15 Workshops & Classes in Sydney to Plan a Sydney Day Around

1.Bondi Beach: 2-Hour Surf Lesson Experience for Any Level

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 935 reviews · 2 hours · from $70Our pick

At Bondi Beach, a qualified English-speaking instructor leads up to five students through surf safety, beach practice and coached time on soft boards. The two-hour lesson suits first-timers and surfers refreshing basic skills. Wetsuit, rash vest, sunscreen and board are provided; bring swimwear and a towel.

“Great experience! The instructors were super friendly and really patient, giving advice all along the lesson so we could improve. We were a very cheerful group and had a blast! Definitely recommend!”

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2.Mosaic Art Classes Sydney: Turkish Lamp Workshop

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 391 reviews · from $56Top rated

At a Darlinghurst art studio, you’ll choose from more than 10 glass colors and traditional geometric templates, then glue the pieces onto a candle holder with an instructor’s guidance. The ticket covers a candle holder, not a lamp; larger lamp styles cost extra. Tea and snacks are provided, and the final plastering can be done at home or for a fee at the studio.

“It was an interesting and fun experience figuring out the patience and time required to put a mosaic lamp together. The instructor was also very patient and helpful.”

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3.Surfing Lessons on Sydney’s Bondi Beach

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 267 reviews · from $71

Meet your instructor at Lets Go Surfing near Bondi Beach for a two-hour beginner-friendly lesson. You’ll practise the pop-up on sand, learn about beach conditions and rip currents, then head into the water with a board, wetsuit or rash vest, sunscreen, and a small instructional group. Instructors have included Aaron, Luke, Taylor, Tyler, Will, and Freddy.

“This was so much fun! Our surf instructors, Luke and Bert, were amazing. They provided background information, thorough explanations, and were present and involved for the entire lesson, making everyone feel very safe and comfortRead more”

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4.Maroubra Surf Lesson

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 188 reviews · 2 hours · from $60

At Maroubra Beach, learn surf basics, beach safety, and how to catch your first wave in a group of six or fewer. The two-hour lesson includes a soft board, wetsuit, rash vest, sunscreen, and zinc. Instructors speak English, Spanish, and Dutch. Bring swimwear and a towel.

“It was our first surf lesson, and we were really nervous, but our instructor, Seb, was super friendly and patient. It was amazing. We loved the experience and can’t wait to do it again!”

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5.Paint and Sip Classes Sydney: Ceramic Plates & Bowls

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 126 reviews · from $49

At Art Masterclass on William Street in Darlinghurst, paint a ceramic plate or bowl in a roughly 2.5-hour session. Supplies and instructor help are included, with apple tea, coffee, and Turkish delights to enjoy. Bring your own wine and nibbles if you like; the class welcomes all skill levels and ends where it begins.

“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!”

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6.Winemaking Class at McCaffrey’s Estate

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 97 reviews · from $90

At McCaffrey’s Estate in Pokolbin, a wine educator guides you through tasting red varietals, testing blend ratios and bottling your own creation. You’ll spend about 90 minutes learning by doing, with a glass or two of your blend along the way. The group is capped at 14, and the experience is for adults 18 and over.

“It was great! I didn’t know much about wine tasting, and Declan helped us to understand which are the elements to consider when you taste red wines. I really learnt a lot. It was a lot of fun. my husband and I loved! Really recommend!!”

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7.Paint and Sip Classes Sydney: Acrylic Art, Canvas & Wine

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 53 reviews · from $56

At this private two-hour acrylic class in Darlinghurst, an instructor guides you step by step, so you don’t need painting experience. Canvas, paints, brushes and an apron are provided, along with tea and Turkish delights. You can bring your own wine if you’re 18 or older. The class starts at 6 pm and needs at least three participants.

