Sydney · WORKSHOPS
The good ones fill weeks ahead and the best go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes, and how they differ once you look past the photographs.
2-hour beginner surf lesson at iconic Bondi Beach. Small group coaching, full gear, and safety tips for any level. $70
“We had Matt and Andrea. Both were great. Great fun for a first timer”
Build a Turkish mosaic candle holder in Sydney. Choose glass colors, follow templates or design your own, with tea and snacks included.
“Lots of fun and very creative. Staff were knowledgeable and helpful. They fixed mistakes and made sure things looked good. Nice snack as well. And one staff member made sure we were able to get a taxi back to our hotel.”
Bondi Beach beginner surf lesson in a small group of five. Gear, wetsuit, sunscreen, and locker included for about 2 hours.
“Had a great surfing lesson - thanks to the instructor, I even managed to stand on the board on my first go! We took time to learn about the beach’s dynamics, including rips, stretch and practise on land before getting into the water. The day we surfed it was tipping it down with rain, but that didn’t matter! I thought I’d mention it so you’ll know it’ll happen no matter the weather. Had a good 1hr in the water I’d say. A great experience.”
A beginner-friendly 2-hour surf lesson at Maroubra Beach, Sydney. Small groups, expert coaching, and gear included for $60.
“This was so much fun. The instructors were really helpful and the atmosphere was super relaxed. Would definitely go again.”
Paint and Sip in Darlinghurst, Sydney. BYO wine, all supplies included, and you leave with a painted ceramic bowl or plate.
“This was a great activity as a solo traveler. When I arrived a very kind and friendly woman introduced the activity to me and gave some tips to help it go smoothly. The tea was delicious and the two hours was perfect for the time it took to complete. Overall it was so calming and peaceful, a nice break from walking around the busy city of Sydney. I loved it!”
Paint and Sip Sydney acrylic on canvas, step-by-step coaching, Turkish tea and sweets, optional wine, 2-hour Darlinghurst class.
“Excelent, we had a perfect moment. I enjoyed to painting with my friends. La profesora fue muy amable y paciente, nos ayudó a dejar fluir la creatividad”
Resin Art Classes Sydney in Darlinghurst. Make epoxy cheeseboards and coasters with expert guidance, snacks, and a 24-hour set time.
“When we arrived for our class, the instructor informed us that the class list he received from the office did not have our names on it and there was no room for us in the class. He called the office and no response was received. We also attempted to reach the office via Viator messaging, as well as phone, and never received a response..”
Hands-on 2.5-hour yacht sailing from Manly, with small-group help steering and setting sails past Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
“excellent tour, we went on a very windy day and our guide was excellent guiding us through the details of sailing into a strong windy day”
Hands-on sailing in Sydney Harbour on a small 24-foot keelboat from Manly, with safety gear and instruction included, 1.5 to 2.5 hrs.
“Diana was a great guide/ instructor. The 2 hour session was very educational and very active. I would recommend it to those who look to learn to sail.”
90-minute group surfing lesson at Dee Why Beach. Pros teach paddling, pop-up, wave choice and safety, with surfboards and wetsuits.
“This was so much fun and our instructor Will was so helpful! Great experience for a good price, we were all able to learn how to stand up on our boards.”
90 minutes of hands-on sailing from Manly, with a small group and instruction as you cruise Sydney Harbour’s northern beaches. $84 pp
“Izzy was a terrific teacher. She made sailing lots of fun and simple. A really great introduction.”
Private 3-hour sailing from Manly on Southwinds. Learn to sail, take the helm, and see Opera House and Harbour Bridge from the water.
“We had an excellent day! Xavier was awesome, great captain, great teacher, great guy.. We had light winds but the yacht performed great. Very rewarding overall.”
Paint and Sip in Sydney for $55: decorate glazed ceramic plates or bowls, bring your own bottle, and enjoy Turkish tea and treats.
“It was fun and good to try, the teacher we lovely! Was just more colouring in then actually creating the plate and feel it was quite expensive for just a small plate.”
Make a Turkish mosaic lamp in 2.5 hours in Sydney, with tea and cookies included. Creative class for $63 per person.
“It was relaxing and enjoyable experience. They offered tea with cookies, it was delicious home made which was delicious and lovely. The instructor was fantastic—very attentive, patient, and always ready to help. They guided us step-by-step through the process, making it easy to follow. It made me feel inspired and disconnected. Highly recommended for anyone looking to try something creative. The best...it is made by yourself for yourself.”
Private 3 hour Sydney night photo masterclass from Milsons Point to Circular Quay, with exposure triangle practice and guidance.
“The three hours flew by and I was sorry it was over so quickly. Glenn did a fantastic job of covering the fundamentals (eg exposure triangle) and then focusing on each aspect of the triangle to give real world examples of the tradeoffs (eg shoRead more”
Every kind of day out between the ferry wharves and the cliffs, and the best of each.
