Meet Dingo Hampel + Localing
Credit: Localing
Can you please tell our audience about who you are and about Localing?
I’m Dingo Hampel, Co-Founder of Localing—a company that delivers private, highly personalized tours for people who don’t like tours. Localing connects travelers to Australia's heart and soul through meaningful, tailored experiences. With the right host, a great day in Australia can feel like you’re being shown around by a knowledgeable friend, revealing places and stories most visitors never see.
What initially drew you to starting Localing?
After years of working in art, jazz, and culture, I noticed travelers often missed the true essence of a place. I wanted to create a deeper, more personal way for people to connect with destinations and their stories—whether through meeting makers, tasting local flavors, or exploring neighborhoods beyond the tourist map.
What do you hope to share with travelers on your tours?
Our tours focus on authenticity and insight. We hope to share the real side of the cities we operate — its vibrant arts, rich multicultural communities, and local legends. From contemporary culture to Indigenous history, every experience is a chance to see the city through local eyes.
Credit: Localing
What does the average traveler not know about Melbourne?
Melbourne’s best stories are in its details: hidden laneways lined with street art, family-run wine bars, local jazz clubs, or Indigenous narratives embedded in its landscape. It's a city full of surprises, best uncovered with someone who knows where to look.
What is the one thing every traveler must do when they visit Melbourne?
Get a tour and wander the laneways! Start with coffee, explore hidden art, and let a local guide lead you to places you wouldn’t find alone. Melbourne’s soul is in its tucked-away treasures.
What is so special about Melbourne from your perspective?
Melbourne’s creativity and diversity make it truly special. It’s a place where art, music, food, and culture intersect in a way that feels effortlessly cool, yet welcoming. There’s always something new to discover, and no two days are the same.
What do you love most about travel (in general)?
Travel is about connection—meeting new people, learning their stories, and sharing experiences that expand your perspective. The beauty of travel lies in its unpredictability and the way it brings out our curiosity.
If you had 24 hours to experience the best of Melbourne, what would you do?
Start with epic Melbourne-made coffee in a hidden laneway café then experience the best of Melbourne City whilst you embark on a captivating exploration of Melbourne’s laneways, history, and culture! Wander the city's backstreets and get acquainted with local food, people and culture.
For lunch, dine at one of the many amazing asian fusion award winning restaurants (think Supernormal, ChinChin, Coda or Tonka)
Then in the 'arvo' explore the city's fringes and immerse yourself in street art and independent shopping. See street art in Collingwood, go shopping in Fitzroy, get a gelato in Little Italy, have a cocktail in South Melbourne and watch the sun go down in St Kilda. Go behind the scenes and beyond the tourist trail to experience the city in a way most locals never see!
That evening, experience another side of Melbourne on a night out in the town. Enjoy a progressive degustation and cocktails at exclusive night spots and local institutions. Meet locals and learn about the city’s history of excess and prohibition, scoundrels and scandals. Wine, cocktails…
What is your favorite travel secret?
Slow down. When you stop rushing and take time to engage, you’ll find the real magic—like a local winemaker’s favorite bottle or a quiet laneway where the city’s pulse beats strongest.
Credit: Localing