Settling into Life in Australia by JJ Smith 26 February 2026 written by JJ Smith 26 February 2026 21 Community, schools, support and finding friends… Setting up a new life takes time and effort. Moving to a new country is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. Once your visas, flights, and boxes are sorted, the real adventure begins: settling into your new life in Australia. One of the biggest challenges newcomers face is building a sense of community. Luckily, Australians are known for being friendly and welcoming. Community is strong here; you simply need to find your niche. Another cool thing about Australia is that, because the population is much larger, there are far more extracurricular options. Start exploring what’s available in your area, and you’ll soon find like-minded people in your community. Editor’s note: if you have anything to add about where newly arrived New Zealanders can meet people and build a community, please leave a comment below. Thanks. In this post, you will find helpful information on the following: Finding Your Community Local Clubs and Sports Teams Adventure, Hiking and Running Groups Hobby and Craft Groups Theatre, Music and Cultural Groups Faith & Spiritual Community Playgroups and Parent Networks Schools and Education Doctor, Dentist and Well-being Finding a Doctor (GP) Dentists & Specialists Mental Health and Support Practical Everyday Essentials Tips for Finding Your Niche Finding Your Community When you don’t know anyone, taking the first step can feel daunting. But almost every Australian suburb has multiple ways to connect. Local Clubs and Sports Teams Community sport is part of everyday life. Whether it’s football, netball, cricket, swimming, tennis, martial arts or social walking groups, clubs exist for both children and adults. Joining a local team is one of the fastest ways to meet people. You can usually find clubs by: Searching your suburb name + sport Checking your local council website Looking at community noticeboards or Facebook groups. Adventure, Hiking and Running Groups Australia’s outdoor lifestyle makes it easy to stay active while meeting people. Bushwalking & Hiking: National parks and coastal tracks are popular social spaces. Many areas have organised bushwalking clubs you can join. Running Communities: Parkrun operates free, weekly 5km runs across Australia. They’re welcoming, beginner-friendly, and a fantastic way to meet locals. Outdoor Fitness Groups: Many beaches and parks host early morning boot camps or yoga sessions. Adventure Clubs: Surf lifesaving clubs, mountain biking groups, and kayaking clubs are common in coastal regions. If you enjoy an active lifestyle, you’ll likely find your people quickly. Hobby and Craft Groups Not into sport? There are endless other options: Craft circles, sewing groups, and art classes Book clubs at local libraries Community theatre and choir groups Photography clubs Gardening groups Websites like Meetup or Eventbrite list local events, and most suburbs have active Facebook community pages. Theatre, Music and Cultural Groups If you enjoy the performing arts, volunteering or joining a local theatre or choir group is a fantastic way to meet people while expressing your creative side. Australia has a strong grassroots arts culture, and most suburbs or regional centres have opportunities to get involved, on stage or behind the scenes. Editor’s note: I love culture; art galleries, theatre productions, sculpture walks and everything in between. One thing I loved about living in Brisbane was the local theatre scene. They put on hilarious productions (Australians are known for their great sense of humour) that were completely entertaining and affordable to attend. Shout out to PIP Theatre! Community Theatre: Many towns have amateur dramatic societies producing plays and musicals throughout the year. You don’t need professional experience; enthusiasm is usually enough. Choirs and Music Groups: From contemporary vocal groups to classical choirs and local bands, there are options for all ages and abilities. Cultural Associations: Multicultural communities are active across Australia, with language groups, cultural festivals and heritage organisations welcoming newcomers. Volunteering Backstage: Lighting, costume design, set building and front-of-house roles are excellent ways to contribute if performing isn’t your thing. You can find groups by: Searching your suburb name + “theatre group” or “choir” Checking your local council website Visiting community noticeboards Joining local Facebook community groups Creative communities tend to be warm, inclusive and social; rehearsals often turn into dinners, friendships and long-term connections. If sport isn’t your niche, the arts might be exactly where you’ll feel at home. Faith & Spiritual Community For many people, faith is an important part of feeling grounded, especially when living in a new country. Australia is culturally and religiously diverse, and most suburbs have places of worship representing a wide range of faiths, including churches, mosques, temples, synagogues and meditation centres. These communities often provide much more than weekly services; they host social gatherings, youth groups, playgroups, volunteer programs and cultural celebrations. If faith is important to you, it can be one of the fastest ways to build meaningful connections. You can find local faith communities by: Searching your suburb name + your faith or denomination Asking in local Facebook community groups Checking community noticeboards Visiting your local council website Even if