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Which Paleo Event Are You Going To Next?

Having been to many Paleo events, and being involved in some of the Paleo meetup groups, I highly recommend putting some events into your calendar!

When you eat differently to your friends and family, an evening out with like minded people can make all the difference in terms of encouragement and support. I also find local events are the best way to find out about places to eat – and where other locals buy their Paleo supplies from.

Head over to the brand new What's On page, where you'll find all of the Paleo events going on where you live – and around the World. Some events are definitely worth travelling for!


Paleo Picnic Flying Glass Sydney Drone Operator

Stunning drone shot courtesy of Flying Glass, Australia's top drone cinematography company based in Sydney.

The best way to attend Paleo events is to sign up to a meetup group in your area. If there isn't a meetup group yet, then it's easy to create your own (and if you do, please come back and tell me about it, so I can add your events to the Paleo calendar!)

There are so many events scheduled now. From big, formal conferences, lectures and symposiums – to small casual after work dinners, in local Paleo friendly restaurants, there is something for everyone. Our local Sydney Paleo meetup group has organised barbecues, picnics, pot lucks and dinners. The Melbourne group have regular classes to teach you how to make your owned fermented foods. As Paleo continues to get more and more popular, we should see even more Paleo events in the calendar.

The Paleo Calendar features all of the events in Australia (there are now ten Paleo meet-up groups in the country, at least one in every state!), New Zealand (Auckland and Wellington), the UK (London, Birmingham & Milton Keynes), Canada (Toronto) and of course America (there are LOTS of events and meetup groups in the USA!). If I'm missing your event or meetup group, please let me know!

Are you a member of a Paleo meetup group? What type of Paleo events would you like to attend – and which events have you been to so far?

paleo events in australia sydney melbourne brisbane new zealand which going to-min

Why Attending Paleo Events Is So Valuable

It’s one thing to follow a Paleo lifestyle on your own — but connecting with others who share your passion for real food and optimal health can take your commitment to the next level. Whether you're new to Paleo or a seasoned ancestral eater, surrounding yourself with like-minded people can offer fresh ideas, renewed motivation, and a real sense of community that simply can’t be replicated online.

At in-person events, you’ll find people who understand your perspective, share tips and stories, and offer practical support. If you’re feeling isolated or challenged by unsupportive friends or family, even a short evening meetup can be just what you need to feel re-energised and inspired.

The Types of Paleo Events to Look Out For

The Paleo calendar is packed with an incredible variety of events to suit every interest and schedule. Here are some of the most popular formats:

  • Picnics and Potlucks: A relaxed, social setting where everyone brings a Paleo-friendly dish to share. It’s a fantastic way to discover new recipes and try dishes you might not cook yourself.
  • Cooking Workshops: Learn practical skills like fermenting, batch cooking, bone broth preparation, and Paleo baking. These are especially popular in cities like Melbourne and Auckland.
  • Dinner Meetups: Meet after work at a local Paleo-friendly restaurant to chat and connect. Many groups choose venues that are willing to adapt to dietary needs.
  • Guest Speakers and Seminars: Learn from experts in the fields of nutrition, movement, stress, and ancestral health. These events often attract larger crowds and offer opportunities for Q&A and networking.
  • Fitness-Focused Events: CrossFit throwdowns, nature hikes, yoga in the park — it’s not all about food! Movement is a key part of Paleo, and some groups combine workouts with shared meals or recovery activities.

Travel-Worthy Paleo Conferences

Some Paleo events are so content-rich and well-produced that they’re worth travelling for. Annual conferences often bring together top names in the ancestral health world for several days of presentations, panel discussions, cooking demos, and social events. Previous conferences have featured talks from leading experts on topics like gut health, autoimmune recovery, evolutionary fitness, fasting, and hormone optimisation.

Attending one of these larger events gives you the chance to meet Paleo advocates from around the world, browse natural product stalls, and participate in immersive learning experiences. If you’ve been craving deeper knowledge or want to broaden your perspective, these conferences deliver real value.

Making the Most of Your Local Paleo Community

If you're lucky enough to have a meetup group nearby, make the effort to attend a few events — especially the casual ones. You’ll likely find that everyone is welcoming, whether you’ve been Paleo for years or just started eliminating gluten last week. These events aren't about perfection; they’re about shared goals, good food, and encouragement.