“I loved this place! We’ve got the most patient teacher. ❤️. I had a great time in this art class. The atmosphere was very relaxed and welcoming, and the instructor explained everything clearly and patiently. It was a perfect activity to relax, be Read more”

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8.From Manly: Sydney Harbour Hands-On 2.5 Hour Yacht Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 30 reviews · 2h 30m · from $119

From Manly Yacht Club, join an experienced English-speaking crew for 2.5 hours on Sydney Harbour. You can help set the sails and steer, with instruction if you want it. The route may pass the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, waterfront homes, and beaches, depending on weather. Groups are limited to four people.

“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”

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9.Dee Why Beach Group Surfing Lesson

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 21 reviews · 1h 30m · from $53

Join a 90-minute group surf lesson at Dee Why Beach, where coaches cover paddling, popping up, wave choice and ocean safety. Boards and wetsuits are provided, and the small-group format leaves room for personal guidance. The school’s Dan and Conrad bring more than 15 years of combined coaching experience.

“This was genuinely such a blast, my instructors Anguss and Gor made it so unbelievably fun. They were swift in explanation and had me up on my second try! 10/10 would recommend, best bang for your buck, skip out on Bondi and go to Dee Why.”

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10.Newcastle: Spirit Blending Class at Earp Distilling Co.

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 17 reviews · 1 hour · from $34Best value

At Earp Distilling Co. in Newcastle, an expert team guides you through the history and hands-on craft of compound spirit blending. Choose gin, vodka, or rum, build a flavour with more than 20 botanicals, then taste, bottle, and label your own 200ml blend. The one-hour class welcomes beginners and enthusiasts alike.

“Such a fun experience, and great value for money considering you get to take home a 200ml bottle of gin as well as the blending experience. Really interesting to learn about the botanicals. Would highly recommend this to anyone visiting Newcastle!”

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11.From Manly: Sydney Harbour Hands-On Taster Yacht Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 13 reviews · 1h 30m · from $84

From Manly, join a captain and a group of up to four for a hands-on Sydney Harbour sailing taster. Get a short lesson, help set the sails and steer, and cruise along the northern coastline. Instructors Onur and Izzy have been praised for clear, patient teaching, though the captain may vary.

“Our Instructor Onur was very good, patient and did a great job of explaining things.”

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12.Hands-On Sailing Experience on Luxury Yacht

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 12 reviews · from $161

Board a private yacht at Manly for a three-hour Sydney Harbour sail with a skipper who can teach you the basics and let you take the helm. You can shape the outing around the harbor’s beaches and bays, bring a picnic, and look for the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Watsons Bay, and more. Morning and afternoon departures are offered.

“I am not a sailboat person but my husband loved it! Water was a bit rough for me at times but the crew was amazing. Learned some things about sailing and got to enjoy some beautiful scenery.”

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13.Ceramic Plates & Bowls Paint and Sip Classes

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 11 reviews · 2h 30m · from $55

Spend 150 minutes painting a glazed ceramic plate or bowl at Art Masterclass Sydney. An English-speaking instructor guides beginners through the process, with paints and brushes supplied. Bring your own wine if you like; Turkish tea, treats, and homemade shortbread are included. You can take your finished piece home at the end.

“it was very chill and the painting was easy and guidance was very nice!! especially the apple tea”

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14.Mosaic Art Classes – Turkish Lamp Workshop

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 8 reviews · 2h 30m · from $63

At Art Masterclass in Sydney, an English-speaking instructor guides you through Turkish mosaic design, glass painting, and lamp-making techniques. Spend 150 minutes working with colored glass, beads, and adhesive, then take home your own lamp. Turkish tea and homemade cookies are included. The class is wheelchair accessible and costs $63 per person.

“The wife and I loved it! Thought it was very therapeutic and relaxing experience and got away with beautiful souvenirs”

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15.Port Stephen: One Mile Beach Group Surf Lesson

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6 reviews · 1h 30m · from $60

At One Mile Beach in Port Stephens, coaches guide beginners and newer surfers through a 90-minute group lesson, from dry-land practice to catching whitewater waves in waist-deep water. Surfboard, wetsuit, and rashie are included. Coach Troy has led lessons for complete beginners, and children from age five can join.

“Troy was a really good teacher! Had a lot of fun and we learned the basics fairly quickly”

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