Things To Do in Gold Coast
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Think You're Not Creative? Try Pottery
By Charlotte McKewen
How potter and academic Bettina Stevanovic rediscovered her childhood love of clay and used it to tap into mindfulness and find her balance.
Why Arts and Crafts for Kids Build Self Confidence
By Sam Bowden
Arts and craft classes for kids in Melbourne are a wonderful way to help build your child's self esteem and confidence. Here's why.
Why You Should Try Paint Your Pet Classes
By Tiffany Fung
Head to paint your pet workshops in Australia and learn painting techniques, meet fellow pet lovers and make beautiful portraits of your furry friends.
Why Baking Speaks Louder Than Words
By Laine Fullerton
Five irresistibly sweet recipes that can help you say everything from “I love you” to “I’m here for you” this World Baking Day.
Actually Good Zoom Date Ideas
By Sam Bowden
Looking for zoom date ideas that don't suck? Whether you're long-distance dating or you're seeking out first date ideas during quarantine, we'veLooking for zoom date ideas that don't suck? Whether you're long-distance dating or you're seeking out first date ideas during quarantine, we've got some ingenious ideas for you... ...
Top Baby Shower Ideas
By Julia Carr-Catzel
An afternoon of tummy-rubs from enthused relatives, tiny gender neutral socks and disgruntled eternally-single friends beaming from across the roomAn afternoon of tummy-rubs from enthused relatives, tiny gender neutral socks and disgruntled eternally-single friends beaming from across the room in a feigned act of felicitations - all gather in honour of the greatly anticipated newborn. The baby shower in Sydney. Overwhelmed with the ceaseless stream of advice from tired mothers and unwrapping gift after gift straight out of the first four pages of the ‘Baby Kingdom’ catalogue, you wonder if there’s an alternative to the predictable baby shower schedule. ClassBento have just the afternoon for you, with plenty workshops replacing small talk with environments promoting learning, creativity or simply meditative or therapeutic rest during the testing pregnancy months. Zen and the Art of Block Printing Join Rowan Sivyer, watercolour artist and printmaker, in carving your way to peace in her Block Printing workshop. Rowan, who carves as a form of meditation, encourages students to reignite their creative streak with the simple act of wielding tools to cut rubber. The art is a powerful de-stressor, inexpensive and doesn’t require a lot of space. In Rowan’s workshop, you will learn the process of designing, carving and printing, as well as techniques and tips for creating simple blocks, layering stamps and repeating tile stamps. In the workshop, parents-to-be, friends and family can enjoy one another’s company whilst designing and carving a small rubber block to create beautiful stationery with. Chocolate Making Aspiring chocolatier? Gather the Birthday Shower party and try a Chocolate Making workshop with 'Adora Handmade Chocolates', a company who have won numerous gold and silver awards and whose unique chocolates have earnt the respect of establishments among the likes of the Sydney Opera House who, in response to great demand, Adora supply to regularly. Learn about the history and benefits of great quality chocolate, made with the freshest ingredients including Belgian Callebaut chocolate and espresso coffee, minus the added preservatives or artificial flavours. Walk away with a knowledge of how to make signature butter truffles and temper chocolate in the two hour workshop. Succulent Garden Workshop Thick and fleshy, succulents are low-maintenance plants that come in variety of colours, shapes and sizes and have the potential to add a smidgen of personality to the no doubt highly debated nursery in months pre-birth. Follow Christopher Saban’s step-by-step guide to building your own terrarium garden in his ‘Succulent Terrarium’ workshop. Christopher, creative decorator of ‘Merchant and Green’ has over fifteen years’ experience as a floral decorator and stylist and will provide you with all materials required. Choose from a Pyramid or Quad glass container, layer with vase river stones, moss, soil and mini succulents to create the perfect environment for your plants to thrive. Cake Decorating Between fiercely jotting down the titles of baby books from enthusiastic relatives and unwrapping of baby bottles, there is time for cake. And whilst the thought of simply sitting back and indulging in rich chocolate cake may sound appealing to the lethargic mother-to-be, a group task which encourages the entire family to get involved, such as cake decorating, may just spice up the afternoon in a way which does not deprive anyone of cake, but merely forces them to appreciate it. Jo, from ‘Wendy Jo Baking’, who is known for her creative cakes and beautiful and elegant design, will see you and the baby shower party licking your fingers, layer and stack double barrel cakes, spread swiss meringue buttercream, experiment with watercolour effects, apply gold leaf, prepare and arrange flower decoration and temper chocolate in her finger-licking workshop. Celebrate the mother or father to be by helping them share a passion or learn a new skill with a ClassBento workshop. We have a great variety of classes to suit a diverse range of tastes, budgets and group sizes, and our experienced teachers are here to help make your baby shower that little bit more special. With a new bub on the way, the baby shower is the perfect time to take a minute to remember the joy of making, and our ClassBento workshops ensure all your guests will leave with a great new skill. They also help to get everyone involved in the fun, making them a great way to share the occasion with friends and family. ...
