When you’re new here, you’re in good company.

Each year, thousands of students from all over the world and from other parts of Australia move here to study. Nearly 600 young people join the Australian Public Service graduate program every year. Families move to Canberra for work, and because it’s such a great place to raise children. The median age in the ACT is 35. 

This is a city with a lot going on. While right now there are restrictions in place, our social calendar usually brims with events, festivals, sports matches and concerts. We’re the most physically active city in Australia. People go exploring on foot or on bicycles all year round. We’re also the city with the highest number of volunteers in Australia. Whatever your interests, you’ll find people who love doing the same things. 

Reach out to meet new people

The best way to make new friends in any new city is to get involved in organised activities. Find like-minded people by:

• taking up a hobby
• enrolling in a class
• volunteering
• joining an interest group or social group

Canberra has many meetup groups, which are open to everyone. You’ll find groups of people who are interested in the same things as you. There are meetups for everything from adventure sports to book clubs, truffle hunting, drama, zentangling and more. Join a running group or a breakfast club. Hang out with writers or artists or people who want to save the world. You’ll find it all in Canberra.