📍 Looking to meet people in Melbourne? Linguas is not at Diesel Bar anymore. Join us Tuesdays at Father’s Office QV and Thursdays at Asian Beer Café from 6pm–10pm. See current events

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Linguas Australia

New to Melbourne? Start with somewhere friendly to go.

New to Melbourne and looking for somewhere easy to start? Linguas runs relaxed social language exchange nights where international students, travellers, backpackers, workers, locals and newcomers can meet people, practise languages and make friends in the city.

You can come alone. You do not need perfect English. You do not need an existing friend group. Come to the reception table, collect your wristband, and we will help point you toward a friendly table or group.

Newcomers welcome Tuesday: Father’s Office QV Thursday: Asian Beer Café Language exchange International crowd

Current Linguas venue update

Linguas is no longer running at Diesel Bar. Our current regular nights for people who are new to Melbourne and want to meet others are at Father’s Office QV and Asian Beer Café.

Tuesdays

Father’s Office QV

From 6:00pm to 10:00pm. Social language exchange, conversation tables and new faces.

Thursdays

Asian Beer Café

From 6:00pm to 10:00pm. Melbourne Central, Level 3, near the balcony area.

Entry may vary by event. Some events use a small entry fee or purchase-on-entry arrangement. Always check the latest event page before attending.

A friendly first step if you are new to Melbourne

Moving to Melbourne can be exciting, but it can also feel lonely when you do not yet have a regular group of people to see. Linguas gives newcomers a familiar place to start: a recurring social event where conversation is expected, people are open to meeting others, and arriving alone is normal.

The easiest entry point is our language exchange nights. You can practise English, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Spanish or another language, but you can also simply join to meet people, have casual conversations and slowly become part of a friendly Melbourne social community.

New people meeting at a Linguas social event in Melbourne

Who is this for if you are new to Melbourne?

Linguas is built for people who have recently arrived, returned to the city, changed routine, started study or work, or simply want a fresh social circle in Melbourne.

New arrivals

International students, backpackers, travellers, working holiday makers and newcomers looking for a first social circle.

Students and workers

People starting university, language school, work, placement or a new routine and wanting friendly after-hours options.

People coming alone

You can arrive by yourself. The host table and wristband system help make the first step easier.

Language learners

People who want to practise English, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Spanish and more through real conversation.

Why language exchange works when you are new here

The hardest part of a new city is often the first conversation. Language exchange gives you a reason to talk naturally.

  • There is an easy opening topic. You can ask what language someone speaks, what they are learning, where they are from or how long they have been in Melbourne.
  • People expect conversation. It is not like interrupting someone at a random bar. Everyone is there to meet people.
  • It is recurring. Seeing familiar faces over multiple weeks makes friendships more likely.
  • It attracts open-minded people. Locals, international students, migrants and travellers usually come because they enjoy culture, languages and meeting new people.
  • It is flexible. You can practise seriously, chat casually, or use the event as a low-pressure social night.

How to start when you are new to Melbourne

You do not need a big plan. Just make the first step easy.

Step 1

Check the event page

Confirm the latest venue, date, time and entry details before coming.

Step 2

Arrive from 6pm

People usually arrive progressively after work, study or dinner plans.

Step 3

Find reception

Collect your wristband and ask the host where to start if it is your first time.

Step 4

Join a table

Start with a language table, a first-timers group, or a casual social conversation.

Melbourne social community event with Linguas and Intermingle Australia

More ways to settle into Melbourne through Intermingle

Linguas is part of Intermingle Australia, a wider Melbourne social ecosystem for people who want more than one way to meet people and feel settled in the city.

Alongside language exchange, our broader world includes Respawn gaming socials, Thought Experiment conversation events, Sugar & Spice cultural nights, and partner communities such as Melbourne Tennis Socials. That means you can meet people through conversation, gaming, culture, deep chats, tennis and other accessible social events as you build your Melbourne life.

Current Linguas venues in Melbourne

Linguas currently meets in Melbourne CBD. Please check the latest event listing before attending, especially for special events or public holidays.

Tuesday social language exchange

Father’s Office QV

Tuesday Linguas Language Exchange & Social. From 6:00pm to 10:00pm.

Thursday social language exchange

Asian Beer Café

Thursday Linguas Language Exchange & Social. Melbourne Central Level 3, from 6:00pm to 10:00pm.

New to Melbourne FAQ

Common questions from people who are new to Melbourne and thinking about attending Linguas for the first time.

What should I do if I am new to Melbourne?

Start with recurring social events where arriving alone is normal. Linguas is designed for conversation, language exchange and meeting people, so it gives you a simple first place to go.

Can I come alone?

Yes. Many people come alone. Come to the reception table when you arrive, collect your wristband and ask the hosts where to start.

Is this only for international students?

No. International students are welcome, but Linguas is also for locals, travellers, backpackers, workers, migrants and anyone who wants to meet people in Melbourne.

Is this a dating event?

No. Linguas is a social and language exchange community. The focus is making friends, practising languages, cultural exchange and respectful conversation.

Is Linguas still at Diesel Bar?

No. Linguas is no longer running at Diesel Bar. Current regular nights are Tuesdays at Father’s Office QV and Thursdays at Asian Beer Café.

How much is entry?

Entry can vary by event. Some nights use a small entry fee or purchase-on-entry arrangement. Check the current event listing before coming.

New to Melbourne?

Come to the next Linguas event and start meeting people

Come alone, bring a friend, or invite someone who has just arrived in the city. Linguas is one of the easiest ways to start meeting people in Melbourne through conversation, language exchange and friendly social nights.