Create a DIY Project at These Cool Art Classes
By ClassBento Team
If you’ve always wanted to try painting, learn how to draw, kickstart a new hobby or explore your creativity, head to these top art classes in Australia!
Birthday Ideas for First Time Party Planners
By Annie Symmonds
If it's your first time planning a party and you need some birthday ideas, try a creative workshop for a birthday activity that will delight your party guests.
5 Desk Crafts for Return-to-office Anxiety
By Charlotte McKewen
Struggling with office anxiety? Forget the fidget spinner and pick up one of these calming pocket crafts!
Tea Brewing Versus Barista Workshops
By ClassBento Team
If you decide you want to become a Barista, you’re in luck. There are tons of classes that offer all different types of Barista training. ButIf you decide you want to become a Barista, you’re in luck. There are tons of classes that offer all different types of Barista training. But what about people who don’t like coffee? Those who prefer a morning green tea rather than a latte? Whilst tea brewing classes are not as common as coffee courses, there are options. In this article, we’ll look the rising trend of tea brewing classes. Tea Brewing Classes First of all, it’s important to understand exactly what a Tea Brewing class might look like. Though there are not as many of these classes as Barista courses, there are a few different types of tea-making courses: Tea Brewing workshop At a standard Tea Brewing class you will learn the best way to brew loose leaf tea. The teacher will outline the best type of water, temperatures and methods to use for different types of tea. You’ll also learn about different equipment for brewing tea and when to use it. Tea Sommelier After learning the basics of tea brewing, you can go on to learn how to become a tea expert. By navigating the history, culture and tasting notes of tea, you’ll be equipped to make recommendations for retail menus. Try out a workshop on how to make the right tea with chocolate or even tea with cheese. You’ll also come away with the ability to recommend food pairings for the tea. Kombucha classes Take your tea brewing one step further and learn to brew Kombucha. This fizzy, fermented tea drink has gained popularity in recent years because of its touted health benefits and it tastes great! Kombucha is made by adding yeast bacteria to green or black tea and fermenting it. But don’t let us tell you how to do it, you’ll learn everything at a Kombucha making class. Tea Specialist classes In the same way that Barista training will prepare you to enter the coffee industry, learning to be a tea specialist will help you get a job in a tea store. In this class you will learn the ins and outs of all the different types of tea. You will need a basic knowledge of tea brewing, which is usually included in these courses. With this foundation, you will be able to recommend products to customers based on their needs. Tea or Coffee? So now that you have a better idea of the topics and training you would cover in a Tea Brewing class. Should you learn how to perfect your tea brewing expertise or your coffee making prowess? which is better? Neither! Do both or do the one that you love! If you are looking into making a career move, smart money would be investing in a Barista training. There are more of these courses available and likely more jobs which need this knowledge. However, if you’re hoping to become a tea aficionado, whether as a hobby or profession, go for the Tea Brewing course and pour your heart and soul into it! ...
Best Rainy Day Activities for Kids
By Sam Bowden
In need of rainy day activities for kids? Keeping kids busy when the weather conflicts with your plans is no easy task. So ClassBento has compiledIn need of rainy day activities for kids? Keeping kids busy when the weather conflicts with your plans is no easy task. So ClassBento has compiled a list of workshops perfect for little ones! ...
Rejuvenating Birthday Party Ideas for Mum in 2026
By Annie Symmonds
Spoil Mum on her birthday with rejuvenating birthday party activities that she can to use to reset and celebrate! Perfect birthday party ideas for Mums.
