Running a social club means juggling a lot: scheduling events, getting the word out, managing RSVPs, and keeping members engaged between meetups. The right app makes this easier. The wrong one creates more work than it solves.
We've compared the most popular options for Australian social clubs. Whether you're running a book club, a running group, or something more niche, there's something here that fits.
Quick Comparison
| App | Best For | Cost | Discovery | Group Chat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eventi | Discovery + community | Free* | ✓ | ✓ |
| Meetup | Maximum reach | $15-24/mo | ✓ | Limited |
| Facebook Groups | Existing FB users | Free | Limited | ✓ |
| Quick coordination | Free | ✗ | ✓ | |
| Discord | Multi-channel comms | Free | ✗ | ✓ |
| Strava Clubs | Fitness tracking | Free/$13/mo | ✓ | Limited |
*Eventi is free for organisers during the launch period. Pricing may change.
Detailed Reviews
Eventi
Best for: Discovery + community building
Pros
- ✓Built-in discovery - new members find you
- ✓Group chat for each event/Room
- ✓Smart notifications keep members engaged
- ✓Audience filtering for targeted events
- ✓No per-ticket fees
Cons
- ✗Newer platform (smaller existing user base)
- ✗iOS app only (Android coming soon)
- ✗No website embed options yet
Key Features
Meetup
Best for: Maximum reach for public groups
Pros
- ✓Large existing user base
- ✓Strong SEO presence
- ✓Well-known brand recognition
- ✓Integrates with calendars
Cons
- ✗Organisers pay monthly fees
- ✗Generic feel (your group is one of thousands)
- ✗Limited customisation
- ✗Attendees must create Meetup account
Key Features
Facebook Groups
Best for: Groups where everyone is already on Facebook
Pros
- ✓Everyone already has an account
- ✓Familiar interface
- ✓Event creation built in
- ✓Free with no limits
Cons
- ✗Notifications often buried in feeds
- ✗Privacy concerns for some members
- ✗Algorithm controls what members see
- ✗Younger audiences less active on Facebook
Key Features
WhatsApp Groups
Best for: Quick coordination for small groups
Pros
- ✓Universal adoption in Australia
- ✓Instant notifications
- ✓Easy to set up
- ✓No barrier to entry
Cons
- ✗No event management features
- ✗Groups can get noisy
- ✗History lost for new members
- ✗256 member limit per group
Key Features
Discord
Best for: Communities wanting multiple channels and voice chat
Pros
- ✓Multiple channels for different topics
- ✓Voice channels for calls
- ✓Highly customisable
- ✓Free with generous limits
Cons
- ✗Learning curve for non-gamers
- ✗No built-in event discovery
- ✗Requires members to download app
- ✗Can feel overwhelming
Key Features
Strava Clubs
Best for: Running and cycling clubs specifically
Pros
- ✓Activity tracking integration
- ✓Leaderboards and challenges
- ✓Purpose-built for fitness
- ✓Social features around workouts
Cons
- ✗Limited to fitness activities
- ✗No event ticketing
- ✗Basic communication tools
- ✗Premium needed for all features
Key Features
What to Use for Your Type of Club
Running or fitness clubs
If activity tracking matters, use Strava Clubs for the workout integration, plus Eventi or WhatsApp for coordination. Strava shows who ran what; your other app handles the social logistics.
Book clubs and discussion groups
Facebook Groups works well if everyone is already on Facebook. The threaded discussions are good for book discussions. For younger audiences or privacy-conscious members, consider Discord with channels for each book.
Groups that want to grow
If you want new members to find you, you need discovery. Meetup has the biggest audience but costs money. Eventi offers discovery without the fees and has better community features once members join.
Small, tight-knit groups (under 20 people)
WhatsApp is hard to beat for simplicity. Everyone has it, notifications are reliable, and there's zero learning curve. Just create a group and go.
University or hobby clubs
Discord is popular with younger demographics and offers the most customisation. Create channels for announcements, general chat, and specific interests. The learning curve is worth it for larger clubs.
The Multi-Tool Approach
Most successful clubs use 2-3 tools together:
- Discovery tool (Eventi, Meetup) - for new members to find you
- Communication tool (WhatsApp, Discord) - for day-to-day chat
- Activity tool (Strava, Goodreads) - if relevant to your activity
Don't try to force one tool to do everything. Pick the right tool for each job.
What Actually Matters
After looking at all the options, the most important factors are:
- 1. Reliable notifications. If members don't see event announcements, nothing else matters.
- 2. Low barrier to join. Every extra step loses potential members.
- 3. Works on mobile. People manage their social lives from their phones.
- 4. Easy event creation. You'll be creating events every week. It should be quick.
The best app is the one your members will actually use. Sometimes that's the simplest option, not the most feature-rich.