A plain list of social groups, clubs and regular get-togethers for people over 50 in Melbourne and Geelong. Every listing below was checked against an 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.
Plenty of people look for new company after 50. Kids move out, work changes, friends move away, or you simply want a few more reasons to leave the house. The good news is that Melbourne and Geelong have a lot on offer, from long-running clubs to casual coffee groups.
This page lists groups we could confirm from their own website or a council, library or Meetup.com page. Bunchups is not affiliated with any of them, and details change, so check before you turn up. Bunchups is also one more way to find a small in-person plan: it is free, and people of all ages can post plans.
These organisations run many local groups, so there is often one near you. Each branch or club sets its own details.
A volunteer-run learning co-operative where members share courses, creative pursuits and leisure activities. It is part of the U3A Network Victoria, and a membership lets you enrol in as many courses as you like.
A self-help learning community founded in 1984 for people over 50 who are retired or semi-retired. It runs classes in languages, music, art and exercise, plus casual outings such as movies and excursions.
A mixed club for retired and semi-retired men and women. Meetings include guest speakers, and the club organises regular outings.
The council lists 13 senior citizens clubs across the municipality. Activities across the clubs include cards, bingo, indoor bowls, crafts, line dancing, tai chi, luncheons and outings. Adults aged 50 and over may be eligible, along with people with disabilities and their carers.
The peak body for community-run neighbourhood houses, with close to 400 member organisations across Victoria. Houses offer social, learning and recreational activities, and the site says everyone is welcome regardless of age. Use its finder to see which house is closest to you.
nhvic.org.auCoffee catch-ups, lunches, dinners and local clubs for meeting people in a relaxed way.
A women-only group for over-50s who enjoy coffee catch-ups, lunches, walks, day outings and cultural events. Members are asked to use a clear profile photo.
A group for over-45s in Melbourne's eastern suburbs. It organises dinners, movies, coffee and outdoor activities. It is open to people a little younger than 50, so it suits those just under the line as well as over-50s.
A social group for women over 50 in Melbourne. It runs an online community and in-person events such as walk and talks, coffee catch-ups, lunches, hikes and movies. You can go to as many events as you like.
Merri-bek Council lists more than 70 independent social clubs for people over 55, grouped by cultural background, including English, Greek, Italian, Arabic, Filipino and Nepalese clubs. You do not need an assessment to join.
Boroondara Council lists this as a place to make new friends, keep active and stay socially connected. It also offers weekly bus outings and a fortnightly ladies' discussion group.
Walking groups and dances are an easy way to meet people without needing to make conversation across a table.
Free local walking groups run by volunteer organisers. You can search by suburb or postcode and filter by day, time, pace and group type, including a Seniors option and wheel-friendly groups. Contact the organiser first if you want to check the pace.
A shared activity gives everyone something to do with their hands and something to talk about.
A relaxed monthly session of classic board and card games such as Scrabble and chess, with tea and coffee provided. The council lists it under seniors and it is supported by its Positive Ageing Grant.
A monthly evening of board games described as suitable for all ages and abilities, so it suits people who like a mixed crowd.
A knitting and crochet social group run through Geelong Regional Libraries. A library event listing says people of all skill levels are welcome and can bring their own project or use the library's supplies.
Men's sheds are community workshops where the focus is on making and mending things, and on company. Women's groups are listed in the friendship section above.
A community men's shed on the Diversitat grounds in Norlane, with open days through the week.
A shed on the Bellarine Peninsula with members from Ocean Grove, Leopold and the wider Geelong area. Visitors are invited to drop in and think about joining.
A men's shed in Moolap, listed on the Australian Men's Shed Association site.
The national association supports more than 1,300 men's and community sheds. Its Find a Shed tool lets you search by postcode, which is the quickest way to find one near you in Melbourne.
mensshed.orgA council-run men's group at the Newlands Senior Centre in Coburg. It is for residents aged 65 and over and joining goes through a My Aged Care referral.
A few questions can narrow the choices quickly.
If you prefer something more casual, Bunchups is a free app where people post small in-person plans, like a coffee or a walk, and others ask to join. Members are photo and selfie checked and plans are set in public places. People of all ages can post plans, and it is not affiliated with any group on this page.
Start with your local council's seniors page, your nearest library and the Neighbourhood Houses Victoria finder. Then check a U3A or Probus club in your area, or search Meetup.com and Bunchups for informal groups. Ask at a local community centre, as many groups only advertise there.
Not always. U3A and Probus are aimed at people who are retired or semi-retired, but council clubs, walking groups and many friendship groups are open whether you work or not. Check each group's description.
It varies. Heart Foundation walking groups and several council and library groups listed here are free. Clubs usually have an annual fee, and Meetup.com groups may charge a yearly contribution, so check the group page for the current amount.
Yes. Most people at these groups came on their own the first time. Many groups also take the time to welcome newcomers, and phoning ahead can make it easier.
Yes. Men's sheds are the best known, and there are several in Geelong, plus a finder for Melbourne. Some councils also run men's groups, though their eligibility rules vary, so check before you go.
Look for venues that list wheelchair access, and ask about pace and seating. Heart Foundation Walking lets you filter by pace and for wheel-friendly groups. Phone the organiser before your first visit.
No. Games, craft and walking groups usually welcome beginners, and some provide supplies. Your first visit is about turning up and saying hello, not about being good at anything.
No. Bunchups is a free app where people of all ages post small in-person plans, such as a coffee or a walk, and others ask to join. It is one more way to meet people, 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.