10 classes to make you a better-rounded person
There’s so much opportunity to stretch yourself with workshops and classes on year-round – everything from arts and crafts to a new language to small business to dancing.
Updated 30 March 2022
Photography: Morgan Smith
The key to a life well lived is to always be learning. Well, that’s what we believe anyway. And there’s so much opportunity to stretch yourself with workshops and classes on year round — everything from arts and crafts to a new language to small business to dancing.
As well as all these fabulous options below, our calendar is full of one-off workshops and classes too. Keep an eye on the ‘workshops’ tag to find them!
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art classes
Tinker is about finding your creative side. Created by local artist Alex Stalling, Tinker hosts a wide range of classes for children and adults. As well as a five-week introduction to art workshop series, there are also standalone workshops on topics such as acrylics, polymer clay jewellery, embroidery, watercolours and screenprinting. Tinker also hosts guest teachers that have covered everything from floral arrangements to eco-friendly washing products.
The famous annual McGregor Arts Retreats are also a sure winner for a more intensive experience. Spend a week or weekend working in a single discipline — acrylics, calligraphy, ceramics or millinery, for example — to really hone your skills.
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Cooking
Hosting six people per class, cooking workshops at Willowvale are delicious way to practice new skills and learn more about regional produce. The all-day sessions, set on an idyllic farm in Perseverance, are taught by Michelin-starred chef Bruno Loubet, who’ll encourage you to try new flavour combinations and leave you inspired to cook something new at home. Whether it’s perfecting pasta or baking bread, a Willowvale class makes for a delicious friend group date. Keep an eye out on our calendar for upcoming workshops.
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dancing
No matter your tempo, there’s a local dance class for you.
From burlesque at Pole Angels to social ballroom dancing and ballet at Dance Connection to heels dancing at Empowered by Heels, there’s something for everyone. Dancing is so good for your fitness, as well as your brain. Nobody cares if you’ve got two left feet — go have fun!
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photography
Toowoomba Photography Group runs a popular Beginners Guide to Photography workshop once a month. Learn how to use that amazing DSLR camera you bought a couple of years ago and learn about composition, shutter speed, aperture, ISO and more. The days start in the studio but progress out and about to places like the Japanese gardens, where you’ll be able to practice the techniques you’ve been learning.
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GETTING ORGANISED
Kikki.K regularly delivers in-store workshops to help you explore everything from vision boarding to habits to Christmas or wedding planning. There’s also been a focus within Kikki.K recently on living your ‘dream life’, and there is a series of workshops that covers this while interweaving everything you already know and love about the stationery store. Enquire in-store at Grand Central, and we put all dates on our calendar.
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sewing
Is your mum’s machine lying around in storage? Why not learn to use it, either for simple cushions and curtains or go all out and learn how to make your own clothes. Whitelane Textiles also offers lessons with a particular focus on vintage patterns. She doesn’t advertise these, but contact her if you’re keen!
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languages
Bonjour Toowoomba offers lessons in French, Arabic, Italian, Mandarin, Spanish, German, Japanese, Portugese and more. There’s classes that cover beginners all the way to advanced students, as well as plenty of events and stand-alone conversational classes that are perfect if you want to brush up on your French without attending a class every week.
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handcrafts
Cobb + Co Museum offers hands-on workshops in blacksmithing, leather plaiting, leadlighting, wheelwrighting, coopering and more. If you’re a fan of the annual Lost Trades Fair, these multi-day workshops are for you. In each, you’ll work on your own project to take home.
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yoga, BARRE & pilates
There is an endless supply of yoga classes in Toowoomba, ranging from men-only (Brikman Yoga), sunrise rooftop yoga, gym sessions, free park sessions and more. Antara Studios has also introduced barre classes. Keep an eye on our calendar for one-off classes, or consider joining a gym like World Gym to be able to access their classes several times a week.
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As well as all these fabulous options, our calendar is full of one-off workshops and classes. Keep an eye on the ‘workshops’ tag to find them!
