By Erica GendaIn this story:
The weather is heating up, and Australian beaches are about to get a whole lot busier! But what’s there to do during a glorious Australian summer when you’re not a beach person? The good news is, there are heaps of things to do this summer that don’t involve sand in places it shouldn’t be.
We’ve put together 5 of the best summer activities that’ll keep you cool and have you embracing the season, without stuffing a beach umbrella into your boot!
1. Paint your own pottery
Skip the sandy mess for some muddy mess instead! Don’t worry, you’ll be totally clean by the end of this pottery painting workshop, (held in an air-conditioned studio) at Posy Ceramics in Newtown.
This one’s a fun summer session to do with friends, so bring them along for a cool escape, as everyone gets stuck into adding their own custom designs onto pretty pottery, with a choice between pre-made ceramic mugs, wine glasses or plates. Get funky with it and create your go-to summer snack plate or iced tea glass using a variety of colourful underglazes—all while sipping your favourite BYO drinks. This cute, comfortable summer activity is the best way to make the most of a sunny day without worrying about burning up, plus you get a memento out of it!
Once you finish painting your masterpiece, head just down the road to Newtown Garden Market to pick up a few lush indoor plants or outdoor greenery to match your newly painted ceramics. Nothing says summer more than bright colours and vibrant nature.
2. Enjoy the sunshine in an outdoor paint and sip class
Combine the beauty of open-air summer weather with a creative twist at this outdoor sip and paint class on Observatory Hill. With cosy blankets and cushions provided, enjoy the picnic-style set-up as your teacher guides you step-by-step to paint something as pretty as the iconic Sydney Harbour views that surround you.
Sophie F. barely felt like she was at a class at all, making the most of the afternoon hangout with her friends:
“Best paint and sip experience we could have asked for! Roby was so friendly and an amazing teacher who explained the steps in a simple and easy-to-understand way :). The location/set up was perfect and very peaceful. Roby made it feel like we were just hanging out as a couple of friends, painting in the park, while she showed us what to do. Would recommend to anyone wanting to try a paint and sip!”
And since it’s BYO snacks and drinks, keep the fun going after class by laying out your own park picnic, throwing around a frisbee, or playing lawn games under a shady tree. This is the kind of summer session that you’ll hang onto during winter, just waiting for another park day!
3. Plan the perfect cocktail class
Beat the coastal heat by stepping inside the sleek, cool distillery at Six-Tricks Distilling Co in Mermaid Waters for a cocktail class and distillery experience. You’ll start with a welcome drink, tour the copper stills behind the scenes, and learn to shake and stir two of your own signature cocktails alongside expert mixologists.
Afterwards, keep the summer vibes alive by heading over to nearby Mermaid Beach Putt Putt for a friendly mini-golf tournament. (It’s always more fun after a few cheeky cocktails!)
4. Pick flowers from a field
Bring your wide-brimmed hat and enjoy the summer breeze over rolling hills and vibrant fields as you pick flowers on this farm tour in Silvan.
You’ll take a leisurely walk through the hilltop market garden in the Yarra Valley before grabbing your snips to cut a full bucket of fresh, colourful dahlias. Immerse yourself in nature, breathe in the crisp country air, and enjoy a peaceful morning outdoors without a speck of sand in sight. Not to mention you get to take two vases' worth of flowers home to brighten up your days!
Erin M. visited recently for her own joyful day trip:
“Genuinely, I haven’t had this much fun in ages; the florists were so knowledgeable, and the farm had some of the most beautiful dahlias I have ever seen! I would (and will be) returning in a heartbeat!”
5. Pretend you're in Italy (with an authentic cooking class!)
Escape to the Mediterranean without leaving Sydney at this festa Italiano cooking class in Potts Point.
Get ready to whip up pesto from scratch, learn the secrets of limoncello, and mix classic Italian cocktails before sitting down to feast with your favourite people. Once the session wraps up, you don't even have to leave—you can transition straight to the venue's Hamilton Bar to keep the drinks and good times flowing long into the summer evening.
You don't need a beach towel or swimming gear to make the absolute most of an Australian summer. Skipping the crowded shores and sea breeze doesn't mean missing out on the warmth, energy and fun of the sunny season. Whether you're getting creative with custom ceramics, shaking up cocktails, or wandering through rows of fresh dahlias, these sand-free adventures offer all the vibrant flavours, sunshine and nostalgia of a summer well spent!
Fill up your calendar with our things to do in Australia guide!