Learn Acrylic Painting for Beginners and Make a Masterpiece
By ClassBento Team
Shake up your routine and discover a new hobby with acrylic painting classes in Australia, perfect for birthdays, team building activities, date nights and more.
Different Ways to Celebrate the Leap Year in 2026
By Sam Bowden
With February 29 2020 being the first leap year day in four years, celebrate it in style with these fantastic workshops and classes running on February 29th!
Why You Should Take Up a New Hobby This Leap Year
By Natalie Kemp
What to do this February leap year to improve your wellbeing, make social connections and make your life more interesting...
Top 7 Hens Party Ideas for Eco-conscious Brides (2026)
By Kellie Maloney
Opt for eco-friendly hens party ideas! Share laughter and joy with your leading ladies while being kind to the planet.
Top Barista Class Types
By ClassBento Team
Explore the different types of coffee classes you can take in Sydney. From how to make an espresso at barista classes to learning to appreciate and taste coffee.
Dragon Boat Racing Origins
By ClassBento Team
Imagine the perfect morning on the bank of a tranquil river. The water is slow-moving and glassy. The only sounds are birds chirping and a gentleImagine the perfect morning on the bank of a tranquil river. The water is slow-moving and glassy. The only sounds are birds chirping and a gentle breeze whispering through the grass. You are relaxed. Now, imagine you begin to hear some distant sounds of movement coming from up river. Maybe you hear splashing, maybe faint yelling, as if a group of people is chanting. You can hear them only shortly before their figures start to become visible in the distance. Before you can believe it, they are upon your stretch of tranquility. The first thing you notice in detail is the giant carved head of a dragon, painted in vibrant colors, its lips peeled back in an intimidating smile. Sitting directly behind the beast’s white horns, a man straddling a giant drum is facing a crew of what looks like two dozen rowers sitting side by side in the narrow hull of the boat. Each is paddling in time with the drum, each blade slicing into the water at exactly the same time. You cannot believe how quickly and technical their movements are. At the back of the boat sits a woman, shouting orders and counting along with the drum. Directly behind her, the graceful tail of the dragon sweeps up out of the water, leaving a sizable wake behind the boat. Then, they are gone. In just a few seconds, the boat traversed a space you would previously have thought impossible. The water is still churning behind their frenzied motion. In the sudden silence, your heart is beating. Your adrenaline is pumping. You don’t want your tranquil setting back; you want to get onboard. The best place to start is to join a dragon boat racing introductory class. Luckily, Naga Spirit Dragon boating in Pyrmont, Sydney offers a beginner’s course that is the perfect way to ease into the complex sport. Before you begin, you may want to review the historical context of dragon boat racing, so that you can impress your new teammates and gain an appreciation for the sport. Let’s start with the most important aspect of dragon boat racing, the boat. According to Chinese tradition (1), the ornate design of the boat is very specific: an ox-like head, deer’s antlers, a stallion’s mane, reptilian scales, and the tail of a fish. The paddles in between are reminiscent of the animal’s many claws, moving in time while the dragon flies through clouds. The boats are thought to have ancient religious origins, with some believing their role to be appeasement of the rain god. The Dragon Boat Festival, recorded over 2,000 years ago, boasts of several origin stories, varying by region. A popular one (2) tells the story of Qu Yuan, a beloved advisor to the king turned exiled poet whose suicide by drowning in the river sparked widespread grief. In looking for the deceased hero, his followers rowed into the river and threw rice into the water to distract the fish. Subsequently, the festival has become a large cultural tradition, and people from all over the world have adopted the invigorating sport. In accordance with racing rules, there is always a drummer (sitting at the front) and a steer (at the rear.) Traditional festivals can boast of crews of up to 50 rowers, but standard rules allow for 18 to 20 in the large boats, and 8 to 10 in the smaller versions. So, now that you’re equipped with a foundational knowledge of the sport’s cultural roots, what does an introductory class look like? Well, you’ll probably spend a lot of a time on land. As a technical sport with some risks, there are a few things to learn before getting into the water, like safety procedures, basic paddle technique, and how to get in and out of the boat (it may sound silly, but that is one squirrely vessel when you’re stepping onto it from dry land.) This class is also good time to go over the rhythm and timing that are so crucial to a cohesive crew. Speaking of the crew, the initial class, while informative, is a great opportunity for the crew to start bonding. As an inherently social