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Planning a staycation this April? Here’s your ultimate guide to the best things to do in Sydney next month!
Sydney is full of surprises, whether you’re rediscovering the city or just craving a fun weekend with friends. With its vibrant neighbourhoods, thriving arts scene and incredible food and drink culture, there’s always something new to explore.
Get hands-on with quirky crystal candle making in Glebe or hop on the train to Marrickville for a fun lino printing workshop. From creative workshops to hidden foodie gems, your Sydney staycation will be anything but ordinary.
Head to a Turkish mosaic lamp class in Macquarie Park
Macquarie Park might not be the first place that comes to mind for a staycation, but this hidden gem is worth exploring. With its lush green spaces and modern shopping malls, it’s the perfect mix of nature and city convenience.
For something truly unique, step into a Turkish mosaic lamp workshop hosted by Istanbul Grand Bazaar. Tucked inside Macquarie Centre, their quaint studio is aglow with colourful mosaic lamps, instantly setting the scene for a creative escape. Your friendly instructor will guide you through the process of designing a mosaic lamp, with a variety of designs, templates and beads to take inspiration from. By the end of the session, you’ll have a stunning handcrafted piece—and plenty of new memories.
Dates: Every day in April | 10am-12.30pm, 2pm-4.30pm, 4pm-6.30pm
To wind down… Explore Marsfield Park. Just a five-minute drive away, this beautiful park is perfect for bushwalking or an afternoon picnic with friends and family. It’s a fantastic way to round out your staycation with a dose of nature and a breath of fresh air.
Spend a day in Surry Hills at a cocktail class
Stroll down Bourke Street in Surry Hills and you’ll find trendy cafes, stylish boutiques and a buzzing local community hopping from one activity to the next. Whether people are stopping by for a morning flat white, browsing through independent bookstores or indulging in a long brunch, Bourke Street offers the quintessential Surry Hills experience.
One thing you’ll also see on Bourke Street? Sydney’s only rum distillery and bar, Brix Distillers! Perfect for rum lovers or newbies, you can learn the art of mixology from experienced bartenders, making classics like espresso rum martinis or pina coladas. Plus, you'll also get to enjoy your delicious creations paired with a tasty antipasto platter. Mmm, delicious!
Dates: Every Saturday in April | 1pm-3pm, 3.30pm-5.30pm
To fuel up before the class… You can’t leave Bourke Street without visiting their famous bakery. Their flaky pastries and legendary sausage rolls are practically a Sydney institution.
Make quirky crystal candles in Glebe
One of Sydney’s most eclectic and vibrant neighbourhoods, Glebe is known for its bohemian spirit, historic charm and intellectual feel. Nestled just a short distance from the CBD, this lively inner-west suburb is a favourite among creatives, students and anyone who loves a laid-back yet dynamic atmosphere.
If that is up your alley, make your way to blue&blue’s crystal candle making workshop located right on Glebe Point Road. Here, you can learn the intricate process of blending scents, colours and gel wax and incorporating stunning crystals to create your own unique candles. By the end of the class, you’ll have a sparkly masterpiece that will add a bold statement to your home.
Dates: 2nd-30th April | 10am-12.15pm, 1pm-3.15pm, 4pm-6.15pm, 7pm-9.15pm
If you want to escape for a while… Head to Glebe’s infamous bookstore, Gleebooks. Only a three-minute drive from the class, it’s a great place to get lost and browse through their broad range of fiction, non-fiction and kids books. Buy a coffee and cosy up with a book—the ultimate staycation!
Get creative with lino printing in Marrickville
No Sydney staycation is complete without a visit to Marrickville—a once-industrial hub turned creative hotspot. With its thriving art studios, craft breweries, live music venues, and buzzing weekend events, there’s always something happening.
For a hands-on experience, head to Reverse Garbage, a creative reuse centre known for its eco-friendly approach to art. Their lino printing workshop is all about sustainability and self-expression. You’ll learn how to design and carve your own lino block before using a printing press to bring your artwork to life. Be creative and bring your own design or use the images provided!
Dates: Saturday 12th April, 10am-1pm
Take a stroll… Through Marrickville and you’ll find vibrant street art, vintage stores and some of Sydney’s best Vietnamese and Greek eateries. With so many good options, it can be hard to choose but we recommend walking or taking a short three-minute drive to vintage clothing store, Casablanca Marrickville. You’ll find amazing second-hand items and encounter a lovely and friendly community that’s eager to meet and chat!
Satisfy your sweet tooth with a chocolate class in Dee Why
Need a break from the Sydney city buzz? Take a scenic drive up to Dee Why, where golden sands, oceanfront cafés and a laid-back beachside vibe make it the perfect spot to unwind. Whether you're soaking up the sun or grabbing a drink with friends, this coastal gem has relaxation written all over it.
Wander down Pacific Parade and you’ll find Choc & Moi, a chocolate cafe and business aiming to provide the best Belgian chocolate experience. Perfect for sweet tooths, their chocolate making workshop dives into the art of making delicious chocolates from scratch. Learn about tempering and moulding, all while indulging in plenty of tastings along the way. By the end of the class, you'll take home your handmade chocolates to share—or savour all to yourself!
Dates: 12th April, 1pm-3pm and 26 April, 10am-12pm
To soak up the sunshine… Spend the rest of your day at Dee Why Beach. Bring your sunscreen and a hat and you’ll be down to enjoy your chocolates while enjoying the stunning coastal scenery. To cool off we recommend taking a dip in the Dee Why Rock Pool. This ocean-fed pool offers a relaxing way to enjoy the sea without the waves, making it a great spot to unwind and relax.
So, that’s our guide to five amazing activities that we think capture the vibrant culture and creativity of Sydney. Make your staycation unforgettable by diving into one (or all) of these fantastic experiences!
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