If you’ve ever wondered how to feel truly at home after moving to Australia, you’re not alone. Settling into a new country is exciting, but it also comes with its challenges. With so many communities, cultures, and local events to explore, knowing where to start can help you find your place, make friends, and feel connected as you settle into life in Australia.
That’s why we at Remitly have created this guide to help you explore Australia’s different communities, discover what makes each one unique, and offer practical tips for finding a place that feels like home. You’ll get an overview of notable neighborhoods in major cities, learn about their cultural highlights, and discover ways to get involved and connect with others.
Why finding a community matters
Feeling connected is a key part of settling in Australia as a new arrival. Becoming part of a community helps you build a support network, offering comfort during tough times and creating a true sense of belonging.
Communities offer cultural connections and shared experiences. They also provide practical help with everyday life, like navigating public transport, finding schools, or understanding local services.
No matter where you’re from or what your interests are, there are communities in Australia ready to welcome you and help you thrive.
Australia’s major cities and their distinctive communities
Let’s look at what makes Australia’s major cities so unique and welcoming:
Sydney
Sydney is a true melting pot of cultures, with neighborhoods that showcase the city’s diversity.
- In Cabramatta, the vibrant Vietnamese community brings authentic cuisine, markets, and festivals to life.
- Strathfield highlights Korean culture through specialty shops, restaurants, and cultural events.
- Parramatta, often called Sydney’s “second CBD,” brings together influences from South Asia, China, and the Middle East.
- Lakemba and Auburn are thriving Middle-Eastern hubs.
- The city also comes alive during celebrations like Lunar New Year, Diwali, and Vivid Sydney, where arts, lights, and performances bring people together.
Exploring these districts is a wonderful way to experience different cultures and connect with locals.
Melbourne
Melbourne is often called Australia’s cultural capital thanks to its thriving arts scene, live music and cafe culture.
- In Footscray, African and Southeast Asian influences shine through food, music, and community events.
- Carlton is well-known for its Italian heritage, with authentic trattorias and annual festivals that celebrate their culture.
- Box Hill is a center for Melbourne’s Chinese community, with authentic dining and festivals.
- Brunswick and Coburg bring together Greek and Middle Eastern influences.
For newcomers, Melbourne offers countless ways to connect with local communities through cultural festivals, neighborhood gatherings, or creative spaces.
Brisbane
Brisbane is a sunny, laid-back city with a welcoming vibe and a growing multicultural population.
- Indigenous culture has a strong presence here, celebrated through art, music festivals, and community programs that honor Australia’s First Nations’ heritage.
- Sunnybank is famous for its bustling Asian food scenes, markets, and festivals.
- West End is a diverse and creative neighborhood with strong migrant communities.
These neighborhoods give you a chance to enjoy diverse cuisines, traditions, and community activities while feeling at home in city life.
Perth, Adelaide, and regional areas
Perth and Adelaide balance relaxed lifestyles with vibrant multicultural communities. Local festivals and neighborhood gatherings bring people together, making it easy to connect and celebrate as part of the community.
- In Perth, Northbridge offers nightlife, arts, and dining. The city is home to Indian, South African, and Southeast Asian communities, all adding to the city’s vibrancy.
- Brisbane is well known for its Greek and Italian heritage, as well as events like the OzAsia Festival and Adelaide Fringe.
Beyond the major cities, smaller towns and regional areas across Australia offer a warm, close-knit community where you can quickly feel included and supported. With shared events, volunteer opportunities, and local networks, these communities make settling in much easier.
Cultural communities
Australia is also home to thriving cultural communities, where you can celebrate heritage and experience what makes the country so welcoming.
Greek and Italian communities
Melbourne’s Greek Quarter on Lonsdale Street is a lively hub of Greek culture, filled with restaurants, cafes, and cultural shops. The city also hosts the Greek Festival of Melbourne.
In nearby Carlton, Italian communities thrive with trattorias, gelaterias, and annual festivals that celebrate their heritage. The annual Italian Festa brings locals and visitors together to celebrate Italian culture with music, performances, food, and more.
These neighborhoods not only feel like home but also offer a vibrant cultural experience to enjoy.
Indian and Chinese communities
Sydney’s Chinatown in Haymarket and Melbourne’s Chinatown on Little Bourke Street are vibrant hubs of Chinese-Australian culture, with year-round bustling markets, restaurants, and cultural events.
Indian communities are growing in cities like Melbourne and Sydney, where celebrations such as Diwali bring colorful performances, food, and traditions to life. Together, these communities create opportunities to learn, celebrate, and connect with diverse cultural practices.
