Best Team Building Activities Sydney 2025 | Prices, Packages & Venues
Getting your team out of the office isn’t just a fun break—it’s a smart investment. Sydney offers an incredible range of team building activities that boost collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills. From outdoor adventures to creative challenges, these shared experiences strengthen company culture and leave your team feeling more connected than ever.
Still doing trust falls and two truths and a lie? Your team deserves better than recycled corporate icebreakers from 1995.
After facilitating 500+ team-building experiences since 2016, we've discovered what actually works: shared adventures that create genuine connections, not forced awkwardness. Whether your team needs to blow off steam with axe throwing, bond over craft beer, or conquer the harbour together, we've got Sydney team-building activities that'll transform "just colleagues" into actual teammates.
The best part? Our luxury fleet means no one's stuck organising carpools or missing out as the designated driver. Everyone travels together, bonds together, and remembers it together.
Quick Navigation - Find Your Perfect Team Activity
Jump to your ideal team building experience:
1. The Ultimate Mixed Bag Package - HOTTEST - From $184pp
2. Craft Brewery Tours - From $169pp
3. Distillery Experiences - From $179pp
4. Adventure Challenges - From $189pp
5. Blue Mountains Escape - From $199pp
6. Harbour Sailing - From $249pp
7. Wine Tours - From $189pp
8. Yacht Adventures - From $179pp
9. Surf Experience - From $199pp
10. Cycling Tours - From $149pp
11. Cooking for a Cause - From $179pp
12. Tennis Tournament - From $159pp
13. Bridge Climb - From $369pp
14. Multi-Activity Days - From $229pp
15. Custom Experiences - Tailored pricing
2025 TEAM BUILDING AVAILABILITY ALERT
Popular dates booking fast (as of June 2025)
Fridays Oct-Dec: 72% BOOKED
Thursdays Oct-Dec: 58% booked
Mon-Wed: Great availability
Winter special rates: June-August
Lock in your date with just $500 deposit (fully refundable)
Sydney Team Building Locations We Service
Sydney Team Building Locations We Service
Sydney Metro: CBD, North Sydney, Parramatta, Chatswood, Olympic Park
Eastern Suburbs: Bondi, Coogee, Double Bay, Randwick
Northern Beaches: Manly, Dee Why, Mona Vale, Brookvale
Inner West: Newtown, Marrickville, Leichhardt, Balmain
Southern Sydney: Sutherland, Cronulla, Miranda, Hurstville
Western Sydney: Blacktown, Castle Hill, Penrith, Liverpool
Regional: Hunter Valley, Blue Mountains, Southern Highlands, Wollongong
FREE pickup from any Sydney office or venue!
Why 500+ Sydney Companies Choose Urban Legends
The Urban Legends Difference:
· 15,000+ successful team events since 2016
· 4.9★ Google rating (387 reviews)
· 100% private experiences (never mixed groups)
· Zero stress - we handle EVERYTHING
· Brand new 2025 luxury fleet
· Exclusive access to venues/experiences
· Professional team building facilitators
Our 2025 Premium Fleet:
No cramped minivans or dodgy old buses here!
· 41-seater King Long: Leather recliners, USB charging, premium sound
· 27-seater Yutong D7: USB at every seat, climate control, luxury comfort
· 14-seater Mercedes: Executive style for leadership teams
Team Building Activities in the heart of Sydney
Looking for a quick team building activity right in the heart of Sydney? Head straight to the good stuff by booking an inner West Brewery Tour. Meet four awesome craft beer brewers on a behind-the-scenes tour and sample their beers with one of their epic beer paddles. If you have a little more time to plan in for your team? Add on a fun team building activity in the Sydney suburbs. Choose axe throwing for a little stress-management (a little imagination goes a long way ;)), go-karting for your adrenaline junkies (we bet the sales team will love this one!), ten pin bowling to allow for a few chats and more! With pick up, drop off and a woodfire pizza lunch sorted, your team building day in Sydney is ready to go!
Craft Brewery Team Tours
Planning team building activities in Sydney for 2025? Our Craft Brewery Team Tours offer a relaxed, social way to connect your team outside the office. Visit 3–4 top breweries, enjoy tasting paddles and a hearty lunch, and bond over shared experiences—no awkward icebreakers required. With luxury transport and options for all drink preferences, it’s a fun, flexible team day out your crew will actually look forward to.
Perfect for: Casual team bonding in relaxed settings
Duration: 6-8 hours
Group size: 8-150 people
Price: From $169pp
Availability: 7 days, year-round
Sydney's craft beer scene is perfect for team building - relaxed atmospheres, conversation-friendly environments, and something for everyone (including non-drinkers).
Your Brewery Experience Includes:
Behind-the-scenes brewery tours (3-4 venues)
Meet the brewers and learn their stories
Generous tasting paddles at each stop
Substantial lunch at selected brewery
Optional competitive beer challenges
Luxury transport throughout
Non-alcoholic craft options available
Featured Breweries: Young Henrys, Batch Brewing, Willie the Boatman, Grifter
"The brewery tour was perfect for our diverse team. Relaxed atmosphere, great conversations, and that new coach was incredible!" - Sarah L., Atlassian
Going Axe-Throwing with the team is a great way to work out some frustration while having a blast.
Sydney is home to excellent distilleries where your team can taste various gins, vodka’s, whiskey’s, and more!
Premium Distillery Team Experiences
Elevate your team building activities in Sydney for 2025 with a premium distillery experience designed for teams that value craftsmanship, creativity, and connection. Over 5–6 hours, your group will explore Sydney’s top distilleries, enjoy guided spirit tastings, and dive into a hands-on cocktail masterclass. With team-based challenges, recipe card takeaways, and luxury transport, it’s a sophisticated and memorable bonding experience—ideal for modern teams who want more than just another team lunch.
