Best Dating Sites For Open Relationships in Australia
Looking for dating sites for open relationships in Australia? You're part of a growing community. More Australians than ever are exploring non-monogamous connections, and finding the right platform makes all the difference. Here at Lovezoid, we've spent considerable time testing platforms that cater specifically to this lifestyle, and we're ready to share what actually works.
The good news? Quality options exist for Australians seeking open relationship dating. Whether you're part of an established couple looking to meet others, or you're single and interested in ethically non-monogamous connections, specialized platforms offer features that mainstream apps simply don't provide. Most sites let you browse profiles and set up your account for free, so you can see who's in your area before committing. Check the comparison table below to see our tested recommendations.
Understanding Dating Sites For Open Relationships in Australia
Open relationship dating isn't just "regular dating with extra steps." It's a fundamentally different approach that requires platforms built for honest, upfront communication about relationship structures. On mainstream apps, you might spend weeks chatting with someone only to discover they're strictly monogamous. That's wasted time for everyone.
Who actually uses these platforms? The demographics might surprise you. Based on our 2026 research at Lovezoid, users span a wide age range—from couples in their late twenties exploring ethical non-monogamy for the first time, to singles over 50 who've been in the lifestyle for decades. You'll find professionals, creatives, parents, and retirees. The common thread isn't age or background—it's a shared understanding that love and connection don't have to follow traditional rules.
Australia's culture actually supports this kind of dating more than you might think. Major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane have active polyamorous communities, regular meetups, and social events. Even in smaller cities like Adelaide and Perth, the scene has grown substantially. Australians tend to value personal freedom and "live and let live" attitudes, which creates space for non-traditional relationships to flourish.
Why do specialized platforms outperform general apps for this niche? Simple—everyone's already on the same page. You won't face judgment, awkward explanations, or matches who ghost you after learning about your relationship style. The filtering options let you specify exactly what you're looking for, whether that's a third for your existing relationship, other couples, or solo polyamorous individuals.

How to Choose a Dating Site For Open Relationships
Not all platforms claiming to support open relationships actually deliver. Here's what to look for when evaluating your options.
Relationship Structure Options
A quality platform lets you specify your exact situation. Can you indicate whether you're part of a couple or flying solo? Does it allow you to describe what kind of connections you're seeking? The best sites offer detailed profile fields for relationship status, what you're open to, and who you're looking to meet. Vague "interested in" checkboxes aren't enough for this community.
User Base Quality and Activity
A platform is only as good as its active users. Look for signs of genuine activity—recent logins, updated profiles, and responsive members. Some sites pad their numbers with inactive accounts or profiles from overseas. For Australian users specifically, you want platforms with strong local membership in your city or region.
Privacy and Discretion Features
Open relationships are increasingly accepted, but not everyone wants their dating life visible to coworkers or family members. Quality platforms offer privacy controls like hiding your profile from specific users, blurring photos until you choose to reveal them, or browsing anonymously. These features matter more in this niche than in mainstream dating.
Communication Tools
Since open relationship dating often involves more complex conversations upfront, good messaging features are essential. Look for platforms that allow detailed messages (not just "likes" or limited characters), group chat options for couples, and video chat capabilities. The ability to communicate clearly from the start saves everyone time.
Value for Money
Pricing varies significantly across platforms. Some charge per feature, others offer subscription tiers. Consider what you actually need—if you're actively searching, a monthly subscription usually offers better value than pay-per-message models. Many sites offer free trials or basic free accounts, so you can test the waters before paying. As of 2026, expect to pay somewhere between $20-50 AUD monthly for premium features on quality platforms.
Red Flags to Avoid
Be wary of sites with suspiciously perfect profiles, aggressive upselling, or vague information about their user base. If a platform won't let you see any profiles without paying, that's often a warning sign. Legitimate sites let you browse (even with limitations) before committing money.
Ready to start exploring? Most platforms offer free registration to browse first—worth trying to see who's active in your area.
Tips for Success on Dating Sites For Open Relationships
Finding the right platform is step one. Actually connecting with compatible people requires strategy specific to this dating style.
Profile Optimization for Open Relationship Dating
Your profile needs to communicate more than a typical dating profile. Be explicit about your relationship structure—are you in an existing partnership? Dating independently but practicing polyamory? Looking for specific dynamics? Vagueness wastes everyone's time.
Include what your partner (if applicable) knows and is comfortable with. Mention whether you date together, separately, or both. If you have specific boundaries or preferences, state them clearly. The approach differs somewhat for men versus couples, but honesty remains the foundation regardless.
Photos matter here too. If you're part of a couple, include at least one photo together (with their permission, obviously). Solo shots are fine, but potential matches want to know who they might be meeting.
First Message Strategies That Work
Generic openers fall flat in this community. People here have usually dealt with plenty of "hey" messages and tire of them quickly. Reference something specific from their profile. Ask about their experience with open relationships or what they're currently looking for.
Be upfront about your situation from the first message. If you're messaging on behalf of a couple, say so. If your partner will be involved in conversations, mention that. The open relationship community values transparency above almost everything else.
