Stories
Inspiration on unique activities and gifts, mindfulness and more
Holiday Favourites: Jane Gauger, Content Writer
By ClassBento Team
Get to know the faces behind ClassBento and discover which workshops have made it to their top of their Christmas wish list!
Gourmet Gift Experiences for Couples Who Love to Cook
By ClassBento Team
Looking for gifts for people who like to cook? Check out these gourmet cooking classes for couples run by passionate local chefs.
9 Awesome Gifts for Aunties Who Value Quality Time
By ClassBento Team
Discover experience gifts for an aunty that will have her smiling from ear to ear – making memories together beats a boring box of chocolates!
Personalised Presents for Couples Who Have Everything
By ClassBento Team
Think outside the box with these presents for couples who have everything and get them involved in cooking, glassblowing, latte art and more!
13 Personalised Gifts for Mums Who Live Far Away
By ClassBento Team
Looking for personalised gifts for Mum? These handpicked gift experiences are the perfect way to show you care, no matter how far apart you are.
How to Find Happy Birthday Flowers They'll Love
By Annie Symmonds
Instead of sending Happy Birthday flowers this year, hit up our handy guide and discover the best birthday gifts ideas.
9 Crafty Experience Gift Cards for Teens
By Kellie Maloney
Check out our round-up of crafty experience gift cards for teens across Australia. From flower arranging to jewellery making, there's something forCheck out our round-up of crafty experience gift cards for teens across Australia. From flower arranging to jewellery making, there's something for everyone! ...
Fabulous Hens Party Ideas Every Bride Will Love (2025)
By Annie Symmonds
Find the perfect hens party ideas for any type of bride! From pottery workshops to cocktail classes, there are so many fun hens activities aroundFind the perfect hens party ideas for any type of bride! From pottery workshops to cocktail classes, there are so many fun hens activities around Australia. ...
Craft Ideas for Adults to Improve Mental Wellbeing
By Jana Lepojevic
Need a creative outlet that’s good for the soul? Dive into these mental-health boosting craft ideas and discover how crafting can be your new go-toNeed a creative outlet that’s good for the soul? Dive into these mental-health boosting craft ideas and discover how crafting can be your new go-to for relaxation! ...
Save Money and Become Your Own Barista
By ClassBento Team
Learn how to make barista style coffee at home with a barista class in Sydney and save money on takeaway coffee without compromising on taste.
The Best Cooking Classes in Australia for Travel Lovers
By ClassBento Team
Enjoy international cuisine from the comfort of your home city with these cultural cooking classes in Australia. The perfect way to scratch thatEnjoy international cuisine from the comfort of your home city with these cultural cooking classes in Australia. The perfect way to scratch that travel itch! ...
4 Mother-Daughter Moments That Will Warm Your Heart
By Courtenay Turner
From Japanese ceramics to mosaic-making, these creative experiences will warm her heart!
Make Memories Together with These Meaningful Presents for Your Wife
By ClassBento Team
Transform presents for your wife into meaningful experiences! From painting classes to pottery workshops, these gifts are sure to bring a smile toTransform presents for your wife into meaningful experiences! From painting classes to pottery workshops, these gifts are sure to bring a smile to her face. ...
Power Through Your Present List with Crafty E Gift Card Ideas
By ClassBento Team
Gift unforgettable experiences with these crafty e-gift card ideas! From jewellery making to cocktail classes, discover unique ways to create lastingGift unforgettable experiences with these crafty e-gift card ideas! From jewellery making to cocktail classes, discover unique ways to create lasting memories. ...
3 Team Building Exercises to Help Bond Your Team
By Annie Symmonds
Stop searching for cliche team building exercises and instead, find thousands of incredible team building activities in Australia to help build strongerStop searching for cliche team building exercises and instead, find thousands of incredible team building activities in Australia to help build stronger relationships! ...