sport, the integration of individual members into a team is an incredibly important element to successful dragon boat racing. In other words, don’t be shy! Get to know your team! Each subsequent class will incorporate more water time, but be prepared to start most sessions with dry land training. After all, dragon boat racing is an athletically demanding sport, so be prepared to put in that physical training! During your first few sessions, you will probably experience some of the obvious joys of dragon boat racing. The teamwork. The beautiful setting. The sense of accomplishment that comes from hard work. Yet, there are a few hidden benefits to dragon boat racing that you may not even realize. For instance, did you know that dragon boat racing can positively affect your mental state and have long-term effects on your physical health? It’s true: dragon boat racing is shown (3) to decrease stress levels, improve self-esteem and increase energy levels while creating an overall sense of accomplishment and confidence in rowers of all ages. Many agree (4) that that teamwork can have a positive effect on mental health, as well. Without a doubt, the physical advantages of dragon boat racing are also well worth the effort. Rowing requires the toning of several muscle groups in the body: neck, shoulders, back, chest, abdominals, obliques, hips, and thighs, to name a few. Within a few weeks of intense training, you’ll start to notice the results (try not to break too many fragile objects with your new strength in the process.) Your practices will increase your overall cardiovascular health as well as heighten your coordination as a result of working so closely with your fellow rowers. Of course, we all know the vast benefits of being physically fit, from reduced risk of heart disease to improved stamina. So, if you’re looking for adventure, community, and fun, dragon boat racing might just be the sport for you. Look into classes in your area to get training today! References: 1.idbf.org 2.chinahighlights.com 3.dragonboatco.com 4.journals.lww.com ...
Try Not to Smile in an UKulele Class
By ClassBento Team
It’s difficult to imagine a happier instrument than the ukulele. Light, twinkling musicality aside, the mere appearance of the small stringed-instrument,It’s difficult to imagine a happier instrument than the ukulele. Light, twinkling musicality aside, the mere appearance of the small stringed-instrument, miniature and cute, invokes a feeling of joy. Just do a quick search for ukulele covers of your favorite songs, or attend music classes in Sydney and try not to smile. The ukulele conjures up images of the shores of Hawaii, where island breezes carry the scent of floral hibiscus and the crashing of waves can always be heard somewhere in the distance. When considering its origin, one might imagine an islander suddenly stumbling upon the instrument leaning against a palm tree, forever changing the musical world. But the history (1) of the ukulele has a much more intriguing past, stemming from Portuguese immigration to the set of islands in the mid 1800’s. As early as 1879, shiploads of immigrants from the islands of Madeira and the Azores arrived in Hawaii as farmhands to work in sugar cane fields. Of the many items they brought with them, the machete de braga, a four stringed instrument, was arguably the most entertaining. At the end of a long day in the fields, families would sit around campfires singing traditional folksongs before resting up for the next grueling day of work. The music was probably first heard by the indigenous population when the Portuguese community gathered at the docks of Honolulu to welcome new immigrants to island. The popularity of the stringed instrument spiked, soon becoming the star of street-corner concerts that the newcomers and established population could enjoy together. Fascinated by the energetic strumming of the machete players, island natives renamed the instrument ukulele, Hawaiian for jumping flea. Even local royalty adopted the new toy. King David Kalakaua, an accomplished musician, brought the ukulele to a wider audience by naming it Hawaii’s national instrument. Subsequently, some minor changes were made to the ukulele, utilizing koa wood and altering the tuning to make the instrument more portable and enjoyable to play. The next century saw rises and falls in ukulele popularity akin to the very sea from which the instrument originated. There are many detailed histories (2) on the subject, starring iconic American legends like Elvis Presley and Bing Crosby. Today, the uke is experiencing yet another revival, with vloggers posting covers of the latest popular songs, and well-known bands playing their own songs with the happy little instrument. Which is good news for those who have been voicing the benefits of learning the ukulele for years. That’s right. The ukulele is entertaining and good for you. Here’s why. Neuropsychologist Daniel Levitin, a professor of music at McGill University in Montreal, provides some uplifting news on the efficacy of music intervention and clinical music therapy. According to him, scientific studies have found that particular types of music, be