Perfect for: Sophisticated team bonding
Duration: 5-6 hours
Group size: 10-40 people
Price: From $179pp
Availability: Tue-Sat
Level up your team building with Sydney's world-class distilleries. Perfect for teams who appreciate craftsmanship and quality.
Your Distillery Experience:
2-3 premium distillery visits
Production facility tours
Hands-on cocktail masterclass
Create team signature cocktails
Premium grazing platters
Take-home recipe cards
Luxury transport included
Team Building Elements:
· Cocktail competition between departments
· Collaborative drink creation
· Sensory team challenges
Reach New Heights With Your Team
After a long year behind their screens, your team might be looking a little lacklustre. If so, then it’s time to get your team out of their comfort zone and into new heights. Sydney is a great base for climbing adventures that make for some pretty epic team building activities in and around the NSW capital! And let’s face it, there is nothing better than finishing off with a few cold ones or a delicious cocktail after an activity like this!
Keen to take it up a notch? Treat your team to a Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb! You will be safely guided to the top of one of the world’s longest steel-arch bridges for some epic 360 degree views of Sydney. While this might be pushing it for some of your team members, this is bound to be an unforgettable team building activities in Sydney!
Hands-on activities are loved by most teams!
Get Out Of Town & Into The blue Mountains
To really feel like you are getting away from the office, why not leave the city for the day! The Blue Mountains are reached in only an hour or two and are a real adult playground, full of both active and relaxing team building activities. It’s a wild heaven for any team that loves the outdoors and a great way to offer them a little break from spending too much time behind the screen! Hiking, mountain biking, canyoning, it’s all possible in the wild and wicked landscapes that will fondly remembered by your entire team.
Think your team is up for an adventurous day? Book a day trip to the Blue Mountains and ask the team about the options for canyoning or bush walking. Prefer to give your team a hard-earned break without strenuous activities? Book a Scenic World cable car ride, or visit the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden instead. Include an Aussie BBQ and finish the day with a cold beer, and you’ve got the perfect team building day itinerary.
Perfect for: Fresh perspective away from the office
Duration: 8-10 hours
Group size: 8-57 people
Price: From $199pp
Availability: Weather dependent
Scenic Package
Escape Sydney's concrete for mountain air and team bonding with spectacular views.
Adventure Package ($199pp):
Guided bushwalking
Team navigation challenges
Aussie BBQ lunch
Local brewery visit
Luxury coach with panoramic windows
Three Sisters lookout
Waterfall walks
Adrenaline Package
Escape the city and head to the Blue Mountains for a day of fresh air, adrenaline, and unforgettable team bonding. This Adrenaline Package is perfect for adventurous teams craving challenge and connection in the great outdoors.
Adrenaline Package ($215pp)
Abseiling off towering cliffs
Guided canyoning adventure through natural waterways
High-speed zip-lining
Delicious BBQ lunch in a scenic mountain setting
Keen to take your team to the Blue Mountains? View our packages below!
Would love to see these happy looks on your team? Take them on a Sydney Team Building Day!
Team Building Activities On The Water
The height of summer is often a great moment for a fun and engaging team building activity. And what better way to celebrate summer and your team than by heading out onto the water. For an active team building day, you can spend the day at Rose Bay, exploring this beautiful and sheltered part of the Sydney Harbour by paddle-board or kayak. Finish off a sun-filled day on the water with a behind-the-scenes brewery or distillery tour. Chat to the team about putting it all together for you.
If you think your team is up for a bigger challenge, consider the epic game of SUPBALL in Manly, a combination of netball, water polo, lacrosse, and rugby – played on stand-up paddle boards! The Northern Beaches is also home to a famously sustainable and delicious brews. That means that you and your team are able to head straight from the board into the bar. Get active and a little wiser by asking the team about a water-based team building activity and a behind-the-scenes brewery tour in the Northern Beaches of Sydney.
Adventure Team Challenges
Inject energy into your 2025 team building activities in Sydney with our Adventure Team Challenges—designed to boost trust, teamwork, and adrenaline. Whether it’s axe throwing, go-kart racing, or indoor rock climbing, each activity offers an unforgettable mix of competition, strategy, and celebration. Perfect for teams that thrive on action and shared wins.
Perfect for: Energy release and trust building
Duration: 4-6 hours
Group size: 10-100 people
Price: From $189pp
Availability: 7 days
Get hearts pumping and teams bonding with our adrenaline-fueled challenges.
Choose Your Adventure:
Axe Throwing Championships
($189pp)
· Professional instruction
· Team tournament format
· Private venue hire
· Victory celebrations
Go-Karting Grand Prix
($215pp)
· Exclusive track booking
· Team racing strategy
· Trophy presentation
· Premium catering
Indoor Rock Climbing
($195pp)
· All skill levels welcome
· Trust-building belay partnerships
· Team challenges
· Achievement certificates
Go all out for your team!
We all love water activities, but if you’re keen to show your team that they’ve done an excellent job this year, why not go for something a little more extravagant? Go all out and let your team celebrate their achievements by hiring a private yacht and take your staff on a luxury boat tour of the Sydney Harbour. As you can see in the pics dotted through this blog post, most teams are, to put it mildly, ecstatic when they realise what surprise you have planned for them. It might seem like a bit of a mission to organise a luxury yacht for your team building activity, but fear not! Luckily, we know who’s who in the Sydney yachts world and can hook your team up with a sweet on-the-water ride that will give them a night to remember forever. Nothing to do but to sit back, relax and enjoy a drink while cruising around.Sounds like a pretty sweet team building activity to us!
