Didn’t keep all your high school friends? Had no high school friends?
Don’t worry – we’re all on a different and sometimes weird journey with friendships.
If you’re wondering where to make friends as an adult, you’re not alone. Making new connections later in life can feel awkward, intimidating, or strangely hard – even when you’re doing “all the right things”.
I’m a strong believer that beauty connects across many communities, and as a result, I’ve met women from backgrounds you wouldn’t expect.
So, in true fun fashion, I asked 11 women from my audience to share where they’ve made great friends and found genuine community.
Let’s all take some notes.
Before You Start – A Quick Pause
Before we hop into the ideas people have kindly shared, you might find it helpful to think through a few prompts first.
How Do You Want to Engage With Friends?
Are you a constant catch-up person, or do you value shared experiences and activities more?
Read: Tanya Hennessy – Are You Stuck in the Catch-Up Trap? I Am
What Values Matter to You?
Think non-negotiables first, then allow yourself to be a bit picky – maybe a lot picky.
For friendships to last across life stages and personal growth, you need to be aligned beyond “murder is usually bad” or “we like the same hobbies”.
What Capacity Do You Have for Friendship?
Ask yourself honestly:
- Are you a low-effort or low-maintenance friend – and can you set boundaries that honour that?
- Do you have emotional capacity for friends leaning on you? It’s okay if you don’t, but that may not align with what others expect.
- Are you able to check in, initiate plans, or organise meet-ups?
- Have you reflected on past friendships that faded out?
- Are there people already in your life you’re friendly with, but just don’t see often?
Sometimes the best friendships are mutual connections or familiar faces – they just need a bit of effort to deepen.
OK – let’s jump in.
Where People Have Made Friends in Australia
Ushi, 27
Where:
- Dance classes
- Music workshops
- Festivals
- Online communities
How to Find the Same:
- Find local dance classes through platforms like Groupon
- Explore music workshops in your area
- Join interest-based forums and Facebook groups
Nic, 32
Where:
- High school friends
- Mum groups
How to Find the Same:
- Reconnect with old classmates through Facebook groups or alumni networks
- Find mum groups via Meetup
- Chat with other mums after school or arrive early to playdates for a tea
- Invite other mums on errands or walks with the kids
- Host low-cost, kid-friendly catch-ups that allow time to bond
Bronh, 55
Where:
- Social meetup events
- Workplace friendships
How to Find the Same:
- Browse local events via Meetup.com
- Join workplace clubs, sports teams, or social activities
Steph, 27
Where:
- Instagram connections
How to Find the Same:
- Engage authentically with people in your niche if you’re a creator
- Join group chats or community channels if you’re not
- Use location-based hashtags like #SydneyHikers or #MelbourneYoga
- Look for pages that host meet-ups – a popular one for Bondi locals is @bondibeach.babes
Katie, 32
Where:
- University
- Drama and musical theatre societies
How to Find the Same:
- Join local clubs or university societies
- Check community theatres or group acting classes
Laura, 31
Where:
- Colleagues at work
- Facebook groups for expats and university students
How to Find the Same:
- Search “[City Name] expat groups” or “[Uni Name] alumni” on Facebook
- Explore Internations for expat-focused events
Nicole, 42
Where:
- Meetup app events
- Book club
- Girls’ social groups
How to Find the Same:
- Join or create a book club through Meetup
- Search “Girls Social Group” plus your city
Sami, 35
Where:
- University friends
How to Find the Same:
- Join uni clubs and societies
- Stay in touch with classmates beyond group projects
Greyci, 28
Where:
- Online friendships through social media
- Turning online connections into real-life catch-ups
How to Find the Same:
- Connect through TikTok, Instagram, or Facebook communities
- Give friendships time – building trust online doesn’t happen overnight
Melis, 29
Where:
- Reddit communities
How to Find the Same:
- Browse subreddits linked to your hobbies
- Search “[City Name] Reddit meetups” in local subs like r/Sydney or r/Melbourne
Minnie (That’s Me), 28
Where:
- College and school friendships
- Instagram friends
- Reddit meet-ups
How to Find the Same:
- Join your local Reddit community and search for meet-ups that match your interests
- Join a rock-climbing gym Facebook group and connect with climbers needing a belayer
- Find indoor gyms through an indoor climbing gym finder and attend group sessions
Making Friends as an Adult – What Actually Helps
Hobbies and shared communities consistently come up as the best places to form meaningful friendships.
I’d personally suggest not showing up to a new outing expecting to leave with a new best friend – in fact, you don’t want that. Trust me.
Find places where you can be yourself, show up regularly, and see the same people over time. Like-minded connections tend to grow naturally from there.
Good luck, friend-hunting.
Tip – maybe don’t tell them you’re calling it friend-hunting.
In the mood to read more about friendships? Read:5 Toxic Friendship Stories – And How They Ended
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