Annual events like the Greek Festival of Sydney, Eid celebrations, and Lunar New Year parades also bring different cultures together. Attending these events is a wonderful way to meet people and feel part of the cultural fabric of your new home.
Shared interest and hobby groups
Joining groups that share your hobbies or interests can be a great way to feel connected.
Sports clubs
If you enjoy staying active, try joining a local rugby, soccer, or AFL club. If you’re by the coast, swimming and surfing are also great ways to be part of Australia’s beach culture. You don’t need to be a pro; many clubs welcome beginners and social players. It’s a fun way to stay fit, meet people who share your passion, and build friendships on and off the field.
Gardening and outdoor groups
Gardening groups, community farms, or environmental volunteer projects are great ways to get involved. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting out, you’ll meet people happy to share tips, plants, and advice. It’s a relaxed way to connect with locals while spending time outdoors.
Book clubs and creative groups
If you prefer quieter activities, book clubs, writing circles, or craft groups help you meet people with similar interests. They’re usually very welcoming to newcomers and give you a chance to share ideas, pick up new skills, and make friends in a relaxed, friendly setting.
Meetups and social events
Platforms like Meetup and Facebook make it easy to find interest-based events, whether you’re into hiking, photography, language exchanges, or even board game nights. These groups are welcoming to everyone, no matter your experience or skill level. Exploring shared interests is a fun way to connect, make friends, and feel at home in Australia. No matter what you enjoy, there’s likely a group waiting to welcome you.
Practical tips to get connected
Finding your community in Australia can take time, but with these practical tips, you can start building connections:
Visit local community centers or libraries
Community centers and libraries often host events, workshops, and classes where you can meet locals. From English conversation classes to hobby clubs, these spaces bring people together and allow you to explore your interests while making new friends.
Join online groups or apps
Platforms like Facebook groups, Meetup, and local apps like Nextdoor make it easy to connect with people nearby who share your hobbies, interests, and professional background. Joining a few groups helps you see what’s happening and pick the events that feel right for you.
Volunteer with local organizations
Getting involved with groups like Volunteering Australia or local charities lets you give back while connecting with people who care about similar causes. It’s a meaningful way to build friendships, feel part of the community, and gain a sense of belonging.
Attend local markets and festivals
Weekend markets, cultural festivals, and food fairs are fun ways to meet locals in a relaxed setting. These events are social and lively, and often provide opportunities to connect with people from different backgrounds. Some great examples are Queen Victoria Market in Melbourne and Glebe Markets in Sydney.
Take classes or workshops
Joining a cooking class, art workshop, or fitness program is a great way to learn something new while connecting with people who share your interests. Whether it’s yoga, painting, or coding, these spaces encourage interaction and friendships.
Finding your place in Australian communities
From exploring vibrant city neighborhoods to joining cultural festivals, hobby groups, or volunteer projects, there are countless ways to meet people and feel part of local life. Taking small, intentional steps like learning about different communities, checking out local events, and joining a group that sparks your interests can make settling in Australia easier and more enjoyable.
To get started, browse your local council’s event page or community calendars to see what’s happening nearby. Remember, wherever you are in Australia, you’ll find communities ready to welcome you. With a little curiosity, openness, and willingness to get involved, you can quickly find your place and start feeling at home in your new surroundings.
FAQs
What are the most multicultural cities in Australia?
Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth all have thriving multicultural communities, due in part to their large immigrant populations. For example, Cabramatta in Sydney is home to a vibrant Vietnamese community, while Melbourne’s strong Greek ties can be found in and around Lonsdale Street.
What role do faith-based communities play in Australia?
Faith-based communities often act as social hubs and spiritual centers. Churches, mosques, temples, and synagogues host cultural festivals, language classes, and charity drives that are welcoming and open to newcomers. Even if you’re not religious, these groups can provide valuable support networks.
How can families with children get involved in local communities?
Families often find communities through schools, playgroups, and sports teams for kids. Parent-teacher associations, after-school clubs, and weekend activities are great for meeting other parents while children make friends.
Are there specific organizations for newcomers in Australia?
Yes, organizations like the Red Cross, local migrant support groups, and international student associations provide guidance, resources, and opportunities to meet people while adjusting to life in Australia.
What’s the benefit of joining an Australian community group?
Community groups can be a great source of emotional support and practical help, as well as providing the opportunity to make real connections and build relationships based on shared cultural and recreational activities. Joining one is a simple step toward building a sense of belonging in your new home.