Treat The Team To A Winery Tour
Is there a better way to relax from a busy period at work than heading into nature, getting some fresh air and pamper your team with the best food and drinks on offer in New South Wales? The Hunter Valley, Southern Highlands and the South Coast are home to a bounty of amazing produce, including cheeses, chocolates, olives, wine, gin and craft beers, so this is the place to go and indulge your staff!
You can choose between a wine, beer, spirits or cocktail tour, based on what your team prefers. Go all out with locally produced gourmet cheese & produce platters or include a BYO picnic lunch at a beautiful picnic spot with epic views, overlooking epic landscapes and get some great pics of the team while you’re at it.
Perfect for: Sophisticated team bonding
Duration: 8-10 hours
Group size: 8-150 people
Price: From $189pp
Availability: 7 days
Build team connections over world-class wines in NSW's premier regions.
Choose Your Wine Region:
Hunter Valley ($189pp)
· 3-4 boutique wineries
· Gourmet lunch included
· Wine blending competition
· 2 hours from Sydney
South Coast ($199pp)
· Ocean views
· Seafood lunch
· Beach photo stops
All tours include seated tastings and luxury transport!
Southern Highlands ($179pp)
· Cool climate wines
· Charming villages
· 90 minutes from Sydney
Cycling, The Ultimate Team Building Activity
Want to get your team more active and into the outdoors? Why not get them on a Sydney cycling tour and have them explore their favourite city through a new set of eyes. Our cycling tour guides know the city like no other and can take your team to places they never would have found by themselves. Ask our team about the best spots to stop with a guide, or consider having a self-guided cycle route and have various teams race each other. It suits different groups of people, can be done outdoors and has the right level of fun versus competitiveness. It also makes for the perfect team bonding activity, because it can be adapted to any team size, as well as to people of all ages and fitness levels.
Have your team explore the city and compete against each other or enjoy a relaxing bike ride, up to you! Make sure to reward them afterwards for all their hard efforts with a well-deserved gourmet harbourside lunch or urban winery tasting!
Sydney Cycling Tours are a great way to get your team out and about!
Water-Based Team Adventures
Make a splash with your team building activities in Sydney for 2025 by diving into our Water-Based Team Adventures—designed for summer bonding, communication, and serious fun. Whether it's paddleboarding across calm harbour waters, battling it out in a game of SUPBALL, or kayaking to hidden beaches, these refreshing experiences offer the perfect mix of challenge and relaxation for teams looking to connect outside the office.
Perfect for: Summer team building
Duration: 4-6 hours
Group size: 10-50 people
Price: From $179pp
Availability: Sep-Apr (weather dependent)
Cool team tensions with refreshing water activities that build trust and communication.
Water Adventure Options:
Stand-Up Paddleboarding ($179pp)
· Calm harbour waters
· Team relay races
· Beach picnic included
Harbour Kayaking ($185pp)
· Double kayaks = teamwork
· Hidden beaches exploration
· Waterside lunch
Team SUPBALL ($195pp)
· Exciting water sport
· Netball meets water polo
· Professional coaching
Ace Your Next Corporate Team Building Event with Our Group Tennis Experience in Sydney
Looking for a fun and active way to boost team morale and improve communication among your colleagues? Look no further! We're excited to introduce our newest group tennis package, specifically designed for corporate teams seeking an engaging and dynamic team-building experience in Sydney.
Our group tennis package offers the perfect combination of friendly competition and team bonding that will leave your team feeling energized, connected, and ready to tackle their work with renewed enthusiasm.
Perfect for: Healthy competition and networking
Duration: 4-5 hours
Group size: 8-32 people
Price: From $159pp
Availability: 7 days (indoor courts available)
What's Included?
Our group tennis package caters to teams of all skill levels, ensuring a fantastic experience for everyone. Included in the package are:
1 hour of tennis court hire
Tennis rackets and balls
Access to the court's facilities
Whether your team members are seasoned pros or complete beginners, they'll have a blast practicing their swings and engaging in some friendly competition on the court.
Optional Add-ons
To make your team building experience even more memorable, we offer a range of optional add-ons tailored to suit your team's preferences:
Professional Coaching: Looking to up your team's tennis game? Our certified tennis coaches will provide guidance and tips to help everyone improve their skills and enjoy the game even more.
Bus Transfers: Save time and hassle by arranging bus transfers to and from your office or preferred pick-up location. Our comfortable and reliable transportation ensures a smooth journey to the tennis court and back.
Lunch: Refuel your team after a fun-filled hour on the court with a delicious and nutritious lunch. Choose from a variety of catering options to suit all dietary preferences and requirements.
Brewery Visits: Why not cap off your team-building day with a relaxing brewery tour? Sample some of Sydney's finest craft beers while bonding with your colleagues in a laid-back setting.
Why Choose Tennis for Team Building?
Tennis is not only a fun and exciting sport, but it also offers numerous benefits for team-building:
Promotes communication: Tennis requires players to communicate effectively with their teammates, helping to develop essential communication skills that can be transferred to the workplace.
Encourages collaboration: Working together to strategize and play as a team is crucial in tennis, fostering a strong sense of collaboration among participants.
Builds trust and camaraderie: As colleagues cheer each other on and support one another on the court, they'll naturally build trust and camaraderie that will extend beyond the team-building event.
Improves physical fitness: Tennis is a great workout that improves cardiovascular health, strength, and agility. A healthy team is a productive team, and tennis offers an enjoyable way for your team to stay active.
So, what are you waiting for? Book our group tennis package for your next corporate team-building event and watch your team come together like never before! Contact us today to secure your preferred date and start planning the ultimate team-building experience in Sydney.
