Finding a D&D group is the part most new players find hardest. You can buy the books, learn the rules, and have dice ready to go — but none of that matters without other people to play with. The good news is that Australia has more active D&D communities than most players realise, and the methods for finding them are well-established.
This guide covers every practical method for finding a D&D group in Australia, what to say when you reach out, and what to expect when you join a group as a new player.
The fastest ways to find a D&D group in Australia are: searching Roll20.net or StartPlaying.games for online or local games, asking at your nearest game store (particularly those that run D&D events), joining your state's D&D Facebook group, or posting on the r/DnDAustralia subreddit. Online play removes geography as a barrier entirely and is where most new players find their first group.
Online Play: The Most Accessible Starting Point
Online D&D via virtual tabletop platforms has been the primary way most Australians play since the pandemic-era expansion of the format. Even players who prefer in-person eventually often supplement with online games.
Roll20 (roll20.net): The most widely used virtual tabletop. Has a built-in game-finder feature called the Looking for Group (LFG) tool where Dungeon Masters post open games and players can apply to join. Both free and paid games are listed. The platform handles dice rolling, maps, tokens, and character sheets in one interface.
StartPlaying.games: A marketplace for paid professional Dungeon Masters. Games run as ticketed sessions, typically AU$15–$30 per player per session depending on the GM. Quality is generally high because GMs are experienced and games are structured. A good option for players who want a reliable, committed gaming experience without the social awkwardness of asking strangers to play for free.
Discord: Numerous D&D Discord servers have LFG channels. The official D&D Beyond Discord, r/LFG Discord, and Australia-specific servers are all active. Post in LFG channels with your availability, timezone (AEDT, AEST, AWST), experience level, and what you're looking for.
Reddit r/LFG and r/DnDAustralia: The r/LFG subreddit has thousands of active posts from players and DMs seeking games. r/DnDAustralia is smaller but geographically relevant. Both have weekly LFG threads. Being specific in your post (timezone, days available, experience level, preferred style) significantly increases response rates.
Finding In-Person Games in Australia
Local game stores: The most reliable source for in-person D&D. Stores that run D&D Adventurers League events (Wizards of the Coast's organised play programme) host regular public games. Walk-in players are usually welcome. Search the Wizards of the Coast store locator for venues running Adventurers League in your area.
Meetup.com: D&D and tabletop RPG meetup groups operate in most major Australian cities. Search your city name and "D&D" or "tabletop RPG" on Meetup.com. These groups range from beginner-friendly one-shots to regular ongoing campaigns.
Facebook groups: State and city-specific D&D groups are active on Facebook. Search "D&D Sydney," "D&D Melbourne," "D&D Brisbane" and equivalent names for your city. Most have weekly posts for players and DMs seeking groups.
Libraries: An underrated option. Many Australian public libraries run D&D programmes, particularly for younger players, and sometimes have noticeboard bulletin boards where local groups advertise. Mentone, Maribyrnong, and libraries in Sydney inner west are examples of councils running active D&D programming.
Universities and TAFE: If you're a student, your campus likely has a tabletop games club or RPG club. These are one of the fastest ways to find a social group of regular players.
What to Expect as a New Player Joining a Group
You don't need to know the rules before your first session. Most groups actively want new players and expect to teach the basics. Being upfront about your experience level lets the DM calibrate their explanations. Saying "I've read the basics but haven't played before" is a perfectly fine starting point.
Campaigns vs one-shots: A campaign is a long-form ongoing story that can run for months or years. A one-shot is a self-contained adventure played in a single session. For a first experience, a one-shot is lower commitment and a better way to try the format without committing to a long-term group. Many groups run introductory one-shots before inviting new players into a campaign.
Session zero: Most good groups run a Session Zero before starting play — a meeting where everyone discusses the campaign's tone, table rules, content boundaries, and creates characters together. This is a good sign that a group is organised and considerate.
Scheduling: Consistent scheduling is the hardest part of maintaining a campaign group. Be honest about your availability upfront. A group that can play fortnightly consistently is more valuable than one that theoretically meets weekly but regularly cancels.
What to Say When Looking for a Group
When posting online or introducing yourself at a game store, include:
- Location (city/state) or "open to online"
- Timezone and availability (e.g. "weeknight evenings AEST" or "Saturday afternoons")
- Experience level ("complete beginner" or "played a few sessions")
- What you're looking for ("a beginner-friendly campaign" or "happy with one-shots to start")
- Any relevant preferences (tone, setting, whether you have any books)
Keep it brief and specific. A two-paragraph post that covers these points will get more responses than a one-line "looking for group."
Online vs In-Person: Which Is Better for New Players?
Both have genuine advantages:
Online is better for: Accessibility regardless of location, larger pool of groups to choose from, flexibility with scheduling, and finding groups specifically designed for beginners.
In-person is better for: The social experience of sitting around a table, physical dice and props, reading facial expressions and body language during roleplay, and the shared energy of a room full of players engaged in a story.
Neither is the right answer for everyone. Many Australian players do both — an online campaign on Wednesday night and an in-person one-shot at the game store on Saturday.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find a D&D group in Australia? Roll20.net's LFG tool, StartPlaying.games, local game stores running Adventurers League events, Meetup.com, city-specific Facebook groups, r/DnDAustralia, and the r/LFG subreddit are all active. For immediate access, online play via Roll20 is the fastest path to your first session.
Do I need to buy anything before joining a D&D group? Not necessarily. The Dungeons and Dragons Basic Rules are available free from D&D Beyond. A set of polyhedral dice (AU$5–$15) is the only practical purchase required to show up prepared. Everything else can wait until you know you enjoy the game.
Is D&D popular in Australia? Yes. Australia has active D&D communities in all major cities and a large online player base. The 2024 rules update generated significant interest and new player acquisition. It's the most widely played tabletop RPG in the country.
How many people do you need to play D&D? The typical group is 4–6 players plus a Dungeon Master, but D&D works with as few as 2 people (1 DM + 1 player). Most organised play sessions at game stores accommodate 3–7 participants.
What if there are no D&D groups near me? Online play via Roll20 or Discord removes geography as a barrier entirely. You can join a group based in another Australian city or in any timezone that aligns with your availability. Most Australian D&D players can find an online group within days of actively looking.