Social Events and Activities for Seniors in Melbourne
Want to meet others for tailored senior activities, or join senior groups doing fun things in the city?
Here we have gathered a list of regular activities for elderly explorers happening all across town. Specifically catering to senior citizens, these activities and events offer a fun, social and enriching way to be out and about in Melbourne.
From friendly cafe meet-ups to peaceful meditation and wellness activities, there’s plenty of variety out there to keep us active and meeting new people.
Related reading: Travellers Aid Melbourne: For Help Getting Around The City
Fun Things for Seniors to do Across Melbourne
Seniors Tea with NGV (Monthly) – Join friendly NGV tour guides in the Ian Potter Gallery each month for an hour of informal conversation about selected artworks and stay on for a cup of tea in the café to continue the discussion! Free, bookings are required.
Chatty Cafe at City of Melbourne Bowls Club (Mondays at 10.30 am) – Head to the Bowls Club in Flagstaff Gardens on Mondays for a cuppa and a casual chat with people of all ages and interests. The event is free and you don’t need to register.
Zumba Gold® with Catalina Gonzalez (various dates and locations). Discover your rhythm with Catalina! Offering medium-intensity classes, Catalina focuses on inclusivity, ensuring fun and fitness for participants of all mobility levels.
St Paul’s Cathedral Lunchtime Concerts (Wednesdays at 1 pm) – These half-hour concerts showcase young local talent and offer a delightful blend of fine music and a tranquil space for contemplation. Wheelchair friendly. Free entry.
Books and Biscuits (Every second Wednesday 11 am) – Read together and talk books, poems, short stories, articles and chat about interesting topics. Tea, coffee and biscuits provided. South Yarra Senior Citizens Centre. 65 Toorak Road West, South Yarra 3141. Free entry.
Chatty Cafe at Kensington Neighbourhood Centre (Thursdays from 1 pm) – Enjoy a cuppa and a delicious afternoon tea, play board games and puzzles and explore the beautiful sensory garden and community library, with pre-loved library books you can keep.
Local Lunch Club (Saturdays 12.45 pm) – Head to Kathleen Syme Library for a delicious vegetarian lunch at 1pm. The event includes live local music, ‘bite size talks’ from community groups and board games. Free, no booking required.
Strum & Sing Ukulele (Thursdays from 6 – 8 pm) – Join the Strum and Sing Ukulele Group at Flemington & Kensington RSL for a free weekly music session with good vibes. All welcome, free entry.
Walk and Talk Buddies (Mondays & Thursdays) – Enjoy walks and explore a new Stonnington location each week with a friendly group of walking buddies. Afterwards, we’ll relax together at a local café.
Sea Shanties & Folk Songs (Thursdays at 7 pm) – Head along to a free evening of music, history, and seafaring spirit! Wheelchair friendly. Mission to Seafarers Victoria. Free entry.
More Fun Things for Seniors to do Across Melbourne
Flagstaff Gardens Guided Walk (Mondays at 11 am) – One of the most-loved senior activities for tourists and locals alike. Enjoy a 75-minute guided walk run by Royal Historical Society of Victoria. Bookings essential, $10 each (children under 16 free).
Inner Peace and Balance (Mondays 10.00 am) – A seated Tai Chi using cold rock meditation, calm art, and other sensory stimulation techniques to calm the mind, and reduce anxiety. This is an indoor activity. Enjoy a nutritious snack pack at the end of the session. Newlands Senior Centre at 49-53 Murray Road, Coburg. Cost: $6.40 per session.
Melbourne Men’s Shed at Fed Square (Mon, Tues, Wednesdays) – Melbourne Men’s Shed provides a range of activities for both working and retired men, from cards and digital photography to woodwork as well as opportunities to become involved in volunteer work, a walking group and social activities. Federation Square. Free entry.
Lunchtime Meditation, Atrium Fed Free Workshops (Tuesdays 12.30 pm) – Escape the stress and busyness of modern life to discover the peace of meditation for yourself in these free 30-minute meditation sessions, suitable for beginners and regulars. Federation Square. Free entry.
Day Trips for Seniors (Various dates available) – City of Greater Dandenong hosts a variety of activities and events each month catering to the community. Have a look through their list of upcoming events and enjoy a social lunch or group outing to places like Art Vo, Eureka Skydeck and more. To book or for any enquiries telephone the Positive Ageing Team on 03 8571 5574.
Catch-A-Match (Mondays & Wednesdays) – A friendly group for those who wish to keep fit and healthy. These are regular and fun senior activities with Melbourne Veterans Table Tennis Association. Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre, Albert Park.
Evergreen Gardening Group (Wednesdays 10.00 am) – Get your hands dirty and make your brain happy by growing a variety of herbs, vegetables and native flowers that you can take home to look after. Newlands Senior Centre at 49-53 Murray Road, Coburg. Cost: $6.40 per session.
Lunchtime Organ Recitals (Thursdays at 1 pm) – From timeless classics of Bach to modern pieces from the likes of Fletcher and Farjeon, it’s free for visitors to come in and enjoy live music on the impressive grand organ. Wheelchair friendly. St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne. Free entry.
Park Walks (various dates). Parks Victoria hosts free guided walks led by trained volunteers at some of the state’s most beautiful parks. These group walks allow you to enjoy walking in bushland without having to worry about where the trail is or how long it might take. Book here.
U3A Network Victoria – The slogan of the U3A Network is LIVE LEARN ENJOY. There are over 60 U3A clubs in Victoria alone – all providing a diverse range of activities for retired or semi-retired Australians over the age of 50. Membership fees apply.
I hope this post has inspired you to get out and explore Melbourne! Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter to find out more ways to discover (or rediscover) the joy of exploring Melbourne.
