Moving to Australia as an au pair is an exciting adventure — but making friends and building a social life can feel overwhelming at first. Whether you're in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or a smaller town, there are plenty of ways to connect with others and form lasting friendships. Here are some practical tips to meet new people, get involved and make the most of your time.
1. Connect with other au pairs
One of the quickest ways to make friends is to connect with fellow au pairs — many are in the same boat: new to the country and keen to meet people.
Where to find other au pairs
- Join Facebook groups such as Au Pairs in Australia or city-specific groups like Au Pairs in Sydney.
- Attend au pair meetups organised through social media or Meetup.
- Ask your host family for recommendations on local au pair gatherings.
2. Attend local events and activities
Australia is known for its vibrant culture and social events. Local activities are a great way to meet people beyond the au pair community and experience Australian life.
Where to find local events
- Browse Eventbrite Australia for festivals, workshops and social gatherings.
- Check Meetup for groups that match your interests, from hiking to language exchanges or photography.
- Explore your local community centres and libraries for free activities.
3. Join a hobby or sports club
Taking up a hobby or joining a sports club is a fun way to meet people who share your interests — whether that's surfing, yoga or a book club.
- Surf Life Saving Australia — join a surf club and enjoy the iconic beach culture.
- Parkrun Australia — free weekly running events across the country.
- Goodreads — find book clubs and literary events near you.
4. Use social media and friendship apps
Apps and social platforms are great for finding people with similar interests, and many au pairs have made good friends this way.
- Bumble BFF — connect with others looking for friendships nearby.
- Instagram — follow local event pages and connect through hashtags like #AuPairAustralia.
- Couchsurfing — join events and meet locals and travellers.
5. Volunteer and give back
Volunteering is rewarding in itself and a great way to meet like-minded people. Many organisations welcome volunteers for short- or long-term roles.
- GoVolunteer — a national database of volunteer opportunities.
- Seek Volunteer — find roles that match your skills and interests.
- Local charities, animal shelters and community projects.
6. Spend time with your host family
Your host family can be a valuable part of your social life. Joining family outings, sharing meals and bonding with the children helps you feel more at home — and it's a great way to experience Australian culture first-hand. Ask them for local recommendations, from restaurants to hidden gems and social groups.
7. Be open and approachable
Making friends in a new country takes time, so stay positive and open. Australians are known for being friendly and welcoming, so don't be afraid to start a conversation, introduce yourself at events or join a group activity.
8. Travel and explore with fellow au pairs
Australia is vast, and finding travel buddies among other au pairs or backpackers makes your adventures more fun and affordable. A few favourites to visit with friends:
- Sydney's Bondi Beach and the Blue Mountains.
- Melbourne's Great Ocean Road and trendy neighbourhoods.
- Queensland's Gold Coast and the Great Barrier Reef.
Final thoughts
Building a social life as an au pair in Australia is all about putting yourself out there, trying new things and staying open to meeting people. Use the tips above and the resources available, and you'll soon feel at home — and make friendships that last a lifetime.