Don’t hesitate to bring a friend or partner, even if they don’t follow a Paleo diet. Many people become curious (and supportive!) after attending a single event and tasting how good real food can be. Plus, it can help bridge the gap between your lifestyle and your social circle.

Starting a Paleo Meetup Group in Your Area

No meetup group in your town yet? Why not be the one to start it? It’s easier than you might think. Begin by creating a group on Meetup.com, Facebook, or even through your local community centre or gym. Start small — a coffee catch-up or weekend walk — and see where it leads.

People are often just waiting for someone else to make the first move. Once word spreads, you may be surprised by how many others are eager to connect and contribute. If you do launch a new group, be sure to let me know so I can add your events to the Paleo calendar and help you attract more members.

Tips for Hosting a Successful Paleo Event

If you’re organising an event — whether it’s your first or your fiftieth — here are a few ideas to make it a hit:

  • Choose a theme: A specific focus (like gut health, fermented foods, or primal movement) makes events more engaging and educational.
  • Create a welcome space: Make sure new attendees feel included. Nametags, introductions, and icebreakers can help ease nerves.
  • Ask for input: Let your members suggest topics, venues, or formats. The more involved people feel, the more likely they are to show up and contribute.
  • Use social media: Share photos, success stories, and upcoming event details to create excitement and grow your community.
  • Keep it simple: You don’t need to plan a full-on seminar every time. A walk, a meal, or a coffee meet-up is enough to bring people together.

Why Paleo Events Are More Important Than Ever

In a world that often normalises fast food, sedentary routines, and chronic stress, connecting with others who value a different way of living is deeply motivating. These events offer more than just conversation and recipes — they reinforce the belief that health, vitality, and real food are worth prioritising.

Whether you attend a casual beach picnic, join a local kombucha brewing workshop, or fly interstate for a weekend conference, every event helps expand the Paleo movement — and makes this way of living more visible, accessible, and supportive for others on the path.

What’s Coming Up Near You?

Head over to the What’s On page now to see what’s happening near you — or wherever your next trip takes you. With events listed across Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Canada, and the USA, you’ll always find something exciting on the horizon.

And remember: Paleo isn’t just about what’s on your plate. It’s about connection, community, and building a life that supports true wellness. So go ahead — block out a date in your calendar, invite a friend, and come along to your next local event. You might just find your tribe.

Paleo Meetup Groups – Have You Joined Yet?

Exciting news! There are now Paleo meetup groups in every state in Australia! Wherever you live, you can now meet up with local people who eat the same way as you do.

The meetup groups arrange local dinners, barbecues, picnics, talks – you can even suggest a meetup of your own to the group.

Meetups are a great way of meeting people and finding out about Paleo restaurants and suppliers in your area, so if you haven’t already – join your local Paleo Meetup!

There don’t seem to be any New Zealand Paleo meetup groups yet – why don’t you start one? If you're in the US, Canada or the UK there are lots of Paleo meetup groups, so find your nearest and join up – it's free!

Paleo Meetup Groups Events Australia

With the exception of Sydney, Perth and Melbourne most of these groups are very new – so spread the word and help to increase the membership! If you live in Darwin, Canberra or Hobart there is also the opportunity to become a co-organiser.

Here are the Australian Paleo Meetup groups

  • NSW/ Sydney
  • Victoria/ Melbourne
  • WA/ Perth
  • SA/ Adelaide
  • Queensland/ Brisbane
  • NT/ Darwin
  • ACT/ Canberra
  • Tasmania/ Hobart

So sign up (it's free) get involved!

Why Joining a Paleo Meetup Can Transform Your Health Journey

One of the hardest parts about adopting the Paleo lifestyle is doing it alone. When you're the only one in your household or social group who avoids grains, sugar, and processed food, it can feel isolating — especially when eating out or attending social gatherings. That’s why joining a local Paleo meetup group is such a game-changer. It provides a sense of community, accountability, and inspiration that makes long-term success far more achievable.

Whether you're new to Paleo or have been following it for years, connecting with like-minded people can lead to new friendships, recipe ideas, and even local supplier recommendations you may never have discovered otherwise. It also helps reaffirm your decision to live differently in a culture still so focused on convenience food and quick fixes.

