When moving to a new home, we crave an easy way to find our community. Community groups are fun and affordable ways to socialise while learning new skills.
Whether it be a run club or line dancing classes, community groups are a great way to meet new people while practising a favourite or new hobby. The community groups in the Northern Territory bust the myths that there is “nothing to do in the NT”. Through variety and number of options, everyone is bound to find their niche in the Territory.
There are a diverse range of community groups in the NT where you can meet people with similar values or interests. These groups can provide support for their members and the wider community.
Sporting clubs
Whether you choose to play, coach or volunteer, sporting clubs in the Territory are a popular way to meet people and feel part of a team. We have more than 50 sporting codes and around 330 sporting venues across the Territory, some of which are world class facilities. In addition to the traditional Australian favourites, outdoor pursuits like fishing, conservation, hunting and clay target sports are also popular. Learn more
Health and fitness
Connect with likeminded people, while doing something positive for your own wellbeing. Whether you join Run Club Darwin, feel like a swim with the Darwin Dippers on Wednesday mornings, or join the female boxing community at Resilience Boxing, the Top End region has a variety of options to prioritise your health. Down in Central Australia, challenge yourself with Bar Brothers & Sisters or join the Alice Springs Running & Walking Club to socialise while exercising. Big Rivers is home to the Katherine Multisports Club, where you can find your niche in the fitness world, or stick to the Tennant Creek Running and Walking Club.
Dance groups are another fun way to keep your body moving - whether you are experienced or a beginner. Darwin hosts Top End Mustangs and Darwin Line Dancing, while Alice Springs has Alice Swings for amateur swing dancers to celebrate diversity and inclusivity.
Create a team with friends and test out your knowledge at a trivia night. Whether you’re a beginner to pub trivia or an experience expert, trivia is a great excuse to get out of the house on a weeknight and enjoy a weekly dinner special. Find your closest trivia night.
Channel your inner artist and try out a pottery making class. From wheel throwing at Aussie Potz to a sip and ceramics class at Tactile Arts, or join a short course with Darwin Adult Short Courses.
Get creative while enjoying some drinks and nibbles. Paint and sip classes can be enjoyed as a solo venture or with a group of friends. Try a Mobile Paint and Sip class in Alice Springs or book a class with Paint and Create Darwin or join a short course with Darwin Adult Short Courses.
Test your skills and get an instant reward with tasty food cooked by you! Attend a Pasta Parties event in Darwin and try your hand at pasta making, or a three hour Indian cooking class at Saffrron.
Book clubs have solidified their place in the community group world in the NT. Connect with people and books through local library clubs, attend monthly events and socialise with Book Besties Darwin or support Alice Springs’ independent bookshop and join the Red Kanga’s Book Club.
Arts and crafts groups are a common way to practice a skill while learning from others, with groups like Our Common Threads in Darwin and Central Craft in Alice Springs holding classes to hone in on your craft.
Board and card games groups will bring out your competitive and social side. Alice Springs has Magoobie Games to host gaming events, and Games Shed is Darwin’s local tabletop place to play. If board games aren’t your thing, why not try joining the Darwin Bridge Club?
Community gardens are a simple way to relieve stress while growing your own food with others in a shared space. Find a community garden in Darwin or check out the Alice Springs Community Garden.
Playgroups
Playgroups can be a great way to connect with other families in a fun and safe environment.
You can find variety of groups on PlaygroupsNT.
Top End playgroups
The Top End is home to the Funbus mobile playgroup, hosted by the City of Darwin, and Messy Bubs Darwin, which is held at Casuarina Square.
Smile-A-Mile Fun Bus & Toy Library host playgroups and family events across the rural area.
Big Rivers playgroups
Katherine Play2Learn and Katherine Isolated Children’s Service (KICS) are playgroups hosted in the Big Rivers region.
Central Australia and Barkly playgroups
Pikka-Pikkakari is held in Tennant Creek.
While in Central Australia, Alice Springs Youth and Community Centre hosts Tiny Tots Fun Time for children aged 0-4. You can find variety of groups on PlaygroupsNT.
Youth activities
Youth Centres provide young people with a safe, inclusive and engaging environment. Many youth groups also offer mentoring programs, leadership opportunities, and youth-driven community projects, helping young people make a positive impact in their communities. From Bush Fit Mob on Groote Eylandt to Alice Springs Youth and Community Centre to The SHAK Youth Hub in Darwin, there is something for all young people in the NT. Find more on NTcommunity.
The NT Government also coordinates exciting school holiday activities for young people. This calendar features a wide range of activities designed to keep young people entertained and active during the school breaks. From cooking classes and movie nights to sports tournaments and craft sessions, it's the perfect way to stay busy, make new friends, and have fun.
Multicultural groups
The Northern Territory is home to a rich and diverse community, and there are many multicultural groups that provide support, cultural connection, and a sense of belonging for individuals from all over the world. Whether you're looking to celebrate your heritage or connect with others from a similar background, you'll find a vibrant range of multicultural groups here. These include Filipino, Indian, Greek Cypriot, Portuguese-Timorese, and many more, each with their own unique cultural celebrations, events, and community programs.
In addition to cultural community groups, the NT boasts a number of multicultural organisations that work to promote inclusivity, celebrate diversity, and offer services to support new arrivals. The Multicultural Council of the Northern Territory plays a key role in advocating for the needs of multicultural communities, providing resources, information, and assistance for newcomers.
Learn more about multiculturism in the Territory here.
Helpful links
- Search the My Community Directory for your location to community organisations in your area.
- Contact your local council or your local library. Your local library is often managed by your local councils.
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