they upbeat or downtrodden, influence hormones in the brain, creating increases or dips in blood pressure. The key is, he says, for the individual to find music that most influences him. A doctor cannot prescribe classical music and assume that it will affect every patient the same way. Music is subjective, in other words. The interesting thing about the development of music intervention in today’s society, says Levitin, is that people are already using music as treatment method without really thinking of it as medicine. Companies like Spotify and Apple Music, for instance, have capitalized on this practice by arranging playlists based on moods, location, and activities. It seems that we as a society have already figured out what psychiatrists are testing, namely that music influences our emotions. The field of psychology is taking it one step further by asking whether music therapy can be used to treat more serious cases of psychiatric disorders. Harvard Review of Psychiatry (3), for example, published a study in 2011 exploring the effects of music on patients with various mental illnesses, including depression, schizophrenia, and anxiety, among others. They found that in some cases, music could actually be used as an alternative to traditional treatment regiments. Of course, the results need to be tested further, but this is incredibly exciting step for those looking for alternatives to invasive types of therapy, like medication or electroconclusive therapy (ECT). Overall, listening to music is a great way to boost mental health and help deal with certain psychiatric illnesses. So if the ukulele is the instrument that gets you smiling, you can make a conscious choice to improve your wellbeing by incorporating ukulele tracks into your daily routine. But wait, there’s more! Research shows that while listening to music has a great influence on wellbeing, playing music has an even stronger impact on mental health. Some benefits, according to Levitin, are cognitive improvements as a result of attentional training. He goes on to point out that children who are exposed to music classes are more likely to be well-socialized later in life. In support of Levitin’s claim, a study (4) out of Canada suggests that children’s participation in music lessons leads to an increase in social cohesion as a result of sympathy and prosocial development. There are various theories as to why learning to play music may contribute to changes in these behaviors. One idea is that the ability of music to bring humans together may have played a role in the survival of our ancestors. In related studies, music lessons have been associated with cognitive functioning improvements in language skills, visuospatial abilities and memory. Such findings even linked music classes to higher intelligence and academic success. Clearly, listening to and playing music is beneficial to our mental health as well as our social interconnectedness. And what better way achieve both than to add a little ukulele to your life? Those who have tried out ukulele classes rave about the joy of learning to play the instrument. Luckily, because of a recent increase in ukulele workshops and classes in and around Sydney, it is a great time to take up the hobby. For a traditional class, try signing up for the ukulele class in Bondi Beach with Dan Allen. References: (1) museumofmakingmusic.org (2) theatlantic.com (3) tandfonline.com (4) journals.plos.org ...
Best Interstate Hens Party Ideas in Australia (2026)
By Annie Symmonds
Looking for getaway destinations for an epic hens party? Uncover the best interstate hens party ideas around Australia to celebrate love in 2026!
7 Crafty After School Activities for Kids
By Sam Bowden
Chasing down quirky and creative after school activities for kids? Here are some of our best offerings from two of our best kids providers!
Drool-worthy Sour Cocktail Recipe
By Katie Milton
How the founder of Drool found love (and gin) in Melbourne lockdown.
The Ultimate Guide to the Best Hen's Party Ideas 2026
By Annie Symmonds
Shake, mix and paint with your favourite people at the best 2026 hens party ideas in Australia!
Why Clay and Sip Is the New Friday Night Drinks
By ClassBento Team
Discover why pottery classes in Australia are becoming one of the most popular ways to relax and unwind after work!
Birthday Party Ideas for Wellness Warriors
By Annie Symmonds
Discover brilliant birthday party ideas for wellness warriors across Australia and treat them to an unforgettable celebration in 2026!
Crafty Care Packages for Mother's Day 2026
By Sam Bowden
Show Mum how much you appreciate her with crafty care packages for Mother's Day 2026! Perfect if you're looking for relaxing gift experiences for Mum.
Summer Bucket List: 26 Creative Things to Do with Friends
By Tiffany Fung
Get your group chat buzzing with this summer bucket list—26 creative, hands-on things to do with friends, from pottery and cooking to wine tasting and more.
Summer Activities in Australia That Aren't the Beach
By Erica Genda
Looking for sand-free summer fun? Explore 5 awesome Australian activities to try with friends, from craft workshops to outdoor cocktail classes!
