Melbourne, Victoria

Things to do in Melbourne with a local

Melbourne is a city of laneways, galleries, food and sport, and much of it is hidden in plain sight down an arcade or up a flight of stairs. Having a local alongside turns a list of famous names into a proper afternoon. This guide covers eight well-known Melbourne experiences and how each one feels with a Deeplay Companion — a verified local you book by the hour for platonic social activities.

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Published by Deeplay ·

The guide

Eight Melbourne experiences, better shared

  1. 1

    Laneways and arcades

    Melbourne CBD

    Degraves Street, Centre Place, the Block Arcade and the street art of Hosier Lane are the centre of Melbourne's laneway culture.

    Why with a local: The laneways are easy to miss and easy to get lost in. A local strings them together into one walk and knows where to stop.

    Deeplay activity: City Walk
  2. 2

    Queen Victoria Market

    Melbourne CBD

    A historic open-air market with fresh produce, delis and general merchandise, and a long-running tradition of seasonal night markets.

    Why with a local: Your Companion can show you the delicatessen halls and the stalls locals return to, then suggest where to eat afterwards.

    Deeplay activity: Events
  3. 3

    Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria

    South Yarra / Melbourne

    Expansive gardens beside the Yarra River and Kings Domain, with lakes, lawns and the Tan running track around the edge.

    Why with a local: A calm, central place for a first meeting, and an easy walk across to Southbank or the Shrine of Remembrance.

    Deeplay activity: City Walk
  4. 4

    National Gallery of Victoria

    Southbank

    Australia's oldest public art gallery, with international collections on St Kilda Road and Australian art at The Ian Potter Centre in Federation Square.

    Why with a local: A gallery afternoon is more fun with someone to talk it through, followed by a coffee on Southbank.

    Deeplay activity: Events
  5. 5

    St Kilda foreshore and pier

    St Kilda

    Melbourne's best-known bayside suburb, with the Esplanade, the pier, Acland Street's cake shops and Luna Park.

    Why with a local: A local can time it for a sunset walk along the foreshore and suggest a spot for dinner nearby.

    Deeplay activity: City Walk
  6. 6

    Fitzroy and Brunswick Street

    Fitzroy

    One of Melbourne's most characterful streets, known for cafés, vintage shops, bookshops, live music and street art.

    Why with a local: Melbourne takes its coffee seriously. A local's favourite café is the best introduction to the neighbourhood.

    Deeplay activity: Coffee
  7. 7

    Lygon Street

    Carlton

    Melbourne's long-established Italian quarter, with trattorias, pasticcerie and gelato a short tram ride from the CBD.

    Why with a local: A relaxed dinner in Carlton, with a Companion who can recommend where to sit and what to order.

    Deeplay activity: Meal
  8. 8

    Melbourne Cricket Ground

    Yarra Park

    The MCG is the home of AFL football and the Boxing Day Test, and one of the world's best-known sporting venues.

    Why with a local: Going to the footy for the first time? A local can explain the game, the rivalries and the rituals of a day at the G.

    Deeplay activity: Events

Practical tips

Getting around Melbourne

  • Trams are free within the CBD's Free Tram Zone. Outside it you need a myki card or a mobile myki.
  • Melbourne weather can change quickly, even within a day. A light layer is useful in every season.
  • Many laneway cafés are small. For a sit-down coffee with a Companion, mid-morning on a weekday is usually easiest.
  • For a first booking, choose a public, central meeting spot and agree on the plan in Deeplay messages beforehand.
  • Having a good time? You can extend a booking during the activity, from an extra 30 minutes up to 3 hours.

Admin approved

Every Companion is reviewed and approved by the Deeplay team before going live.

ID verified

Companions pass Stripe Identity government-ID verification before taking bookings.

Charged on acceptance

Your card is only held when you book, and charged once your Companion accepts.

Platonic, always

Social activities only, under our Community Standards. Deeplay is not a dating app.

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