Do Some Good
More and more teams want to contribute to something good during their team building days. Why not cook for charity by helping those in need in your local community. Food cooked on the day, whether it is organised on the day or through a putlock, could go to charities like OZHarvest, Foodbank, or others. Alternatively, you can also learn about sustainability projects all around the city by connecting with many non-profits offering team building activities or by talking to the Urban Legends team! Your team will be sure to feel great, knowing that together they made a real impact! Afterwards, reward their hard work with a behind-the-scenes brewery tour or a gin tasting so your team can talk about what they learned. Guaranteed positive vibes!
Team Sailing Adventure: Navigate Sydney Harbour and Strengthen Your Team Spirit!
Embark on an unforgettable team sailing adventure in the breathtaking Sydney Harbour! With our expertly planned sailing experience, your team will learn valuable sailing skills, work together to conquer the waves, and build lasting camaraderie. Our fun and exhilarating sailing regatta is perfect for companies looking to strengthen teamwork, communication, and collaboration.
Your Sailing Adventure Schedule
We offer flexibility in our scheduling, with options for morning or afternoon events seven days a week. However, our most popular 4-hour event typically follows this schedule:
13:00 - Warm welcome and orientation at Darling Harbour
13:10 - Team allocation and yacht briefing on one of our luxurious yachts
13:15 - Set sail! Yachts depart as crews practice manoeuvres and discuss tactics
14:00 - Race starting sequence begins with a 6-minute sound signal
14:05 - 5-minute sound signal, yachts jockey for position
14:10 - Let the race begin!
16:30 - Race concludes
17:00 - Prize-giving and refreshments at Darling Harbour Pontoon (optional)
Extra Thrills and Customisation
Treasure Hunt Twist: Spice up your regatta by incorporating elements of a treasure hunt, making the experience even more engaging and exciting.
Post-Event Dining Options: We can transport your group to a different location after your charter for lunch or dinner at spectacular venues like Q Station, Manly, Middle Harbour, or Watsons Bay.
Tailored Experience: Work closely with us to create a truly unforgettable and customised event that meets your company's or conference's specific needs and objectives.
Get ready to embark on a thrilling team-building experience on the stunning Sydney Harbour. Book your Team Sailing Adventure today and let the bonding begin!
Ride the waves In Wollongong!
There’s nothing like a refreshing dip in the ocean—especially when it’s part of an active team building day. Most of us live near the coast, but rarely take advantage of it. Surf lessons offer a fun break from the (home)office, boost physical and mental wellbeing, and show your team they’re capable of more than they think. In just a few hours, they’ll learn the basics—and maybe even catch a wave! Wrap it up with a Wollongong-based craft brewery tour, and you’ve got the perfect coastal team day out.
Surfing lessons for your team with an option to add on lunch or dinner and even an overnight stay, is all peanuts for our team building events team. Shoot us a message to chat through the options!
Perfect for: Teams wanting unique coastal experience
Duration: 8 hours
Group size: 8-30 people
Price: From $199pp
Availability: Year-round
Challenge your team with surfing followed by premium food and drinks on the stunning South Coast.
Surf & Turf Package:
Professional surf instruction
All equipment provided
Suitable for beginners
Beach BBQ or restaurant lunch
South Coast brewery tour
Sea Cliff Bridge photo stop
Return luxury transport from Sydney
Surfing allows your team to overcome a challenge together!
Cooking for a Cause Team Building
Looking for meaningful team building activities in Sydney for 2025? Our Cooking for a Cause experience blends teamwork, culinary fun, and social impact. Guided by professional chefs, your team will compete to create delicious meals—then donate everything to OzHarvest to support local communities. It’s a feel-good day of bonding, learning, and giving back, with the option to unwind afterwards at a local brewery or winery.
Perfect for: CSR-focused teams
Duration: 5-6 hours
Group size: 12-100 people
Price: From $179pp
Availability: Mon-Fri
Combine team building with giving back to the community.
Charity Cook-Off Includes:
Professional chef guidance
Teams compete creating dishes
All food donated to OzHarvest
Learn about food insecurity
Your own gourmet team lunch
Optional brewery/winery visit after
Feel-good team bonding
"Best team building ever - we had fun AND helped others. The competition element was perfect." - Jessica K., Canva
Multi-Activity Team Challenge Days
When one activity just won’t cut it, our Multi-Activity Team Challenge Days deliver the ultimate mix for your 2025 team building activities in Sydney. Designed for diverse teams, these full-day experiences combine 3–4 exciting challenges—like axe throwing, kayaking, wine tasting, or escape rooms—into one unforgettable event. With built-in scoring, prizes, and luxury transport, it’s the perfect way to engage everyone on your team.
Perfect for: Diverse teams wanting variety
Duration: 6-8 hours
Group size: 20-150 people
Price: From $229pp
Availability: 7 days
Can't pick one activity? Don't! Our multi-activity days combine 3-4 different challenges for ultimate team building.
Popular Combinations:
The Classic ($229pp)
· Morning: Axe throwing
· Midday: Brewery tour
· Afternoon: Escape room
The Tasting Tour ($269pp)
· Wine tasting
· Distillery visit
· Brewery tour
· Cocktail making
All packages include scoring system, prizes, and luxury transport!
The Active ($249pp)
· Kayaking
· Beach volleyball
· Surfing lesson
· Brewery finish
Proven Team Building Benefits
Why Sydney's Best Companies Invest in Team Building:
87% report improved team communication
91% see increased collaboration
83% notice higher employee satisfaction
76% experience better problem-solving
89% enjoy improved workplace culture
Based on 2024 client feedback surveys
Perfect for Every Team Type
Department-Specific Solutions:
Sales Teams: Competitive activities that channel natural drive
Creative Teams: Inspiring experiences that spark innovation
Tech Teams: Problem-solving challenges and strategic games
Executive Teams: Premium experiences with strategic elements
Remote Teams: Reconnection activities for distributed teams
New Teams: Fast-track bonding for newly formed groups
Team Building FAQs
Q: What's included in the price?
