By 2015-06-02 08:11:22 UTC Australians have never had so many options when it comes to dating. Not only can they do it the old-fashioned Aussie way — casually try and run into someone enough times you accidentally start going out — they can also choose from a multitude of dating apps. A number of dating platforms have popped up Down Under — , of course, but also , Happn, Scruff and most recently, Coffee Meets Bagel. See also: Here's a handy guide to Mashable Australia's top five dating apps for meeting boys, girls or whatever you're in to. Tinder If you think dating is a numbers game, Tinder is your best bet. Sure, your housemate's cousin's workmate met her boyfriend on Tinder, but let's be honest, this app is about people looking for quantity not quality. Or if you like judging guys who post awkward gym selfies, then there's no better app out. Tinder is available free on iOS and Android. How does it work? Set up your Tinder profile using your Facebook name and photos, and get started by choosing your age range and how close your potential paramour should be to your present location. If you actually want to meet up with someone and not just revel in a virtual smorgasbord, you can chat in the app. But only if that person also thought you were decent looking and swiped right. Is there a downside? Well, health officials in Queensland have blamed Tinder for an uptick in STDs. Cases of chlamydia have risen 13% since September 2012 when the app launched,. So Tinder could possibly help you catch more than just a man. Because its algorithm serves up people who are friends of friends, Hinge is virtually recreating those parties on your smartphone. Besides the United States, the app is only available for the moment in the cities of London, Toronto, Mumbai and Sydney. And given the app's information fields include education and work history, this app works best for people who want more in common than just vicinity. Hinge is available free on iOS and Android. How does it work? Hinge uses your Facebook connections to link you up with people within a second or third degree of your social circle. Similar to Tinder, the app lets you accept or dismiss suggested suitors, as well as take a peek at their photos, height, hobbies and who your mutual friends are. Is there a downside? Hinge might be more reliable than other apps because it keeps dating on the edge of your friends and family group, but it might also be more judgmental. Since users include job and education information on their profile, it might not be that great if you aren't a college-educated executive with sex appeal. The Hinge mobile interface. Happn If you're crushing on the girl you see in the elevator at the gym, this app might be a round-about way to start a conversation. Happn is available free on iOS and Android. How does it work? Download the app, and every time you pass someone else who has the app they'll appear on your timeline in real-time. If you don't want to see them again, simply cross them off the list. But if you do like their style, check out their profile, see where you last crossed paths and start a conversation. Is there a downside? Guys might need to pay up to benefit from some of the app's perks. It's free for women, but men need to pay to use the option. Coffee Meets Bagel Who's it for? Young professionals who want their love life scheduled and don't have time to swipe through hundreds of potential dates — no muss, no fuss. Coffee Meets Bagel is available free on iOS and Android. How does it work? You can like or dislike this match, and the algorithm will begin to learn more about your preferences. Is there a downside? The Coffee Meets Bagel app interface. Image: Coffee Meets Bagel 5. Scruff It may not be as well known as Grindr, but Scruff is equally as good for meeting gay, bi and curious guys. Scruff really relies on the profile image, so you'll have fun if you're pretty successful with your workout and protein smoothie regime. But that's not to say you need to be picture perfect. Scruff is pro a diversity of looks, and often shares statistics about the body hair levels of its members. For example, Where's it available? Scruff is available free on iOS, Android and Windows Phone. How does it work? Download the app and view men in your proximity and around the world who are also on Scruff. Is there a downside? You need to pay for bonus features like access to unlimited search filters — age, ethnic origin, height and weight — as well as the ability to peruse profiles anonymously. The Scruff app interface.
