How/where to make new friends?

Hello IMs,

I have recently found myself alone and quite lonely. I have three crazy children who I love dearly but keep me very occupied. I am divorced and now separated from the most recent partner of two years. I don't have much left in the way of family and am still relatively new to the area I currently live in. I do get some weekends without the children, otherwise I look after them and do all of the schooling etc. I am in my early thirties and have so far been able to make it through all of my life's events on my own, but now I am craving company. Not necessarily a relationship, more so friendships.

My question is what have others found to be an effective way to meet people and make new friends?

I am very active and love being outdoors, but also enjoy meaningful conversations (or at least conversations with adults!), reading, art, music and perhaps a lot of other things but have been too busy with children to realise. If location helps, I live in Brisbane.

Thank you.