Forget Mother's Day Flowers and Book a Flower Arranging Class Together Instead
By Annie Symmonds
Ditch the bouquet this year and make mum's day special with a flower arranging class! It's the best Mother's Day gift idea and a chance to spend time together.
Plan Winter Activities to Help You Beat the Gloom
By Jana Lepojevic
Beat the winter blues with cosy activities that bring warmth, creativity and connection into the colder months.
Forget Mother's Day Lunch and Book a Cooking Class Together
By Annie Symmonds
Forget Mother’s Day lunch and spend more quality time together with Mum this year with these fun cooking classes!
Cosy Indoor Team Building Activities for Winter
By Erica Genda
Keep cosy and motivated this winter with these 7 indoor team building activities guaranteed to keep your team warm!
Our Top Picks for Things to Do with Mum This Mother's Day
By Jana Lepojevic
From cocktail shaking to pasta making, find unique Mother’s Day activities you can do together in 2026 and create meaningful memories with Mum this May!
9 Winter Crafts for Your Christmas in July Party
By Jana Lepojevic
Don't let winter stop you from celebrating and connecting. Host a Christmas in July party and try these 9 winter crafts for a fun party activity for adults.
25 Fun Things to Do for Mother's Day in Australia in 2026
By ClassBento Team
When it comes to fun things to do for Mother’s Day in Australia, we’ve got gift experiences guaranteed to make Mum’s day even more special.
How to Give Dad What He Really Wants This Father's Day
By Laine Fullerton
Searching for meaningful gifts for Dad this Father's Day? The answer is simpler than you think.
Cosy Things to Do Next Month to Embrace Autumn
By Jana Lepojevic
Autumn plans sorted. Explore creative and comforting things to do next month around Australia. Think mug making, crochet and chocolate.
8 Winter Date Ideas That Aren't Dinner and Drinks
By Courtenay Turner
From gin-making to wheel throwing, discover the best winter date ideas in Australia and get cosy and creative with your favourite person!
Fun After-Work Activities to Do in Winter
By Tiffany Fung
Discover cosy winter after-work activities to make the most of your weekday evenings—from dance classes and pottery with friends to creating your own terrarium.
Bring Back Dad-Time This Father's Day
By Tiffany Fung
No matter where he’s at in fatherhood, our five-minute quiz will help you bring back Dad-time. Read on to find out what experience gift is best for him!
Best Mother's Day Australia Wellness Experiences
By Annie Symmonds
From yoga in the park to mindful pottery classes, pick the best gift experiences for Mum and spoil her this Mother's Day.
Thank Mum for the Small Touches This Mother's Day
By Kellie Maloney
Show Mum how much you appreciate the little things with a creative experience you can try together.
The Best Cosy Date Night Ideas to Try This Winter
By Jana Lepojevic
Embrace the cold with these cosy winter date night ideas. From art classes to ring making, find fun and intimate ways to connect with your partner this winter.
What to Get a Guy for Valentine's Day in 2026
By Laine Fullerton
Celebrate love and romance with these unique Valentines experience gifts for him in 2026. Learn cocktail making, throwing clay or BBQ cooking with your partner.
Heartwarming Mother's Day Ideas You Can Do Together
By Jana Lepojevic
Looking for meaningful Mother’s Day plans? Explore our list of unforgettable Mother's Day gift ideas you can do together and create lasting memories with Mum!
6 Meaningful Things to Do for Mother's Day with Mum
By Tiffany Fung
Searching for meaningful Mother’s Day gifts? Read our guide to the best things to do for Mother’s Day in 2026, from gardening classes to tasting experiences.
