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Whether you’ve lived here for a while or you’re visiting for a weekend, finding non-touristy things to do in Melbourne is key to experiencing the city's true character.
While Luna Park, Fed Square and Melbourne Zoo are must-visit locations in their own right, there’s so much more to Australia’s capital of cool.
From choccy-making in Malvern to glassblowing in St Kilda, there are laneways' worth of hidden gems to uncover. And with three public holidays on the horizon, April’s the time to do it.
From Abbotsford to Brunswick and beyond, here’s a taste of what’s on in Melbourne in April, 2025…
1. Swap spots with your favourite barista
Every man and his cavoodle knows Melbourne’s a mecca for coffee lovers. From Code Black to Manta Ray, the city’s specialty coffee scene is unparalleled. (Sorry, Sydney.)
While Europeans party till 5am and sleep till midday, we’re up with the sun, drawn by the promise of an exceptional brew from our local. If consuming caffeine is your raison d’etre like it is for the rest of us, it’s high time you stepped behind La Marzocco.
Learning to dial in different beans, pull consistent shots and level-up your latte art is a must for every Melburnian – and Barista Masterclass’ coffee making workshop will get you there.
Hosted in a converted garage in North Melbs, this four-hour class will see you setting up a grinder, steaming milk, tasting espresso and experiencing life like one of Melbourne’s much-loved baristas.
Expect a good dose of theory, lots of hands-on help and more than enough time to serve a flat white worthy of the ‘gram. (You might not perfect the swan this time around, but a trusty tulip is well within your reach.) Word to the wise: Book the morning class if you’re sensitive to caffeine.
In your words…
“I'm so glad I finally took this class, and I only wish I’d done it earlier! It’s a great class for beginners and I’m more aware of what to look out for when I purchase my next lot of beans. It was most valuable to have someone correct the technique/habits that I subconsciously developed on my home machine. (This is the part you won’t get from YouTubing: someone to provide that feedback).” – Ann Boo
2. Throw clay at this creative Abbotsford soirée
In classic Abbotsford style, this two-hour wheel throwing workshop takes place in a restored mid-century warehouse. Just a stone's throw from Collingwood and an easy trip on the tram, it’s the ideal place to learn pottery while sipping on a cab sav. (Just don’t forget to BYO.)
Owners Sally and Michael will sort you out with unlimited clay, expert tuition and all the tools you need to make your masterpiece – be it a bowl, coffee cup or jewellery dish.
They’ll even handle the glazing and firing of your piece at the end of the class. (JFYI, this process takes about 4-5 weeks, so you’ll have to come back to collect your creation.)
Saturday sessions can be busy and boisterous, so if you're after a quieter vibe, opt for the Slow Soirée class on Sunday. Limited to six students, it's a more intimate experience, promising plenty of individual support and troubleshooting.
Whether you’re keen to catch-up with mates or plan a different kind of date night, wheel throwing in a warehouse is proper Melbourne fun at its finest.
3. Embrace Autumn at a cosy Carlton craft class
After a stifling summer here in Melbs, we’re welcoming the cool change that Autumn brings. As leaves fall and temperatures drop, it’s the perfect time to cultivate a hygge atmosphere in your home. And we’ve got just the thing: tufting.
Repopularised by textile-obsessed TikTok-ers circa 2018, tufting is a cosy rug-making technique that’s popping off in capital cities around the country.
From West Perth to Brissy’s West End, there are entire studios dedicated to the fluffy art form, including the ever-popular Tufttea Studio in Carlton.
Held on leafy Lygon Street, Tuftea’s Tufting 101 Class is the perfect introduction to this eye-catching textile art. Under the guidance of an experienced yarn artist, you’ll learn how to…
- Apply your desired design to the fabric
- Load and operate your tufting gun
- Trim and shave your piece for a polished look
- Bring your masterpiece to life!
Workshops last about 3-4 hours, depending on the complexity of your work. If it’s your first time, consider choosing a simple design to ensure you have the time (and arm strength) to finish your piece.
In your words…
“Great class! Perfect space, quality tools, plenty of guidance. I absolutely LOVE THE RUG I made! Highly recommended!” – Hayley Thorncraft
4. Choose your own adventure
Cooler days and quieter streets make April the perfect time for micro-adventures around Melbs – be it a vegan Indian cooking class or glow-in-the-dark paint and sip.
To help you make the most of those precious long weekends, here’s an extra week worth of activities to add to your calendar.
- Make a Turkish mosaic lamp on Monday
- Try woodturning on Tuesday
- Solder a sliver ring on Wednesday
- Fold delicious dumplings Thursday
- Whip up an espresso martini on Friday
- Blend your own perfume on Saturday
- Design an eye-catching collage on Sunday
Whether you want to pack your calendar with extracurriculars or take it slow, there’s a lifetime of non-touristy stuff to do in Melbourne. Get out there!
Final image courtesy of That Paper Joint
3 years in business
Runs regularly
Abbotsford
1 to 16 guests
$75 - $95