What to Expect at a Paleo Meetup

Paleo meetups vary depending on the city and organiser, but most offer a casual, friendly environment where everyone shares an interest in real food and better health. You might attend a relaxed picnic in the park, a group meal at a local Paleo-friendly café, or a seminar hosted by a nutritionist or local wellness expert. Some groups even organise active meetups like hiking days, beach workouts, or farmers market tours.

Many events are family-friendly and open to people at all stages of the Paleo journey. Some are potlucks, where each attendee brings a Paleo dish to share. These are particularly great for discovering new recipes, learning how others meal prep, and seeing what works in real households across Australia.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Meetup Experience

Not sure what to expect or how to break the ice? Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your first meetup:

  • Bring a dish (if it’s a potluck): Choose a recipe that’s easy to transport, clearly Paleo, and that you’re confident in. Include a little info card with the ingredients to help others with food sensitivities.
  • Come with questions: People love sharing what’s worked for them — whether it’s a good butcher, a local kombucha maker, or tips for feeding kids Paleo lunches.
  • Don’t be afraid to talk about your journey: Everyone’s story is different, and sharing your own can inspire others and start meaningful conversations.
  • Follow up with new connections: If you meet someone you get along with, consider connecting outside the group to swap recipes or even start a regular catch-up.

Spotlight on Regional Meetup Opportunities

With meetups now active in every Australian state, there’s no excuse not to join. Here’s a closer look at what some of the newer or smaller cities have to offer:

Canberra

The ACT Paleo group has grown rapidly as more Canberrans look to escape highly processed diets. Expect a mix of government workers, families, and students coming together for whole-food brunches and wellness discussions. The region’s access to great produce and outdoor spaces also means hiking and picnic-style meetups are popular.

Hobart

Tasmania’s rich produce and strong farming community make it a perfect location for Paleo living. The Hobart group often shares resources for local grass-fed meats and seasonal vegetables, and they’re always on the lookout for new members to help build a thriving community of health-conscious locals.

Darwin

While Darwin’s Paleo group is still gaining traction, its climate lends itself beautifully to a fresh, tropical take on Paleo. Think seafood barbecues, local markets, and easy access to bush foods. Becoming a co-organiser here is a great opportunity to shape the direction of the group and help it flourish.

Looking for Support Beyond Meetups?

If your area doesn’t currently have frequent meetups or you’re looking to stay connected in between events, consider joining local Facebook groups or online communities. Many of the Meetup organisers also run Facebook pages or group chats where members share local deals, upcoming events, and recipe inspiration.

Some groups even organise group buys of hard-to-find Paleo products, bulk orders of pasture-raised meat, or workshops on things like fermented foods and bone broth. These extras can make your Paleo journey easier and more affordable.

Starting a Meetup in Your Area

If you live in a regional town or somewhere not yet active on Meetup.com, why not start your own group? It’s easier than you think and can start with something as simple as a coffee catch-up or a walk with another Paleo friend. Meetup.com and Facebook both offer free tools for creating and managing events. You could also post in larger online Paleo communities to find others nearby.

Once you start gathering interest, the events can grow naturally — from informal chats at local cafés to organised activities like cooking demos or shared Paleo feasts.

Final Thoughts

Community is a powerful tool for health and transformation. With Paleo meetup groups now across every state in Australia, there’s never been a better time to connect with others who understand your lifestyle and want to support your goals. Whether you’re looking to share tips, explore new restaurants, or simply meet like-minded people, a Paleo meetup is the perfect place to start.

Have you joined your local group yet? What has your experience been like? Share your stories and suggestions for future meetups in the comments below!

Have you been to a local Paleo meetup event yet?

Make It Paleo

I was very excited to receive a copy of “Make it Paleo” yesterday.  I met Bill & Hayley at the AHS and they really were just as lovely as they seem from their blog.  I've used quite a few of their recipes, so have been immensely looking forward to receiving the book.  I took the book down to the park this morning to have a read through, whilst topping up my Vitamin D levels in the sunshine.