A: All packages include luxury transport, professional facilitation, activity costs, and specified meals/drinks. No hidden fees!
Q: Can you handle large groups?
A: Absolutely! We regularly run events for 150+ people using multiple vehicles and venues.
Q: What about dietary requirements?
A: All dietary needs accommodated - vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal, kosher. Just let us know when booking.
Q: Do you offer weekday rates?
A: Yes! Monday-Thursday bookings receive 10% discount on most activities.
Q: Can we customise packages?
A: 100%! We love creating bespoke experiences tailored to your team's specific goals.
Q: What's your cancellation policy?
A: Full refund 30+ days out, 50% refund 14-29 days, transferable dates within 14 days.
Q: Do you provide certificates of currency?
A: Yes, we have $20M public liability insurance and all required certifications.
Recent Team Building Success Stories
"Exactly what our team needed! The Hunter Valley tour was meticulously organised with perfect balance. We've seen real improvements in collaboration." - Sarah L., Marketing Director
"The new 41-seater coach was incredibly comfortable. Brewery tour hit the mark with our diverse team!" - Michael T., HR Manager
"Sailing experience exceeded all expectations. Natural leadership development opportunities. Already planning our next event!" - Jessica K., CEO
Best Times for Team Building in 2025
Start of Year (Feb-Mar): Set the tone for success
Mid-Year Reset (Jun-Jul): Re-energise teams
EOFY (May-Jun): Celebrate achievements
Pre-Holiday (Oct-Nov): Bond before year-end
Winter Savings (Jun-Aug): Best rates available
Advance Booking Guide:
· 10-20 people: 2-3 weeks
· 21-40 people: 3-4 weeks
· 41+ people: 4-6 weeks
· Peak season: Add 2 weeks
Ready to Create Your Legendary Team Experience?
Stop googling "team building activities Sydney" - you've found the experts! With our exclusive venues, luxury fleet, and proven track record, your only decision is which adventure to choose.
3 Easy Ways to Book:
Call our team specialists - 0434 363 911
DOWNLOAD 2025 TEAM PACKAGES PDF - Share with decision makers
Early Bird Special: Book 45+ days ahead for 5% discount on all packages!
Ride with Urban Legends!
Bus, mini van or luxury car, whether you are taking a entire team or a executive team on the road, we’ve got you covered. Riding to the various team building destinations should be done in style when you are spoiling your team for any of the team bonding activities that we covered in this article. We can literally take care of any size group, from 4 to 57 people!
Our luxury vehicles are all equiped with airconditioning and have the comfiest seats. We even allow your team to blast any songs that they love as a team! Did we mentioned that you are guaranteed a fun and experienced driver? Our reviews don’t lie! We can even pick you up at home or at your accommodation anywhere in Sydney, North Sydney and Western Sydney. Get ready to sit back and enjoy the epic day that you have planned for your hardworking team.
Contact Us:
jared@urbanlegendstourco.com
0434 363 911
www.urbanlegendstourco.com
@urbanlegendstourco
North Wollongong & Sydney, NSW
What to Expect on a NSW Winery Tour: All your questions answered
Going from winery to winery, tasting the best wines that NSW has to offer? We couldn't think of anything better! New South Wales is home to three amazing wine regions: the Hunter Valley, the Southern Highlands, and the South Coast. The Hunter Valley shines with its 200-year old winemaking history and is by far the most famous wine region in NSW. The Southern Highlands and the South Coast are worthy competitors however with excellent boutique wineries and scenic landscapes. We get a lot of questions on what to expect on a NSW winery tour. So, we decided to answer all of them!
What to Expect on a NSW Winery Tour: All Your Questions Answered
Going from winery to winery, tasting the best wines that NSW has to offer? We couldn't think of anything better! New South Wales is home to three amazing wine regions: the Hunter Valley, the Southern Highlands, and the South Coast. The Hunter Valley shines with its 200-year old winemaking history and is by far the most famous wine region in NSW. The Southern Highlands and the South Coast are worthy competitors however with excellent boutique wineries and scenic landscapes. We get a lot of questions on what to expect on a NSW winery tour. So, we decided to answer all of them!
Don't have time to read them all?
Table of contents
Look & CLICK THROUGH this table of content to guide you towards your specific question!
Buying wine & why this is so important on any wine tour
We are so lucky to have such a great variety of wineries in NSW that provide such different experiences. You can visit large-scale wineries such as Ben Ean Winery and small boutique wineries that you have never heard of, but that serve some of the best wines and deliver the best tasting experiences of the region. Some tastings will be conducted by the cellar door staff and others will be by the winemaker himself, which always is an amazing treat. Tastings could take place standing at the counter for $5 or you might get spoiled with a free tasting and locally made complimentary cheeses. Some wineries allow you to rock up with your mates while others only take appointments or don't even allow groups. The best tastings for large groups in our opinion are always done seated, and usually cost 2 or 3 times more than these cheaper, quick standing style tastings. You see, there is a lot involved in planning your NSW winery tour. Thankfully, we have put in the hard yards for you. Happy wine tasting legends!
** All photos in this blog post below are from real Urban Legends Tours **
Can I go on a winery tour by myself or do you recommend a tour?
Visiting the vineyards of NSW is a great day out! All three wine regions of NSW, the Hunter Valley, South Coast and Southern Highlands, can be visited both through a tour or with your own vehicle. What option is best for you depends on a few factors. We will go into the pros and cons of both so you can make the best choice for your group.
Self-drive winery tour
Let's start with the self-drive option! First things first, this adventure cannot be taken without an appointed sober driver. Are you the 'flipping a coin' or 'drawing straws' kind of group? While the driver will be able to do a little bit of the tasting here and there, we do not recommend taking on this adventure without someone who's prepared to miss out on all these delicious wines!