Creative Activities Around the Vivid Festival
By Julia Carr-Catzel
When the sun sets in Sydney during the winter, the city transforms into a hub of creativity. From 25th May to 16th June 2018, the Vivid FestivalWhen the sun sets in Sydney during the winter, the city transforms into a hub of creativity. From 25th May to 16th June 2018, the Vivid Festival will attract audiences from all over Australia in an annual celebration of light, music and ideas. Last year, the city saw a whopping 2.3 million bright-eyed attendees roaming the colourful nighttime playground. For its 10th anniversary, attendees will be transported into an underwater world of shimmering corals, bioluminescent jellyfish at Sydney’s Darling Harbour. Wander the Royal Botanic Gardens forest, rippling and pulsing with more than 40,000 individually-controlled RGB pixels. Converse with a giant luminescent puppet, performing fire and rain rituals in celebration of Barangaroo’s Indigenous history. Contemplate the meaning of life in a 360-degree light projection of the observable universe in the North Shore. But the creative pulse of Australia’s largest city does not always reveal itself in the form of giant puppets or luminescent jellyfish under the magnetism of the night sky. In the larger Sydney arena, pockets of creative expression and learning can be found in rain or shine. Circular Quay/The Rocks Night Photography The parks, bays, cafes and museums observable to the travelers’ inquisitive eye, demand to be documented. Memories of a trip past, though poignant, fall back on their ephemeral qualities. Unless you possess master storytelling skills, wielding memory to recount a trip abroad to relatives, most often results in frustration on the traveler’s behalf, who cannot possibly do justice to the magical places seen. Fortunately enough, this can be resolved with the aid of a photograph – an immediate and tangible clarification of a sight seen with layers of emotion felt at the time. It is no surprise then, that most travelers wish to improve their photography skills – and what better place to harness the power of photography in an environment oozing creativity? If the thought of wandering through thousands of virtual toy balls or one thousand cranes excites you, then paying a visit to Vivid on The Rocks may just provide the ultimate creative space to exercise your camera skills. Director of Alfonso’s Photo Tours, Alfonso Calero, started his business back in 2008 with the aim of teaching locals and tourists travel photography. His Night Photography Short Course focuses on composition and shooting skills, with an emphasis on unconventional thinking as a key tool in the creative process. Equip yourself with a camera of choice and follow the professional photographer down Sydney’s historic laneways in the shadow of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. In an entirely customizable class, request tips from Alfonso on travel photography genres, styles and composition. Learn how to control ISO, shutter speed and aperture expertly to produce low-light shots. Become well acquainted with Sydney’s architecture and landscapes in its most creative and abstract time of year. Capture the multi-coloured canvas of the Opera House for the Lighting of the Sails exhibit. Compliment your tales with timeless photographs of a city at its prime. Collect images that will evoke wander and inspire upon reflection for years to come. Central Business District Whilst getting lost in electric forests or interacting with a six-metre high puppet promises all the creative stimulation in the world. There is no shortage of Sydney’s creative community during its day-lit hours. Start the creative journey early and head towards Sydney’s Central Business District for a range of workshops, including terrarium, pottery, flower arranging or cooking. Succulent Terrarium-Making Located in the inner-city suburb of Redfern, just three kilometres South of the CBD, the creative team from Merchant and Green host a range of classes from flower arranging to terrarium making. In a Terrarium Making class, work in an immersive and interactive environment under the expertise of senior florists and stylists. Construct a personalised wild landscape of fresh soil, river stones and petite succulents, embellish your vintage style glass jar with figurines, boulders and pebbles. Take home a low-maintenance, long-living plant to spruce up your home. Macaron Making In the neighboring suburb, Surry Hills, lies Sydney’s leading macaron makers: MakMak Macarons. Surpassing competitors such as Laduree and Zumbo, the company is known for their unique blending of texture and flavour. In a Macaron Making class, under the expertise of professional chefs, wield chocolate, slice fresh fruit and combine native Australian ingredients replicate the premium, handmade macarons delighting customers since 2010. Experiment with Maldon Sea Salt, Bombay Sapphire gin, lemon myrtle and strawberry gum. Walk away with a complimentary gift bag with ingredients to whip up your own batch at home. Ikebana Flower Arrangement Nestled in the eccentric suburb of Glebe, rest the tranquil confines of Sydney’s most renowned floristry boutique. Familiarise yourself with seasonal flowers in an Ikebana Flower Arranging workshop. Create stunning arrangements with Setsuko Yanagisawa, boasting no less than thirteen years of experience in floristry, specializing in the Ikebana technique. Fasten and secure stems whilst learning about the history of Ikebana. Combine textures, patterns and elements to create sophisticated and elegant arrangements to take home. Visit the Yuga café next door to regain your energy for a night out. North-Shore There is certainly no shortage of artistic talent, light projections and lasers in Sydney’s quieter suburbs during the Vivid Festival. Across the Harbour Bridge, the understated landscapes of the North Shore will embody futuristic artworks. By night, admire the mysteries of existence in a 360 degree light display projecting the stars and planets of the observable universe. Shodo Japanese Calligraphy In the heart of Chatswood, rejuvenate and improve your focus in a Shodo Japanese Calligraphy workshop. Learn how to make different types of sumi ink under the guidance of Ren, an artist recognised internationally. Learn Japanese characters and wield your calligraphy brush or 'fude' against a special type of Japanese paper called ‘hanshi’. Express emotion through brush stroke pressure, rhythm and tone. Following the creative class, meander the streets of Chatswood in a pop-up street market filled with recycled materials, lasers and scaffolding. Contemplate the meaning of the universe under the star-studded light display at the Concourse. … The Vivid Festival encourages visitors to engage in a hub of artistic expression and conversation of big ideas. By nightfall, the romantic harbour is specked with cruise ships and vessels contoured by a spectrum of saturated colour, and the magic of the city simply continues in different forms, with the rising of the sun. ...