Make It Paleo Arrives in Australia – Sydney Harbour Bridge

I hadn't realised how big the book was going to be!  It's the size of my old Chemistry textbook – but much more enjoyable to read.  As with the Primal Palate site, the book is full of beautiful photos and well over two hundred recipes.  You could cook something different everyday for months on end!  There's a great introduction about Bill & Hayley and lots of information about Paleo; which ingredients are good to use, different cuts of meat, useful kitchen equipment and cooking tips.  I think these sections will make the book a great Christmas present for friends who have expressed an interest in Paleo, but may be a bit hesitant about diving in.

Initially, I was a bit confused at first as to why the book had so many recipes for entrées – then I remembered; that is the American word for main course!

Tomorrow is the first beach Barbecue of the Sydney Paleo meet-up group, so I've decided to make up a few things from the book to take along with me.  What better testers than more Paleo people?  There are lots of dips and sauces that look really good in the book, so I'm going to make up a few to dip vegetables in, and to go with the meat.  I'm also going to try the Fennel & Orange salad, which I hope will be as good as it looks, I'm very curious to try that one.  I'll probably make up a few other side dishes, and possibly something from the treats/ cheat section too!  I bought some beautiful organic grass fed steak to put on the barbecue, so it should be a good feast.

Most of the ingredients in the book are very abundant here in Australia.  I did have to visit four shops to find the Fennel, despite it usually being easy to find.  I also had lots of trouble locating Chipotle, which I eventually found out is in fact American for coriander leaves (at least, I hope it is, as that is what I'll be using!)  There are a couple of other ingredients I've noticed in the recipes, that might be more challenging to find in Australia, such as Jicama (which appears to be a root vegetable) and spaghetti squash; but I'm sure these can be substituted – or perhaps if you've seen them over here, you can let me know where, in the comments below?

I usually try to make something different for dinner every evening, so it's great to have a new collection of recipes to try.  I'm especially looking forward to trying the Chicken & Vegetable “lo mein”, as I rarely eat Chinese food anymore (I find it usually has very un-Paleo ingredients).  I very rarely cook seafood at home too, so  I will take the opportunity to cook a few dishes from the seafood section.  Whilst it's not strict Paleo, it's great to have a chapter on cheats and treats!  The natural, grain free ingredients are a million miles away from their conventional purchased and home-made equivalents – a far better alternative for birthdays and the odd special occasion.

The recipes look straight forward and well explained.  I've chosen my dishes, gathered the ingredients – but not yet tested any of the recipes.  So, I need to get cooking for the Paleo barbecue tomorrow…  I'll post a write up and photos of the end results!  Fingers crossed for sunshine!

Make it Paleo is released next week – If you only have room for one Paleo cookbook, I don't think you'd go wrong with this one.  Amazon UK currently has free shipping to Australia with orders over £25 – a great deal for a book this big.

Why ‘Make It Paleo' Is a Must-Have Cookbook for Australians

If you're following the Paleo diet in Australia, Make It Paleo stands out as one of the most comprehensive and inspiring cookbooks available. With a beautiful layout, full-page photography, and over 200 recipes, it caters to everyone – from complete beginners to seasoned Paleo foodies looking to refresh their weekly meal rotations. What makes this cookbook so relevant for Australians is how easily most ingredients can be sourced locally, despite its American origin.

Everyday Cooking with Make It Paleo

One of the strengths of this cookbook is its approachability. You won’t find complicated techniques or fancy equipment needed to prepare the meals. The recipes are simple, unpretentious, and deeply rooted in whole, unprocessed foods. Whether you're meal prepping for the week, cooking dinner for the family, or planning a backyard barbecue with friends, there’s something in this book for every occasion.

Australian Ingredient Swaps and Shopping Tips

While most ingredients translate easily into the Australian pantry, a few American-specific items may need substitutions. For example, if you can’t find spaghetti squash, try spiralised zucchini or roasted pumpkin as a low-carb substitute. Chipotle chillies might be tricky, but smoked paprika combined with chilli flakes makes a good stand-in. Jicama, while rare here, can be swapped for crisp apple or even cucumber in salads for that same crunch.

Top Recipes to Try First

  • Fennel & Orange Salad – A refreshing summer dish perfect for Aussie barbecues.
  • Chicken & Vegetable “Lo Mein” – A brilliant way to enjoy a Chinese-style dish minus the MSG and soy sauce.
  • Beef Stroganoff – Comfort food at its finest, using clean Paleo ingredients for a creamy, satisfying dish.
  • Paleo Brownies – Found in the treats section, these are perfect for birthdays or special occasions when you want a grain-free indulgence.