What Open Relationship Users Look For
After reviewing thousands of profiles and conversations, certain patterns emerge. People in this community prioritize:
- Clear communication skills—can you articulate what you want?
- Emotional maturity—jealousy management, handling complex feelings
- Respect for existing relationships and boundaries
- Genuine interest in connection, not just novelty-seeking
- Understanding of ethical non-monogamy principles
The "unicorn hunters" reputation (couples seeking a third who only focuses on them) has made many solo users cautious. If you're a couple, demonstrating that you see potential partners as full people with their own needs—not accessories to your relationship—goes a long way.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don't hide your relationship status or spring surprises on matches. Don't pressure people to move faster than they're comfortable with. Don't treat this like mainstream dating where you're competing for exclusive attention.
Also, don't assume everyone wants the same thing. Some people are strictly looking for casual connections, others want emotionally involved relationships, and some want both. Ask questions and listen to the answers.
Most platforms let you try free—complete your profile thoroughly and start browsing to see what's possible.

Red Flags and Safety on Open Relationship Dating Sites
We'll be honest—not every site is legitimate, and not every user has good intentions. The open relationship space attracts some bad actors precisely because it involves more vulnerable conversations. Here's how to protect yourself.
Scam Patterns in This Niche
Watch for profiles that seem too eager, too perfect, or too quickly intimate. Scammers in this space often pose as experienced polyamorous individuals or "curious" newcomers. They may push for off-platform communication immediately, request money for various reasons, or try to gather personal information.
Catfishing happens here too. Request video calls before meeting in person. Real people comfortable with open relationships are usually comfortable with video chat—it's a reasonable request.
Verifying Profiles Are Real
Look for verification badges if the platform offers them. Check for social media links or other ways to confirm identity. Be cautious of profiles with only professional-looking photos or images that seem pulled from elsewhere.
For couples, ask to speak with both partners before meeting. A legitimate couple will understand this request. If only one person ever communicates and the other remains invisible, that's a warning sign.
Meeting Safely
First meetings should happen in public places. Tell someone where you're going and who you're meeting. Trust your instincts—if something feels off, it probably is.
The open relationship community generally takes consent and boundaries seriously. Anyone who pressures you, dismisses your concerns, or tries to rush past your comfort zone isn't worth your time. Quality connections come from mutual respect, not pressure.
Stick to established platforms with moderation and reporting features. They're not perfect, but they're safer than random forums or social media groups with no oversight.
Finding Your Path in Open Relationship Dating
Dating sites for open relationships have changed how Australians explore non-monogamous connections. What once required knowing the right people or stumbling into the right social circles now happens through your phone or laptop. The Lovezoid team has seen this space evolve significantly, and the options available today are genuinely better than even a few years ago.
The key points to remember: choose platforms designed for this community rather than trying to make mainstream apps work. Be clear and honest in your profile and communications. Prioritize safety and trust your judgment about people. And give yourself time—meaningful connections in open relationships often take longer to develop because there's more to navigate.
Whether you're a woman exploring options or someone over 40 entering this scene for the first time, the Australian open relationship community is welcoming to newcomers who approach it with respect and genuine interest.
Registration is free on most sites—worth signing up, completing your profile, and seeing who's in your area. Your next connection might be closer than you think.
FAQ
Will my partner or I get judged on open relationship dating sites?
Specialised platforms for ethical non-monogamy are designed specifically for people in your situation, so judgement is rare. Unlike mainstream apps where you might face awkward questions or negative reactions, users on niche sites already understand and respect open relationship dynamics. That said, always verify someone's genuine understanding of ENM before meeting in person.
How do I know if someone on these sites is actually in an open relationship or just cheating?
This is a legitimate concern and unfortunately there's no foolproof way to verify. Look for profiles that mention their partner openly, offer to introduce you, or have linked couple accounts. Trust your instincts—if someone is secretive about their "open" arrangement or can only meet at odd hours, those are red flags worth taking seriously.
Are open relationship dating sites worth paying for in Australia or is the user base too small?
The Australian user base on niche ENM platforms is smaller than mainstream apps, particularly outside Sydney and Melbourne. Paid memberships typically range from $25-50 per month and can be worthwhile in major cities where the community is more active. Consider starting with free features to gauge local activity before committing to a subscription.
Could someone I know discover my profile on an open relationship site?
Yes, it's possible, though most niche platforms offer privacy features like hiding your profile from specific users or only showing your photo to matches. Remember that anyone who sees your profile is also on the same site. Many Australian users choose to use first names only and avoid identifiable workplace details until they've built trust with a match.
Is it better to use mainstream apps and mention open relationships in my bio instead?
Both approaches have trade-offs. Mainstream apps have more users but you'll spend significant time filtering out people who don't understand or accept ENM. Specialised platforms have smaller pools but everyone there is already on the same page. Many Australians in open relationships use both—niche sites for serious connections and mainstream apps with clear bios to cast a wider net.