Fun ways to make friends

Published on 29 April 2024

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Whether moving from Sydney to Warners Bay or Swansea to Cardiff, making friends in a new neighbourhood will make daily life on the lake even more enjoyable.

Thankfully, there are all kinds of exciting group activities to join across the city. Welcoming new faces from far and wide, our friendly community makes it easy to foster friendships at any age.

Below, we share our favourite ways to meet like-minded locals so that you can kickstart your social life.

1. Playgroups

Playgroups are the perfect launchpad for your kids to forge forever friendships. Not to mention, you’ll get to meet a whole new network of mums and dads experiencing the same stage of life as your own family.

Catch up and share parenting advice over a cuppa as your child enjoys new playmates, toys and games in a safe, supportive space. 

Ready to roll? You’ll find plenty of options here throughout the week, from Bush Kindy Playgroup on Mondays in Barnsley to Southlake Playgroup, held every Friday at Morisset Multipurpose Centre.

2. Sports teams

Connect with teammates while playing your favourite sport. Lake Macquarie has heaps of sports clubs for activities like rugby union, rugby league, soccer (football), cricket, netball, tennis, sailing, swimming and horse riding (check out even more options in our Community Directory).

Plus, KeepActive and the Hunter Sports Centre offer more great opportunities to stay active and socialise!

3. Musical bands

Sing, play and hang out with fellow musicians at Westlakes Music Centre. The Western Lake Macquarie Concert Band is one of the groups that rehearse here and is always on the lookout for new members. You can also hire instruments like the piano, guitar and saxophone.

Or perform at community events with Lake Macquarie Winds, a 30-member band that invites music lovers of all ages and skills to join in the jam.

4. Scouts clubs

From Joey scouts through to venturers, fun and challenging adventures await boys and girls across Lake Macquarie. Kids can enjoy outdoor activities, develop life skills and find friendships along the way.

Local scout clubs include Cardiff Scouts Group, Warners Bay Girl Guides and Carey Bay Toronto Scout Group.

5. Arts and craft clubs

Feeling crafty? So are lots of other Lake Macquarie locals!

There are plenty of arts and crafts groups to join, like the Lake Macquarie Woodworking Club, which comes together to work on charity and personal projects every Tuesday. Learn all things woodworking and build new bonds!

Alternatively, join the Art Lovers Movement or Hunter Arts Network to convene with other creatives for art demonstrations, exhibitions and workshops. Another option is Hunter Valley Tapestry Group, which meets for crafts like needlepoint, cross stitch and stumpwork.

Meanwhile, the Museum of Art and Culture, yapang, runs free, family-friendly art classes for kids, as well as relaxed Sunday sessions complete with live music for adults. All classes are led by the museum’s friendly art educators. You’ll also find more opportunities for your little ones to play and create through Lake Macquarie Arts.

6. Dance classes

Another fantastic way to meet new people? Dancing the night away!

And with so many dance studios to discover across Lake Macquarie, you’ll be spoiled for choice! For example, Ability Dance invites dancers of all ages, ethnicities, genders and abilities to have fun and feel the music together, while danceVibe teaches modern jive and West Coast swing.

Let loose, learn new moves and make friends on the dance floor.

7. Walking groups

Take steps to meet new people as you explore this beautiful region with the Warners Bay Walking for Pleasure and Lake Macquarie Bushwalkers Inc. Walks take you around Lake Macquarie, Central Coast and Newcastle, as well as on occasional trips away.

Additionally, the Hunter Happy Wanderers Walking for Pleasure Club welcomes senior residents for walks that cater to all abilities.

8. Festivals, markets and more! 

Lake Macquarie is buzzing with music festivals, markets, pop-ups, art exhibitions and other cultural events for all ages.

Whether you’re a film aficionado, art enthusiast, music lover or fully-fledged foodie, there’s an exciting experience awaiting. For instance, head down to Homegrown Markets in Speers Point Park every month, enjoy live music and a picnic each Friday in the warmer months at Music in the Podium, attend a Live Music Lake Mac or grab a bite to eat at Friday Night Foodies in the Multi-Arts Pavillion, mima.

These are just a handful of events to enjoy with like-minded attendees. Join in on the fun and meet people with similar interests as you go.

9. Community gardens

Have a green thumb? Join a local Lake Macquarie Landcare group to help restore, rehabilitate and conserve our bushland, parks, foreshores, estuaries, wetlands, creeks and coastline. You’ll make friends with fellow volunteers as you care for our beautiful natural environment together.

You can also connect with other horticulture enthusiasts at your nearest community garden, such as Dudley or Holmesville. Here, friendships will bloom while you plant, pot and prune.

Alternatively, the Hunter Cactus and Succulent Society welcomes anyone interested to attend monthly meetings. Drop by, have a cuppa and explore the wonderful world of exotic plants together.

10. Country Women's Association of NSW

Meet other women, stand as one and support your community. Holding cultural activities, handicrafts, debates and fundraisers, the CWA branch in Belmont and in Morisset brings women from all walks of life together for meaningful change.

11. Men's Sheds

Head down to Windale Men's Shed or Belmont's Men's Shed to share skills and make a whole new group of mates. From woodwork to welding, bring your own project or lend a hand to an existing one. Or maybe you’d just like to unwind and catch up!

12. Volunteering

Are you passionate about art, culture, history or tourism? By volunteering with Lake Macquarie City Arts, you can help your team empower local creatives and put on spectacular events.

From tourism ambassadors and digital mentors to events and program coordinators, there are all sorts of volunteer roles on offer around our city. For example, volunteers play a key role at Rathmines Heritage Centre, the Museum of Art and Culture, the Multi-Arts Pavilion and several other exciting spaces.

As well as doing your part for our local community, you’ll gain new friends, experiences and knowledge along the way.

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