Taking up a new hobby is a great way to meet people. Image: Supercurious
04 September 2025
In brief:
- There are many ways to meet people in Canberra.
- This article outlines a range of options.
- These ideas may benefit newcomers to Canberra, including students, public services graduates, and those moving here for a job.
Meeting new people in Canberra is easier than you think.
The city’s wealth of events and interest groups will help you extend your social circle.
We’ve put together some ideas to help you make new friends in the capital.
You may even pick up a new hobby in the process.
Meet up via Meetup
There are loads of events happening in Canberra every day. And you can see plenty of them on the Meetup website.
From boardgames to yoga, language practice to dancing, there’s bound to be something to suit you.
In many cases, everyone’s a newcomer, so you’ll find others in the same boat.
Meetup events in Canberra are updated all the time, so keep an eye on what’s on.
Give a little of your time
Volunteering can be a great way to find both connection and purpose. You could:
- sort donations at Roundabout Canberra or St Vincent de Paul
- show rescue animals some love at Domestic Animal Services or the RSPCA
- volunteer for the ACT State Emergency Service
- help out at a Communities at Work community pantry
- tend to your local area though ParkCare
- keep Canberrans safe as a member of CBR NightCrew.
Older Canberrans could consider getting involved in an Intergenerational Playgroup through ACT Playgroups.
To find opportunities, workshops and advice, contact VolunteeringACT.
Get sporty
Team sports can foster friendships, as well as an active lifestyle.
Whether you’re super competitive or just keen for a bit of fun, you’ll find heaps of possibilities.
Urban Rec Canberra Social Sports League is a great first port of call.
You can also browse Canberra sports club directory to find something that appeals.
If playing sport isn’t quite enough, why not get involved as a coach, referee or team manager? Or why not have a crack at one of the lesser-known sports in the ACT.
Get involved with uni clubs
If you’re a student, there are lots of ways to find your people on campus.
ANU has over 150 student-run clubs and societies, while UC has over 50. There are also clubs and events at ACU and CIT.
Most of these include a calendar of events. And if you can’t find a specific club, why not start your own?
Take the dog
If you’ve got a dog, you already share an interest with thousands of Canberrans.
Visit one of Canberra’s fenced dog parks. It’s easy to strike up a conversation there. And even if not, your dog will have a blast making its own mates.
Canberra Dog Walks run weekly guided social dog walks. All human walkers are welcome – with or without a pooch.
The city also has lots of dog-friendly cafes ideal for coffee and a chat afterwards.
Lace up your trainers
Canberra Bushwalking Club allows you to explore the great outdoors in a group.
The Heart Foundation runs free walking groups across ACT suburbs.
Young women can reach out to Girls Club CBR to join an introvert-friendly walk.
Blokes Walk and Talk promotes connection and support, along with a good stroll.
Keen to step up the pace? You could get involved with the Parkrun culture. Some running groups, like Running for Resilience, combine exercise with a drink and conversation.
Connect with other parents
Those with young kids can meet other parents and carers through ACT Playgroups. Paint and Play mornings are run each day in various locations.
ACT Child and Family Centres can also offer information on local playgroups and activities.
Mums Exercise Group Australia (MEGA) offers up fitness classes with a side of friendship.
Getting involved with your school’s P&C group is also a great idea. You could also volunteer or join the school board.
Test your general knowledge
Canberra is home to several free trivia spots. Why not hit up some colleagues or neighbours to build a team? There’s nothing like bonding over a tricky geography question.
You can usually also just turn up to find a team on the night.
Link up with a book club
Canberra has some amazing book clubs to join. You can find some through social media, or you can join and create one through ACT Libraries.
From a Tough Guy Book Club to one that focuses on Australian authors, you’re sure to find a group that appeals.
Interested in more bookworm suggestions? Check out our handy guide.
Fly your geek flag
Canberra is a haven for anyone into gaming, science, technology or fantasy.
Check out some of the city’s most geek-friendly groups, activities and venues.
You could get in touch with Canberra Games Society, Good Games Canberra City or the Canberra LEGO User Group and get involved with a local LEGO activity.
Hit the flicks
Pair a movie screening with a chance to chat with other film buffs.
Groups like ANU Film Club and the Reel McCoy Film Group are inclusive and welcoming.
There’s also an ever-changing program of indie films, cult classics and documentaries screened at the National Film and Sound Archive. There are also regular events for film-lovers.
Join a network
The ACT also has several groups set up to help people build their network.
These cater to different age groups and interests. They include:
Still more ideas
Whether you already have a passion or are scouting around for a new hobby, you won’t need to look far for like-minded locals.
The city’s live music scene offers ample opportunity to meet some future mates.
The ACT offers plenty of opportunities to craft in company. Find local crafting groups that may float your boat.
Social enterprise Café Stepping Stone runs various events at its Dickson and Strathnairn locations.
Pick up some gardening skills while getting to know some other green thumbs. Gungaderra Community Garden hosts free weekly community gardening sessions.
You can share ideas and connect through deep discussion at an Awâre conversation circle.
Canberra boasts a plethora of LGBTIQA+ friendly activities and groups. You’ll find everything from tennis to roller derby, choir to drama.
For more ideas, check out this LGBTIQA guide to Canberra.
ADF members and their families can find local information and events on the Defence website.
Remember, you’re not alone
Feeling lonely can have serious impacts on both mental and physical health.
If you’re struggling, there is help available.
- Beyond Blue – 1300 224 636 or webchat.
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