Heading out and finding vineyards is easily possible with resources that you can find online and maybe even a quick Google Maps search. We also recommend popping into the local tourism office for extra advice. They might even give you the names of some insider wineries that you would not have found yourself. The trick is finding wineries that allow visitors without an appointment and that accept your size of group. While a couple driving around the vineyards might be able to squeeze in, a group will be turned away in many wineries. With over 150 wineries to choose from, it is a little tricky finding all the best spots with out a little insider knowledge.
Winery Tours
So how are you able to get into all of the best boutique wineries that don't accept groups? That is, my friends, where tours come in. Many tour operators, including our founder Jared, have spent many years developing a good relationship with unique winery owners that might otherwise be reluctant to receive groups. On a NSW winery tour, you gain access to the best wineries without having to call around yourself or being turned away at the door.
The very best tour operators also work to cultivate special experiences that are exclusive to their relationship with the winery, for example epic gourmet picnic platters , longer tastings, private areas, expert sommeliers and wine makers, extended tastings and bonus wines.
Just as there is a huge variety between wineries, no tour on offer is the same. The tour price will often dramatically effect what is included, and the quality of tasting experiences you will be given. It's your job to find the perfect one for you, but we're here to help! Start by looking at the types of wine you want to taste (small artisan wines or larger scale wines) and the type of tasting you prefer (quick and dirty at the counter or slow and comfortable at a seated tasting). You’ll also need to decide if you are happy with just wine or if you want to spoil your group with incredible home made cheese platters to share during your wine tasting. Still struggling? Here are a few questions to ask yourself and your tour operator.
Do you want to learn lots about wine and bring home the best bottles, or are you just looking to taste as many wines as humanly possible?
Do you want lunch included with a variety of options, or do you prefer to take your own picnic?
Picnic by the sea are the picnic specialists on the south coast!
Do you want to enjoy epic complimentary cheese platters or artisan chocolates during your wine tasting, or do you not mind just being dropped off at the local cheese store instead?
Do you want to learn with recommendations from the winemaker, or do you prefer to drink and dash from less experienced cellar door staff?
Do you want to see exquisite landscapes during the tour with an operator that also takes time to show you the sites, or would you be happy with a shorter urban indoor experience?
Do you like to taste anything else along the way such as craft beers or liquors such as vodka, gin or schnapps?
But wait a minute this all sounds a bit too serious? is the tour still fun? We would also argue that is also one of the major differences between the best tour operators and the best wine tasting experiences. Your tour will select only a few wineries so you want to make sure they have the best of both worlds so that the tour always exceeds your groups expectations. Your tour should certainly be loads of fun for everyone involved!
Lots of things to think about! Want to know what is included in the Urban Legends tours? Keep on reading!
I want to book a tour! What is the day going to look like?
Awesome, we're so excited to have you and your group on one of our tours. At Urban Legends, we know how important it is to get value for money and make sure the person who organises the tour looks like a hero by the end of the day. That is why we spend plenty of time figuring out the best type of experience for each and every group. No Urban Legends tour is the same!
While we do have lots of fantastic ready made packages available, we always make a discovery call to make sure the package is right for you and tailor the tour accordingly.
A winery tour allows you to sit back and relax without having to worry about who will be the sober driver. You will also never have to worry about having enough space for all that wine that you want to bring back. We will pick you up from your chosen location, keep all your wine on ice and you can fully customise your winery tour to your group's wishes! We specialise in groups and can take any size of group in one of our private airconditioned standard or luxury buses and coaches. Our best tour guide Jared is licensed to drive any size vehicle from a 10 seater mini bus right up to a 57 seat luxury coach that looks like a private jet inside!
With Urban Legends tours you know that all the legwork has been done for you. We tend to visit only 2-4 wineries in a day and take you somewhere special for lunch. We also include at least one amazing scenic location. We focus on visiting fewer venues, but making sure they are all epic full range tasting experiences with up to 10 wines each, this allows for a smoother less rushed schedule and gives you more time to fully enjoy the experience. This is more and more important the larger your group is. Large groups take much longer to get on and off the bus as well as in and out of each wine tasting.
The perfectly laid out schedule focuses on the best boutique wineries which we only know about because we have spent a lot of time cultivating relationships with the winery owners. This means that you will never be treated like 'just another tour'. Our wineries are actually super happy to see you coming through the door! Our guests are often treated like royalty with premium seated wine tastings, explanations by the winemaker or owner himself and artisan cheeses or chocolates to accompany the star of the show, the wine!
As mentioned above, we provide winery tours to The Hunter Valley, the South Coast, and the Southern Highlands. As every wine region is a little bit different, we recommend that you check out the more detailed descriptions on each Urban Legends winery tour below:
Still can't choose? We've listed out all why we love each and every region below!
Which wine area should i choose? Hunter valley, South coast or Southern Highlands?
We might be biased but we love all of NSW! It is an amazingly diverse state which means that all these areas are great for different reasons.
The Hunter Valley is the most famous wine region close to Sydney due to its 200-year old winemaking history. There is an abundance of wineries to choose from (over 150) and plenty other delicious produce to try. The Hunter Valley's soil produces high quality vines, olives, great dairy, and much more. It also draws in craftsmen that make chocolates and distilleries that produce different kinds of liquor. There are even a few breweries and you bet that we love a good craft beer!
The best winery in the Hunter Valley? What an impossible choice! We can, however, let you in one of our favourites at the moment: Moorebank winery. The winery serves a fantastic selection of wines during their seated tasting and even includes an incredible homemade cheese and picnic platter for our tours. It's one of the best platters we have ever seen! Our guests are treated to a private tasting room “the press room” which is home to the 2nd oldest wine press in the Hunter Valley ! This family run winery has been shared by 3 generations of wine makers. You will likely be greeted by the Summer, the beautiful daughter of the owners Deb and Ian.
