10 of the best cooking classes in NSW
Italian Cookng Experience with Stefano Marvello, Bowral
Amazing meals out are holiday highlights. Bring those beloved flavours home with you when you learn how to cook, bake and make at these cooking classes from the Riverina to Newcastle.
Majors Lane Cooking School
Where: Hunter Valley
On a 100-acre property, join hands-on outdoor cooking classes that take al fresco dining to a new level. Led by Ben Sales, you can learn how to cook everything from barbecue to Thai street food at Majors Lane Cooking School in Lovedale. A master of smoking, Ben’s low and slow brisket class is one of his most popular offerings. You’ll leave with plenty of new recipes, but why not also drop by the Lovedale Smokehouse Deli and Gourmet Pantry for some house-made charcuterie and gourmet treats.
Majors Lane Cooking School, Lovedale
The Artisan Cheese and Cooking School
Where: Coffs Harbour
Rediscover the pleasure of making food from scratch at The Artisan Cheese and Cooking School. From brie to blue, Persian feta to halloumi, learn to make your favourite cheeses. Whether you're stirring curds or culturing butter, each session is hands-on, relaxed and filled with practical skills you can take home and use in your own kitchen. After cooking, gather around the table to enjoy the delicious results together.
Artisan Cheese and Cooking School, Emerald Beach - Credit: Lyndall Dykes | I do
Copyright: I do
Uprising Bakery
Where: Newcastle
Widely known for having some of Newcastle's best sourdough, Uprising also offers courses so you can recreate their goods at home. Make your own sourdough starter before mixing, shaping and baking your first loaf. Master the art of fermentation to create your own kimchi and sauerkraut. Watch the experts make buttery croissants and puff pastry.
Uprising Bakery and Kitchen, Maryville - Credit: Uprising Bakery
Buena Vista Farm
Where: Gerringong
With a history dating back to 1859, family-owned Buena Vista Farm in Gerringong not only has a commercial kitchen where they make fermented goods from produce grown onsite, but they also have a cooking school that shares their trade secrets. From sourdough to no-knead bread, butter to ghee, zucchini pickles to mayonnaise, learn how to make all your staples from scratch.
Buena Vista Farm, Gerringong - Credit: Dee Kramer
Moonacres School
Where: Southern Highlands
Based on Moonacres Farm in Robertson, Moonacres School offers cooking classes that utilise the quality produce from their regenerative farming program. With a focus on everyday eating, gut health, ageing well and the joy that food brings, you’ll learn how to make the ultimate slow food, sourdough, and cook seasonally. Be inspired by the meals served at the onsite cafe, Moonacres Kitchen.
Moonacres School, Robertson - Credit: Moonacres School
The Treat Factory
Where: Shoalhaven
Located in the historic Central Creamery in Berry, The Treat Factory is well named. With six decades of experience crafting delectable jams, sauces and desserts, it’s no surprise you’ll be greeted by the smell of simmering fudge on entry. During the school holidays, children can don an apron for a chocolate workshop where they’ll make their own giant freckle, rocky road or chocolate box.
The Treat Factory, Berry - Credit: Tourism Australia
Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory
Where: Riverina
Housed in the old flour mill in Junee, you can become a chocolatier at the Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory. Roll up your sleeves and craft your very own chocolates, blend your favourite flavours before indulging in your creation. During Easter you can make your own custom egg, while freckles can be made year-round. Fuel up onsite at The Mill Room Cafe – their hot chocolates are a must.
Our Italian Table
Where: Hunter Valley
Operating on the beautiful Nicita Estate in Pokolbin, learn the art of Italian cuisine at Our Italian Table. Nestled among the vines, fill a glass with the estate’s wine as you prepare pasta, gnocchi or arancini using local seasonal produce. Opt for a two-hour masterclass or a full-day course. Keep an eye out for special regional Italian cuisine masterclasses.
Our Italian Table, Pokolbin
Yellow Door Kitchen Cooking School
Where: Newcastle
Established by Le Cordon Bleu-trained pastry chef Janet Newton, Yellow Door Kitchen Cooking School in Newcastle teaches participants how to make French and Italian pastries. Master a range of pastries, from puff to choux, before moving on to tarts, pasta and chocolate. Special courses for kids and gluten‑free bakers are also available.
The Yellow Door Kitchen Cooking School, Tighes Hill - Credit: The Yellow Door Kitchen Cooking School
Italian Cooking Experience with Stefano Marvello
Where: Southern Highlands
Get hands-on and cook your own Italian feast with Stefano Marvello. Learn about different types of flour, make pasta and arancini, then raise a glass of wine over the shared meal you’ve just created. Every class is tailored to participants, with accessibility and dietary needs catered for.