you’re not religious, many faith-based organisations run community events, support services and family activities that are open to everyone. Finding a spiritual home can provide comfort, familiarity and a strong sense of belonging as you settle into life in Australia. Playgroups and Parent Networks For families with young children, playgroups are invaluable. Playgroup Australia connects families with local playgroups across the country. School communities are also powerful support networks. Once your child starts school, friendships often form quickly for both children and parents. Schools and Education Education is central to settling successfully. Public schools are government-funded and generally based on residential zones. Private and independent schools offer alternative programs and fee structures. Visiting schools in person helps you get a feel for the culture and expectations. Joining school parent groups (often on Facebook) helps you stay informed and connected. Schools in Australia often foster strong community involvement through sports carnivals, cultural events, and volunteering opportunities. You can read more about finding a pre-school, kindergarten, or school here. Doctor, Dentist and Well-being Now onto the practical services we all need in life… Finding a Doctor (GP) General Practitioners (GPs) are your first point of contact for healthcare. You can search for local doctors through: Healthdirect Australia Local community groups are also excellent for recommendations (search Facebook). Read more about finding a local Australian GP. Dentists & Specialists Search online or ask neighbours and school parents for trusted local providers. Word-of-mouth is powerful in Australian communities. We are also incredibly lucky to have Google reviews, so search for providers in your local area. Editor’s note: I was honestly wondering the other day, how did we find quality providers before the internet and in particlular Google reviews??? The biggest ad in the white pages! Mental Health and Support Moving to a new country can feel isolating at times. If you need support: Beyond Blue offers free 24/7 mental health support. This s**t is real! Please ask for help if you need it. Lifeline provides 24/7 crisis support. Need help now! This is where you go. You are amazing! If you’re going through a hard time, get help, get better and live, because people love you. Many workplaces also offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAP). Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) in Australia are employer-funded, confidential, and professional counselling services designed to support staff and their immediate family members with work-related or personal issues. These, often voluntary, programs offer 24/7 access to qualified psychologists and counsellors for matters like stress, mental health, financial issues, and family problems. Practical Everyday Essentials Settling becomes easier once daily life is organised: Child Care, Housekeeping & Pet Sitters – Care.com Australia: Platforms like Care.com and Juggle Street operate in Australia, and local Facebook groups often share recommendations. Utilities & Internet: Most providers allow online setup before you move in. If you get a home quickly, then you won’t have the paperwork you need to go directly, so go through a company like Compare & Connect. Read more. Transport: Public transport systems are state-run. For example, in Victoria, Public Transport Victoria provides journey planning tools and information. Google Maps is good at recommending public transport, which helps. Otherwise Google! Tips for Finding Your Niche The biggest shift when moving countries isn’t logistical — it’s social. At first, you may not know anyone. That’s completely normal. But community in Australia tends to form around shared interests: Sport School Outdoor activities Volunteering Faith groups Creative hobbies Australia offers adventure, open space, beaches, bushland, vibrant suburbs and close-knit communities. Once you find your rhythm and your people, it begins to feel like home. Start small: Attend one event. Join one group. Show up consistently. Over time, those small steps build a real connection. Volunteer: local charities and community groups always welcome helping hands. Be curious and open: Australians are generally friendly, and most people will respond positively if you reach out. Leverage online communities: Facebook groups, Reddit threads, or local forums can help you find nearby events and people with similar interests. Settling into Australia is as much about routines as it is about relationships. Take the time to explore your community, get involved, and don’t hesitate to ask for support. Soon, you’ll find your niche, your favourite local spots, and a network of friends and neighbours that make your new home feel truly yours. You might be interested in… The below posts might interest you: Find a house to buy or rent in Australia Moving to Australia process Everything money Still got unanswered questions? If you’ve read the above content and the answer to your question isn’t there, please write a comment below, and I’ll research the answer for you. Can I help you find something else? If you need advice on moving to Australia from New Zealand, I’ve created a helpful little questionnaire to point you in the right direction. It takes less than 30 seconds, so give it a go! 0 comments FacebookPinterest JJ Smith previous post Moving to Australia Process next post Are you a New Zealander planning to move to Australia? 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