35 who like the outdoors. It runs day walks, overnight hikes, weekend trips and social events. Walk locations are visible to members only.
A club for women walkers of all ages. It does day walks, backpacking and base camping, with regular social gatherings and a training program in bushwalking skills.
bushwalkingvictoria.org.auA table and a game give you something to do together, which makes talking easier. These groups suit people who would rather play than make small talk.
A Meetup group that uses Dungeons and Dragons to help people meet. New people start with beginner trial sessions, and those who like it can join a private group.
A chess club that says it serves players at all levels and ages. Its calendar lists a recurring Wednesday social night alongside tournaments.
An eastern suburbs club with sessions by age group. The Monday beginners session is for primary school children. Adults and strong juniors play in the Senior Club.
A volunteer-run, not-for-profit photography club for all experience levels. Visitors are welcome at Thursday night meetings, and it runs an introductory photography course.
You can walk, jog or run. Nobody is checking your pace.
A free, weekly 5 km event. You register once, then you can walk, jog, run or volunteer at any event. Use the events page to find the one nearest you.
Local libraries run free conversation sessions for people practising English. They are also a gentle way to meet neighbours.
A free, volunteer-run program for adult learners to practise English. Sessions are at several City of Melbourne libraries and online.
A weekly, informal get-together to practise English, guided by a library staff member.
Friendly conversation sessions for people whose second language is English, at Point Cook Library in Melbourne's west.
Working bees are a low-pressure way to meet people. You are busy with a task, and there is usually a cuppa afterwards.
A directory of Landcare and environmental volunteering groups across Victoria. You can filter by suburb or postcode and by focus, such as waterways, weeds or coastal work. Melbourne groups listed include Friends of Darebin Creek and Warranwood Landcare Group.
landcarevic.org.auA volunteer group doing planting, weeding and restoration in remnant bushland in Heathmont, listed on the City of Maroondah's volunteering page.
A volunteer group restoring bush along Mullum Mullum Creek in Ringwood, also listed on the City of Maroondah's volunteering page.
A rough guide to the groups above that name a place:
We did not find a verified, current group for the south-east, so it is not listed here. Many of the walking clubs and networks cover the whole city.
Melbourne is big, so a good group is one you can actually get to every week.
Not every plan fits a regular group. If you would like a coffee or a walk with a few people, Bunchups is a free way to find or post a small in-person plan in a public place, with photo and selfie checked members. It is available in Geelong and now opening in Melbourne. Groups on this page are independent of Bunchups.
Some are. parkrun and library conversation sessions are free, according to their own pages. Others charge for events, venues or membership, so check the cost on each group's page before you go.
Yes. Most groups here are used to people arriving alone, and several say you do not need to know anyone first. Arriving a little early makes it easier to join in.
Groups built around an activity are often easier than open socials, because there is something to do together. Board games, walks and working bees all give you a reason to talk. Library sessions and parkrun are also low-pressure.
Choose public places and daytime or early evening sessions. Tell someone where you are going. Use your own transport and leave when you want to. Established clubs and library programs are run by organisers, which can also help.
Start with your local council and library events pages, then use the Landcare directory for volunteering. The Meetup groups and clubs above are good starting points, and the by-area note shows which suburbs each group names.
Not always. Several walking clubs welcome visitors on a trial walk, sometimes for a small visitor fee. Others, such as Melbourne Young Hikers, ask for paid membership to join walks, so check first.
It may be between events, or it may have slowed down. We left the schedule blank where it was not confirmed. If you cannot see a date, contact the group or try another.
No. Bunchups is a separate free app where people post small in-person plans and others ask to join. It is available in Geelong and now opening in Melbourne, and it is not affiliated with the groups listed here.
Bunchups is a free app for small, in-person plans. Post a coffee or a walk, or ask to join one nearby. Everyone is photo and selfie checked, and plans are in public places.