Reinvigorate Your Workplace with These Corporate Team Activities
By Sam Bowden
If you're looking for team building activities in Australia that go beyond the pub drinks try these reinvigorating corporate activities for teamIf you're looking for team building activities in Australia that go beyond the pub drinks try these reinvigorating corporate activities for team building. ...
How Japanese Calligraphy Helps You Get Your Focus Back
By ClassBento Team
Discover more about the age-old art of shodo, Japan's traditional calligraphy practice, and learn to put pen to paper!
Holiday Favourites: Kellie Maloney, Content Writer
By Courtenay Turner
Get to know the faces behind ClassBento and discover which workshops have made it to their top of their Christmas wish list!
Express Your Gratitude with These Thoughtful Gifts for Her
By ClassBento Team
From cooking workshops to floristry classes, show the special lady in your life just how much you care with these thoughtful gifts for her!
11 Reasons to Gift an Experience This Holiday Season
By ClassBento Team
From minimising your environmental footprint to reconnecting with the community, read on for our top reasons why you should give experience giftsFrom minimising your environmental footprint to reconnecting with the community, read on for our top reasons why you should give experience gifts this Christmas. ...
Best Anniversary Gifts for Men in Australia
By Annie Symmonds
Uncover the best anniversary gift ideas for men in Australia this year and surprise your lover with an unforgettable experience gift.
Drool-worthy Sour Cocktail Recipe
By Katie Milton
How the founder of Drool found love (and gin) in Melbourne lockdown.
12 One-of-a-Kind Gifts for Mum That Support Local Makers
By ClassBento Team
Looking for gifts that do good? We’ve wrapped up 11 gift experiences for Mum that support local makers in Australia.
Hand-Picked Gifts for Mum to Help Her Relax and Unwind
By ClassBento Team
Discover the best personalised gifts for Mum, from calming flower arranging classes to fun cake decorating and cocktail classes.
9 Brain Stimulating Gift Vouchers for Kids
By ClassBento Team
From jewellery making and painting workshops to kids cooking classes, discover our top 9 gift vouchers for kids that will keep them entertained thisFrom jewellery making and painting workshops to kids cooking classes, discover our top 9 gift vouchers for kids that will keep them entertained this year. ...
Best Interstate Hens Party Ideas in Australia (2025)
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 2025Looking for getaway destinations for an epic hens party? Uncover the best interstate hens party ideas around Australia to celebrate love in 2025! ...
7 Productive Fun Things to do in Self Isolation
By Sam Bowden
Fighting the tedium is crucial when looking for things to do during self isolation, so we've compiled a couple of pro-tips and suggestions to helpFighting the tedium is crucial when looking for things to do during self isolation, so we've compiled a couple of pro-tips and suggestions to help you push through quarantine season! ...
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, dateShake up your routine and discover a new hobby with acrylic painting classes in Australia, perfect for birthdays, team building activities, date nights and more. ...
6 Feel-Good Workshops to Boost Your Mood
By Courtenay Turner
Feeling adventurous? Give glass blowing a go. Overwhelmed? Find your peace in pottery. With workshops for (almost) every mood, we’re here to helpFeeling adventurous? Give glass blowing a go. Overwhelmed? Find your peace in pottery. With workshops for (almost) every mood, we’re here to help you feel good. ...
Holiday Favourites: Katie Jeanes, Head of Marketing
By ClassBento Team
Get to know the faces behind ClassBento and discover which workshops have made it to their top of their Christmas wish list!
Smash Gift-Giving Stereotypes with These Unique Presents for Her
By ClassBento Team
On the hunt for unique presents for her? Discover a whole host of gift experiences for women who like to challenge themselves and get creative!
Cute Gifts for Your Girlfriend She Can Share with Friends
By ClassBento Team
While there’s definitely a place for romantic date nights for two, these cute girlfriend gifts for her will win you serious brownie points withWhile there’s definitely a place for romantic date nights for two, these cute girlfriend gifts for her will win you serious brownie points with your special someone. ...