Meal Prepping with the Paleo Diet

Make It Paleo also lends itself well to batch cooking and weekly meal prep. With easy-to-follow instructions and familiar ingredients, you can easily prepare several meals in one cooking session. Australians with busy schedules will appreciate how adaptable many of the recipes are – portions can be doubled, ingredients swapped, and leftovers stored for quick lunches or dinners.

Outdoor Eating and Entertaining, Paleo-Style

Given our outdoor lifestyle and love for beachside cookouts, the grilling section of the book is especially appealing. Recipes like citrus-marinated chicken skewers and grilled portobello caps with garlic ghee are ideal for warm weekends or holiday entertaining. With Paleo dips, marinades, and side salads included, it’s easy to pull together a full spread that even non-Paleo guests will enjoy.

Paleo Cooking for Families

If you're trying to transition your whole household to a healthier lifestyle, this book is a valuable ally. The recipes are familiar enough for fussy eaters, yet nutritious and nourishing for adults. There are plenty of one-pot meals, slow-cooker ideas, and crowd-pleasers to help ease family members into a grain-free, dairy-free way of eating – without making separate meals for each person.

Supporting Your Local Producers

The Paleo philosophy encourages sourcing fresh, local produce – and this aligns perfectly with Australia’s thriving farmers markets and grass-fed meat suppliers. Whether you're shopping at Harris Farm, a local butcher, or your neighbourhood organic co-op, many of the ingredients listed in Make It Paleo are readily available and often better quality than what's accessible in the US. Use this book to support your local economy while fuelling your health journey.

Gift Ideas for Paleo Beginners

If you have friends or family curious about Paleo but unsure where to start, Make It Paleo makes a thoughtful gift. The introductory sections explain the basics clearly and offer helpful kitchen setup advice. It’s the kind of book that doesn’t intimidate the reader – on the contrary, it invites you into the Paleo lifestyle gently, one recipe at a time.

Final Word

From my first flick through Make It Paleo in the sunshine to cooking its recipes for the Sydney Paleo barbecue, this book continues to be a go-to staple in my kitchen. It delivers on flavour, simplicity, and practicality, and remains one of the most accessible Paleo cookbooks for Australians. If you’re looking to expand your Paleo repertoire with dishes that truly work down under, this is the book to own.

Meeting Real, Local People – Who Lead a Paleo Lifestyle Too

Last night was the fourth meet up of the Sydney Paleo group – and the third I’ve had the pleasure of attending.  We met at a Korean Barbeque restaurant, tucked away down a side street, in the city centre.  A few of us had met before and there were some new faces to meet.  The food couldn’t have got much more Paleo.  We had all different types of meat, which we barbequed ourselves.

I’m becoming more and more obsessed with all things Paleo as time goes by.  I always want to talk about an amazing new blog I’ve found, or find out what others think about the latest research.  But I am aware that a lot of my non Paleo friends aren’t as interested in this as I am!  To be able to meet up with a group of people on the same wavelength is amazing.

We were able to jump straight into topics such as Jack Kruse’s Leptin theories, Nora Gedgaudas’s Australian Primal Body Primal mind conference, the AHS and how we handle social events with our non-Paleo friends.  We discussed our favourite blogs and books, how we do Paleo and local Paleo friendly suppliers & restaurants.

As much as I benefit from & value my online Paleo friends and the online community, there is nothing like meeting Paleo people in real life.

Next month we’ll be meeting again, only this time for an outdoor meet up.  A barbeque by the beach, frisbee, slack line & lots of paleo talk – I can’t wait!

If you don’t know any Paleo folk in real life, I suggest you join your local meetup group – or if there isn’t one – create it yourself!

Why In-Person Paleo Meetups Matter

Online forums, blogs, and social media are fantastic for discovering new Paleo recipes, delving into ancestral health theories, and asking questions in real time — but nothing compares to sitting down face-to-face with someone who truly gets it. Meeting up with others who also prioritise whole foods, movement, and an evolutionary approach to health adds an entirely different dimension to the journey. It's energising, validating, and often downright fun.