The South Coast winery tour has the obvious advantage of ocean views. It's also home to lush green rolling hills and due to high rainfall, this area has an incredibly fertile soil! Visit Coolangatta Estate, which is built on the site of the first European settlement on the South Coast of NSW, have a picnic by the sea and make sure to check out one of the other 5 cellar doors in the area.
Last, but not least, the Southern Highlands. While the area is better-known as a wedding destination, it is also a fantastic location for your winery tour! The area has many beautiful gardens to visit with an abundance of deciduous trees. The colder climate and high elevation above sea level contributes to the area's specialisation in Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris. Head here during the autumn to see the colourful foliage and try a Pinot Noir or three.
Bendooley estate pictured below
Can we visit a boutique winery? What's the difference?
All Urban Legends wine tours include visits to boutique wineries. This is quite unique as many tour operators focus on the easier to visit cheaper, larger wineries. What makes boutique wineries so special is the level of care that is given to visitors. These craftsmen take their time to show you all of their best bottles in the hope that you fall in love with at least one. The wines usually come with a unique story and expert tasting and pairing notes. The visits are often accompanied by complementary artisan cheeses or chocolates, bringing out the flavour of the individual wines even more. This can be in stark contrast with wineries where the tastings are done standing by the bar where a cellar door staff member gives you a quick recap of each wine and the entire tasting can be finished in 15- 30 mins instead of 1-1.5 hours at a good boutique winery.
Due to the nature of their business, many of the boutique wineries will ask you to make an appointment or call in advance. After all, they might be out working on the vineyard when you pop in. They also often are only big enough to host 1 large group at a time. If you want to visit only boutique wineries with a group, the easiest way to visit them is with tour. This way, you won't need to spend any time calling around to make sure that you can get in.
The tasting fee for both boutique wineries and larger scale wineries varies between $0-$15,+ the cost of cheese platters if included by the tour operator which should all be included in the price of your tour (it always is in ours). Keep in mind that the less you pay for a tasting, the more that is included and the longer the tasting goes for, the more the winery depends on visitors purchasing wine to keep the business going. So, do pick up a bottle when you go to show your support.
Tasting Fees
The tasting fee for both boutique wineries and larger scale wineries varies between $0-$20 per person,+ the cost of any cheese platters if included by the tour operator. This is all usually included in the price of your tour (it always is in ours). 6 - 10 premium wines are usually poured out averaging about 3.5 standard drinks in a 1 hour seated tasting experience. It is worth noting that the relatively small fee payed for a tasting, with the volume of wine that is included, as well as the time spent inside the venue, does mean the wineries depend heavily on the visitors purchasing wine to keep the business going & insure large group wine tastings are financially worth while for the wineries. So please do pick up a bottle when you go to show your support and keep the tour industry alive for large groups.
Are Gourmet cheese platters usually included on a wine tour?
The short answer is no not really, but this will depend which tour operator you choose. Cheese and produce spreads are usually an optional extra and they vary in price depending what’s included in them, how big they are, the variety of cheeses and condiments, how big your group is and whether they are locally sourced or imported just to name a few. We have seen hundreds of cheese platers over the years and they vary in quality from winery to winery and region to region. In our experience the standard for cheese platters is a lot higher in the Hunter Valley, especially at the boutique wineries we use. However they are also often included on the South Coast and Southern highlands , but tend to be a lot smaller and cheaper in these 2 areas.
In the Hunter Valley most tour operators offer the option of a cheese tasting on their tour. It is important to realise that many cheaper tour operators might just take you to a local cheese shop, such as the Smelly Cheese Shop, rather than providing a real tasting. After all, this costs them nothing as the cheese shop will be the one investing the time & money into the tasting. Our tours, however, offer the option of gourmet cheese platters with amazing local cheeses during all of your wine tastings. Hand made by the wineries with local Hunter valley cheeses. This will give you and your guests a more authentic and tastier experience. Having a cheese platter during your wine tasting will also provide you with an extra experience with better use of time, rather than having to rush to an additional stop such as a local cheese shop. We pay extra at each winery to provide our guests with gourmet cheese platters during each and every wine tasting for the ultimate Hunter Valley experience.
Should i bring extra budget on my winery tour?
Great, your tour is booked! Time to sit back and enjoy the ride. You're about to be spoiled with fantastic wines to taste, cheese platters, chocolates and panoramic views. Before you leave, we have to let you in on a little, but very important, secret. What is one of the best parts of winery tours? The wines, chocolates, local cheeses, condiments, olives and vodkas you take home!
We know that the expectation to buy wine is not talked about often, but we wouldn't be supporting our friends in the wine business if we were to let you go without telling the truth. It is actually incredibly important, both for our business and the wineries, that your group buys some bottles of wine at the wine tastings. In fact all tastings including cheese, chocolate, olives and vodka all run on this same premise. We will explain why below.
Are you on a really tight budget and can't afford a whole bottle? That is totally fine! Try buying a glass of your favourite wine instead. Or maybe a few of the cheeses or condiments that are on sale. Share a bottle with your friend or you could even buy the chutney to enjoy at home. Trust me when I tell you that buying just one glass of wine or a jar of condiments makes a massive difference. It is an important gesture of good will that you have appreciated the effort the wine maker has put in to their tasting and the many premium wines they have poured out for you and your large group.
Why it is important to buy wine on a winery tour (self-guided or in group)?
To understand why it is important to buy wine on a winery tour, we have to explain how the wine industry works. Don't worry, we won't bore you! Did you know that making wine is a long process? A winemaker invests anywhere between 3 and 5 years to grow a vine up to wine-producing quality. Knowing that most wines also need time to age before they can be sold, it can take up 7-8 years before for a wine maker is able to sell his best product. Sure, they can produce wine with the grapes off a 3-year old vine and sell it the next year, but a strong wine-making business is not built on these young wines. So how do wineries survive and thrive?