Need a Boost? This Creative Summer Checklist Can Help
By Kellie Maloney
Did you know that creative activities are some of the best ways to boost your wellbeing? In fact, staying social, finding a routine and keeping activeDid you know that creative activities are some of the best ways to boost your wellbeing? In fact, staying social, finding a routine and keeping active come highly recommended by health experts. Start your year off right with our to-do list of summer workshops and experiences and you’ll see for yourself! Mid-January: Stay social with cocktail classes After the adrenaline rush of Christmas and New Year’s, it’s only natural to start feeling a little social burnout by mid-January. You’re not alone! The Black Dog Institute has some top tips for combating this, like focusing on what you enjoy, being in the moment and having fun. Luckily for you, we think we have a summertime experience that ticks all those boxes. Literally shake it out and get reinvigorated in January with cocktail classes. From zesty margaritas to sweet Pina Coladas, learning how to make cocktails with the people you love is the perfect summer activity for keeping spirits high! Late January: Get crafty with the whole family You might not expect that among all the excitement of the school holidays, this time of year can actually be quite challenging for young people. According to Headspace, kids and teens may be left feeling “bored, unsupported, upset and sometimes anxious” during this period, as they’re out of their usual routine and not seeing their friends as much. As the school holidays come to a close, there’s no better time to get the kids (and bigger kids) together over a fun and crafty activity so they can keep exploring and stay socially active. The key is to find something simple that everyone can enjoy like a terrarium workshop or a polymer clay class. These crafty experiences are a fantastic way to check in and bond with the family beyond Christmas Day and make everyone feel special and included. Early February: Slow down with a mindful experience Make time in February to slow down, embrace the moment and check in with yourself as summer starts to wrap up. This is a great time to think about new habits you want to make for yourself, as “the key to great health is in positive habit formation.” Why not try something different this year and pick up a new mindful hobby or skill? Unwind at the potter’s wheel and make ceramics, twist and tie cord into a macrame wall hanging or plant hanger or let loose with colourful fluid art. Mid-February: Connect and save at a Valentine’s Day cooking class We hear you, you want to do Valentine’s Day differently this year. As you recover from holiday spending, transform the usual dinner and movie combo into a date night activity with added value. This is where cooking classes come in. Not only will you learn lifelong cooking skills with an experienced chef but you’ll also get to sit down and enjoy your handmade meal together—it’s like two presents for the price of one! Turn up the heat with a sizzling BBQ class or knead fresh dough together at a pasta making class. Late February: Prep for autumn with a new hobby We know what you’re thinking—how do I stop the post-summer blues from sinking in? Well, the answer is simple, be kinder to yourself and adopt smaller, more achievable goals that will make you feel productive and accomplished. It’s actually very normal to feel a bit down after the holiday period and according to research from Deakin University, it’s actually a sign of good health. To stay motivated, keep the warm and fuzzy feelings you associate with summer alive by trying your hand at a new hobby. Piece together mosaics, arrange flowers into bouquets or melt and pour fragrant candles. You might not find your creative calling right away, but you’ll be keeping your mind stimulated and fostering your creativity as the weather gets cooler. ...
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