Best Unique Experience Gifts in Australia
By Annie Symmonds
Whether you’re looking for DIY birthday gift ideas or Christmas presents for Mum, there’s no better time to find the best unique experience giftsWhether you’re looking for DIY birthday gift ideas or Christmas presents for Mum, there’s no better time to find the best unique experience gifts in Australia! ...
Why a Paint 'n Sip Party Is the Ultimate Way to Celebrate
By ClassBento Team
If you’ve got a special occasion coming up, gather your loved ones for an evening of unforgettable entertainment at a paint ‘n sip party inIf you’ve got a special occasion coming up, gather your loved ones for an evening of unforgettable entertainment at a paint ‘n sip party in Australia. ...
7 Art Workshops Where You'll Learn Something New
By ClassBento Team
Ready to dive into the vibrant world of art classes across Australia? From resin art to acrylic pouring, learn new creative skills in an excitingReady to dive into the vibrant world of art classes across Australia? From resin art to acrylic pouring, learn new creative skills in an exciting environment! ...
Stylish Party Ideas for a Sophisticated Hens Night
By ClassBento Team
Plan a hens night that will go down in the history books with our range of classy hens party ideas across Australia!
Best Gifts for New Mums Who Need a Bit of Me-Time
By ClassBento Team
Discover the perfect Mother's Day gifts for new parents! Treat new Mums to relaxing experiences like floristry and pottery for some well-deservedDiscover the perfect Mother's Day gifts for new parents! Treat new Mums to relaxing experiences like floristry and pottery for some well-deserved me-time. ...
How to Make Reusable Face Masks from Fabric
By Sam Bowden
Want to make reusable DIY face masks that are also sustainable? Check out these craft classes and become a certified sewing sensation!
Gift Ideas for All the Men in Your Life
By Grace Smith
Find experience gifts for him in Sydney and treat every man in your life to more of his passions and interests. Make memories and celebrate him.
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!
Bring Her Pinterest Board to Life with These Crafty Hens Night Ideas
By ClassBento Team
Calling all Pinterest enthusiasts! Uncover our selection of hens party ideas tailored for you and create a celebration that reflects your flair inCalling all Pinterest enthusiasts! Uncover our selection of hens party ideas tailored for you and create a celebration that reflects your flair in 2025! ...
Top 7 Hens Party Ideas for Eco-conscious Brides (2025)
By Kellie Maloney
Opt for eco-friendly hens party ideas! Share laughter and joy with your leading ladies while being kind to the planet.
Experience Gift Cards in Australia Foodies Will Love
By Katie Milton
Treat the foodies in your life with unforgettable experience gift cards in Australia that will let them go behind the scenes and learn from culinaryTreat the foodies in your life with unforgettable experience gift cards in Australia that will let them go behind the scenes and learn from culinary pros. ...
Self-care Gift Cards for Men in Your Life
By ClassBento Team
Help your loved ones rejuvenate with experience gift cards for men that will encourage them to set time aside to take care of their wellbeing thisHelp your loved ones rejuvenate with experience gift cards for men that will encourage them to set time aside to take care of their wellbeing this year. ...
Candle Making Classes Are for Everyone
By John Tabari
Join our candle making classes in Sydney for a fun, relaxing craft experience. Perfect for everyone to join, it's a therapeutic experience you'llJoin our candle making classes in Sydney for a fun, relaxing craft experience. Perfect for everyone to join, it's a therapeutic experience you'll love! ...
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 ...
9 Presents Your Sister Will Love No Matter Her Niche
By ClassBento Team
Surprise your sister with these thoughtful gifts for her! Dive into a world of creativity with arts, crafts and cooking classes, tailored to everySurprise your sister with these thoughtful gifts for her! Dive into a world of creativity with arts, crafts and cooking classes, tailored to every unique taste. ...
6 Reasons Why Flower Arranging Classes Make the Best Gift Experiences for Mum
By Annie Symmonds
Discover why flower arranging classes make the best gift experiences for Mums this Christmas.
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