Over the last few years, Australia has seen an uptake in social clubs. Run clubs, book clubs, and even supper clubs are becoming more and more popular throughout the country.
While many of these clubs have risen in popularity due to social media, their aim isn’t to gather likes and comments, but instead to simply gather.
Authentic connections, friendships and community are so valuable, especially if you’re a long way from home. We’ve put together a list of some of the most popular clubs happening across Australia right now, and where you might be able to find your local.
Run clubs
What are they: As it says in the name, a run club is a community group that regularly meets to run (or walk) together around their local area. Although increasing your fitness is a nice side effect of joining a run club, many of them market themselves more as social communities with a bit of running on the side.
Where to find them: One of the most well-known run clubs in Australia (and across the world!) is parkrun. It’s a free, weekly 5km community running event that’s held every Saturday morning at 9 am in parks all over the country. To join, all you need to do is register online and grab your barcode (you’ll show this at the event to record your time). With over 500 weekly runs taking place Australia-wide, there’s a pretty good chance you can find one near you!
The Run Hub has countless running clubs listed in its directories. They list clubs catering to people with disabilities, women-only groups, events for competitive runners, and even walking groups. You can filter by state, club type and even terrain, so it’s definitely a resource worth holding onto!
Social media popularity: A lot of run clubs have a social media presence, sharing short videos of sunrise runs, scenic routes and group coffees after runs. The TikTok running community in particular is a really kind and encouraging space!
Book clubs
What are they: A book club brings people together to read, discuss and share opinions about books. From fiction to non-fiction, from modern reads to the classics, there’s a club for almost every bookworm.
Where to find them: One uniquely Australian example is the Tough Guy Book Club, a men’s book club that started in Melbourne and now has chapters around Australia and the world. Many local bookshops host their own book clubs, like the Fuller’s Bookshop Reading Group in Tasmania and the Matilda Bookshop in Adelaide (they also offer book clubbers a monthly discount on books!). Local libraries also often have their own book clubs, so it’s worth asking next time you’re returning a book.
The Australia Reads website has a handy directory you can use to find a book club near you!
Social media popularity: Book clubs have been on the rise since the COVID-19 lockdown days, when we all remembered (and had time for) literature again. Since then, social media platforms like TikTok (BookTok) and Instagram (Bookstagram) have become much more mainstream, helping to revive interest in reading communities and allowing participation from those who might not have an in-person book club to attend.
Supper clubs
What are they: Supper clubs are a social experience organised around shared meals. Instead of heading to a restaurant alone, or with people you already know, supper clubs bring strangers around a communal table to share food and conversation.
Where to find them: One of the most talked about examples in Australia is Club Sup, which started in 2021 after founder Sophie McIntyre wanted a space where strangers could meet friends over dinner rather than dating or networking. They’ve got regular events running in Perth, Brisbane, Canberra and Melbourne that you can sign up for today!
Social media popularity: Short videos on TikTok and Instagram often show beautifully styled communal tables, themed menus and groups of strangers laughing and talking, which in today’s somewhat isolating digital landscape, fuels that part of us that craves social connection. Part of the broader ‘hostingcore’ aesthetic (yes, even hosting is a ‘core’ now), supper club content brings together the foodies, the aesthetic girlies and anyone who wants good old-fashioned human connection.
How to find the club that’s right for you
University clubs and societies:
Many universities have an incredible range of student clubs, from cultural and hobby groups to academic and activity clubs, and joining those is one of the easiest ways to make friends. Whether it’s a running group, food society, reading club, language exchange or something else entirely, check your student union’s club directory, and keep an eye on their social media pages too!
Social media:
Keep an eye on your university's social media pages, as they may share clubs and societies you can join. The social media algorithms are so good these days that if you appear to be interested in a certain type of club, there’s a pretty good chance your TikTok feed is about to be inundated with those running near you.
Local libraries and community centres:
Don’t underestimate local library book clubs, community cooking classes or hobby groups; these often cost little to join and are welcoming to newcomers.
Start your own:
If you can’t find the exact type of club you’re looking for in your area, then why not take a leap of faith and start your own! There’s a pretty good chance you’re not the only person wanting to partake, so get it into the student newsletters, share it on social media, and even list it with some of the directories. You’ll be off and running in no time!