Whether you’re the only one in your workplace who brings bone broth for lunch or the only one skipping the bread at family dinners, connecting with like-minded people in real life can remind you that you’re not alone — and that this way of living is both practical and sustainable.

Shared Conversations and Tangents You Can’t Script

One of the joys of meeting fellow Paleo enthusiasts in person is the freedom to dive deep into topics that might feel too niche or intense in other social circles. You don’t have to explain why you avoid seed oils or what intermittent fasting is — you can jump straight into comparing organ meat recipes, dissecting the latest Paul Saladino video, or swapping tips for cooking with tallow.

It’s also a great chance to trade ideas on supplementation, local sourcing tips, home fermentation experiments, or favourite workouts. Many conversations spiral into spontaneous detours — like ancestral parenting philosophies, EMF concerns, or cold exposure routines — things that rarely get airtime in conventional social settings.

Discovering Local Paleo-Friendly Spots

One of the unexpected benefits of these meetups is learning about hidden gems in your area. At the Korean BBQ dinner, several people recommended butchers that stock grass-fed offal, small-scale farmers' markets, and even cafes willing to accommodate grain-free, dairy-free requests with a smile.

These local tips can be hard to find online, and they often make sticking to a Paleo lifestyle far easier — especially if you’re busy, cooking for a family, or just prefer variety. If you're new to an area or transitioning into Paleo eating, these meetups are an invaluable source of local knowledge.

Expanding Your Paleo Horizons

Even if you’ve been doing Paleo for years, there’s always something new to learn — whether it’s a new book, a podcast you’ve never heard, or a food prep tip that makes all the difference. Others in your group might follow similar principles but take inspiration from keto, carnivore, primal, AIP or Weston A. Price traditions. Seeing how others implement their version of ancestral health can offer fresh perspectives and ideas to experiment with.

You might meet someone who dry fasts, someone who eats raw liver, or someone who’s hacked their sleep using red light therapy and mouth taping. Even if you don’t adopt all these practices yourself, the exposure can spark curiosity and deepen your own understanding of what works best for you.

Socialising Without Compromise

One of the biggest hurdles when transitioning to Paleo is navigating social events. Most gatherings revolve around chips, alcohol, bread, sugary desserts, and awkward conversations about why you’re “not eating that.” Meetups with fellow Paleo enthusiasts remove all of that tension. You don’t have to justify your food choices or explain your dietary preferences — everyone’s on the same page.

This relaxed environment allows you to fully enjoy yourself, connect over shared values, and even get recipe inspiration from what others bring or order. Whether it’s a beach picnic, a potluck dinner, or a hike followed by a barbecue, it’s refreshing to be in a group where your “weird” food is normal.

Organising Your Own Paleo Meetup

If there’s no local Paleo meetup group near you, why not start one? You don’t need to be an expert or have a huge following — just a desire to connect. Start small: a casual dinner at a Paleo-friendly restaurant, a brunch with a few like-minded people, or a park meet-up with a bring-your-own picnic.

You can use websites like Meetup.com, Eventbrite, or even post in Facebook groups or Reddit threads specific to your city. Libraries, health food shops, and gyms may also let you display a flyer. Don’t be afraid to reach out — most people are just waiting for someone else to take the first step.

Ideas for Future Gatherings

Once your group is established, the possibilities are endless. Here are some event ideas that go beyond the dinner table:

  • Cook-along workshops: Fermenting, jerky-making, bone broth simmering or organ meat recipes
  • Outdoor movement meetups: Barefoot bushwalks, beach workouts, slacklining, or natural movement sessions
  • Documentary nights: Screening food or health documentaries followed by a discussion
  • Farm tours: Visiting a regenerative farm or organic produce supplier to learn where food really comes from
  • Guest speakers: Invite a local naturopath, primal fitness coach, or nutritionist to share insights

Strength in Community

There’s something powerful about finding your people — especially when your lifestyle choices go against the grain (pun intended). Whether you’re new to Paleo or have been living this way for years, community makes a difference. It helps you stay motivated, stay accountable, and stay inspired.

The Sydney Paleo group has shown me just how energising it can be to be surrounded by people who care about food quality, personal responsibility, and ancestral health. I can’t wait for next month’s outdoor gathering — and if you're reading this and haven’t found your tribe yet, maybe it’s time to start building one.