Enter the tasting system! Winemakers like our friends at Two Figs Winery pictured here bring their finest product to customers so that they are sure you are taking home your favourite wine. However, to survive, a winery needs to sell their wines by the bottle, not through the tastings. If a winery's turnover only consists out of their tasting fees, there would not be a wine industry. While the small tasting fee might cover the cost of the tasting, it does not cover the cost of their location, their over heads, the staff, the land, the cheese, and so much more. If a winery chooses to not charge or only charge $5-$10 for their tastings (which many do) they cannot even cover the cost of all the delicious wine you just had. Especially large groups, which is our specialty, can cause cash-flow problems for a winery if there are not enough bottle sales. A winery simply cannot compensate for a large group doing a free or low-priced tasting if they don’t make sales.
Especially for our Saturday tours, it is important to pick up a bottle. As this is the winery's busiest day (the weekdays are so much quieter!), it is such a great opportunity for a group to make a positive impact by buying a few bottles!
This also especially important for boutique wineries that often do not sell their wines in bottle shops.
Yes, you legends are already paying for a winery tour and this price includes your tasting fees, the transport, our wonderful guide, all the research that went into setting up the perfect tour and so much more. While we love you for joining our tours and they enable us to show people around our favourite wineries, this alone is not enough to keep the wine industry going. Especially the smaller family-run wineries, which Urban Legend Tours focuses on, which really struggle without enough cellar door sales. So, go ahead, take a bottle home for you AND for your mum, we know you'll both love it!
Remember the wine makers beautiful stories that come with each vintage and variety, and then share the story when you eventually decide to open that special bottle with your friends and family.
The Wine industry and tours
A lesser-known fact about our industry is that the wine industry and winery tours have a bit of a love-hate relationship. On the one hand, it is great that tours allow for so many people to get introduced to NSW's best wines. All wineries, big or small, love receiving people and get so much joy from seeing people enjoying their wines. It's an industry that is all about passion, hard work, and connection with their customers.
On the other hand, tour operators who bring in big groups (which is our specialty) can cause a problem when tours focus too much on the 'cheap' drinking experience. As we explained above, if a small winery lets all our guests try their best wines for a very small fee, they quickly run into trouble without the sales of bottles. Did you know that many tour operators have actually been banned from wineries all around the state? Before we knew as much about the wine industry as we do now, we even got temporarily banned from 9 wineries in the Hunter Valley for wasting their time and poor group behaviour.
The industry is still grappling with the boom in tour groups and the changes this brings to the business model. For now every winery deals with this differently, the tasting fees are always changing, groups are being more and more restricted and wineries are becoming more and more selective over which tour operators they allow.
Our prescription to help both the small tour companies and the small wineries out? Buy a few bottles on our tours and enjoy your bounty with your friends while reminiscing on the day! Didn't like the wine in one of the wineries? Buy some condiments for your next BBQ or DIY cheese platter instead!
What should i wear on a winery tour?
Another question that we get asked a lot is what the correct wine tasting attire is. Flip flops or sneakers? Something light and airy or something that protects yourself from the elements? What about themes? Could you wear that animal costume you bought for a festival last year? Sometimes it's not that easy to figure out what to wear on your wine tasting day.
Winery attire is a special type of outfit that you whip out for a day of breathtaking sceneries, plenty of photo-ops and for meeting a few of the best craftsmen in the country. The ideal outfit consists out of comfortable footwear (think flat sandals or sneakers) and a comfortable, yet stylish, outfit that you won't mind wearing on the bus ride. Throw in a hat and a jacket and you’re ready to roll. Think more chic garden party, less rowdy beach party! So, the animal costume or your loud Hawaiian shirt? Best to leave that one at home. Some of our favourite dress themes include special head peace, all white and cocktail dress, Do you want more inspiration? Check out this article!
Is there any ettiquette while at the wineries?
Yes there is a few things you should ideally keep in mind during a wine tasting, while usually common sense at the first tasting, your friends may need reminding by the end of the day.
Tastings are always fun and social experiences where you will of course always be chatting and having a great time amongst your friends through out the day.
It is worth mentioning though that it is polite to use inside voices , when in large groups and to not be shouting over the top of each other, so as not to affect the experience of other guests inside the venue.
It is also polite to pause conversation and listen if and when the wine maker is explaining a new wine he or she is about to pour.
It is quite frowned upon to pour your wine into your friends glass, you should always pour it into the spittoon if you don’t like the wine.
You must also never open take away alcohol of any kind, including wine or vodka, while still on a wineries property as this is against the liquor licensing laws the wineries must adhere to.
RSA remains a serious consideration for boutique wineries, if guests appear to be overly intoxicated from BYO alcohol or previous venues they may be denied service or entry to the venue
Supporting the Local Legends
We're not sugar-coating it, 2020 has been a rough year for our small businesses and, in particular, the rural community. First a drought, followed by the bushfires, floods and now a major health crisis. Many small businesses will struggle greatly to get back up on their feet after this is all done. Including us.
Therefore, we would love to encourage you to bring a little extra budget the next time that you go on one of the Urban Legends winery tours. The best thing you can do to help the rural community right now is buying an extra bottle or ordering an extra glass of wine. Until then order a a case of wine delivered! Both the businesses that we work with and our own business will be very grateful for this extra gesture of support!
Whoop Whoop, you just finished a very long post, congratulations! Do you still have more questions? Contact us here.
Stay safe and keep in touch,
Kind regards,
Jared Malcolm & Marijs Vrancken
Urban Legends Tour Co