Australian Cult Groups
A reference list of high-demand groups and cults known to operate or have operated in Australia. This page does not describe each group in detail — its purpose is to help you name what you may be experiencing, and to point you toward support.
Not sure if your group qualifies? You don't need certainty to reach out.
If something feels wrong — if you feel unable to leave, if your thinking feels controlled, if relationships outside the group have been damaged, if you fear punishment for questioning — that is enough reason to talk to someone.
Australia: Olive Leaf Network ·
ICSA ·
Cult Information and Family Support (CIFS) — info@cifs.org.au
Unsure what you're in? Try the
BITE Model assessment — a free self-evaluation tool.
Known Groups — Reference List
This list is not exhaustive. Inclusion does not imply equal severity. For detailed information on any group, visit ICSA or Cult Awareness and Information Centre (CAIC).
Spiritual & Religious
- Agape Ministries International (now Agape Community Church)
- Ananda Marga
- Christian Assemblies International (CAI)
- Divine Truth (AJ Miller / Jesus of Nazareth group)
- Exclusive Brethren / Plymouth Brethren Christian Church (PBCC)
- Jesus People / The Family International (formerly Children of God)
- Kenja Communication
- Little Pebble / Order of St Charbel
- Magnificat Meal Movement
- New Christian Church of Full Endeavour
- Truth Fellowship
- Twelve Tribes of Israel
- Two by Two (The Church with No Name / Cooneyites)
- United Pentecostal Church International
- Universal Medicine (Serge Benhayon)
Yoga & Tantra Based
- MISA / Tara Yoga / Natha / Atman Federation (Gregorian Bivolaru)
- Satyananda Yoga Ashram (Bihar School of Yoga)
- The New Tantra
- Ananda Marga (yoga front)
New Age & Fringe
- Ashtar Command
- Breatharian Movement (Jasmuheen / Ellen Greve)
- 11:11 Doorway
- Hermes Far Eastern Shining
- Ideal Human Environment
- Raëlian Movement
- Soul Freedom
- Teal Swan cult
- Universal Knowledge
Eastern Religious
- Aum Shinrikyo / Aleph (Japanese, active in Australia)
- Falun Gong / Falun Dafa
- Happy Science
- New Kadampa Tradition
- Rigpa International (Sogyal Rinpoche)
- Sukyo Mahikari
- Transcendental Meditation Movement
Extremist & Other
- Blood Rites Clan
- Church of Satan
- Heaven's Gate
- Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn
- Islamic State (ISIS)
- Ku Klux Klan
- Ordo Templi Orientis
- Osho / Rajneesh Movement
- Providence cult
- South Australian Satanists
- The Covenant of the Serpent and Star
- The Lilith Children
- The Southern Cross Vampyres
- Thule Society
- Vamp Wytch Bitch
- World Church of the Creator
Need More Detail?
The Revolt Against Cults Australia website has detailed profiles on many of the groups listed above.
For international groups and broader research, ICSA's digital library is the most comprehensive resource available.