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Behind a nondescript door in a dim bar, one of Sydney's newest social obsessions is in full swing. Around 30 strangers sit huddled around green felt tables, nursing cocktails and sorting through tiles. Sure, we're all here to play Mahjong, but what we’re really craving is a night of community and IRL connection.
This is a scene playing out across every corner of the country. From midweek Mahjong nights in Sydney and sunrise swims in Perth to supper clubs in Brisbane and knitting circles in Hobart, social clubs have exploded in popularity. They offer a generation burnt out by screens a low-pressure way to meet new people and build community offline.
Why socialising is moving offline
As a Gen Z-er, this craving for connection hits home. We’re navigating a post-pandemic world dominated by remote work, social media fatigue and a lingering loneliness epidemic. We’re fed up with swiping, scrolling and video calls, and are craving real human connection in the flesh. Factor in shifting drinking habits and the rising cost of living, and it becomes even clearer why hobby clubs are exploding. Young Aussies want meaningful ways to connect that don’t break the bank or leave them with a hangover.
Finding your niche
Gen Z and Millennials aren’t just looking for answers though; they’re creating the solution. In recent years, hundreds of social clubs have popped up nationwide, offering a low-pressure, structured space to forge genuine friendships over activities you love, or have always wanted to try. The best part? There’s a micro-community for virtually every niche. Whether you’re into board games and bootscooting or cooking and choir, there’s a room full of like-minded strangers waiting for you.
What social clubs are really like
After testing five very different Sydney social clubs, I understand the hype. The first event I attended was a monthly supper club in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, where I enjoyed a long-table dinner with 15 guests. Coming solo was encouraged, and instantly removed any cliqueness. Seats were also shuffled between courses, giving us the chance to chat with almost everyone in the room. Interestingly, the majority of guests had moved to Sydney from interstate or overseas, creating an instant camaraderie I was pleased to witness firsthand.
Next, I attended an inner-city poetry night – this time with a friend in tow. It was a more vulnerable affair, where attendees were invited to recite poetry and also to write their own through structured prompts. While most people attended with a buddy or two, the night wasn't about meeting strangers so much as enriching existing friendships – offering a creative, screen-free way to bond outside the home.
For my third outing, I signed up for a weekly Mahjong club hosted at various bars around Sydney. This one attracted a noticeably broader crowd, proving it’s not just Gen Z and Millennials craving real-world connections. Judging by how quickly tickets for these three events sold out, it’s clear plenty more people want to join in on the fun. And at just $27.50 for a mahjong session, it’s a pretty affordable night out.
Of course, I couldn’t complete my social club experiment without trying a run or swim club. These active meetups have absolutely taken off around the world, giving dating apps a run for their money. Best of all, they’re almost always free – like the Kings Cross Track Club and Shore Things Swim Club sessions I joined (and will definitely be returning to).
Time Out has jumped on the social club trend too, having launched our very own series of events. We kicked things off with sold-out supper clubs at Olympic Meats in Sydney and Zareh in Melbourne, and have private art gallery viewings and other exclusive experiences coming up later this year.
So, is Australia’s social club craze the modern cure for loneliness?
Look, it’s definitely subjective based on how much you put yourself out there. But they offer a win-win scenario: you get to try a new or favourite hobby and meet new people in the one go. I walked away from every session feeling genuinely happier and more connected, which makes the initial brave step completely worth it. Even if you don’t leave with a brand-new best friend, you’re guaranteed to have fun doing something you love.