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Clay Your Way at the Best Pottery Classes in Melbourne

Clay, creativity, and just the right amount of chaos – that’s what pottery is all about. 

There’s something oddly satisfying about taking a lump of unremarkable clay and transforming it into something (almost) useful, whether it’s a wobbly vase, a slightly uneven mug, or your new favorite “abstract” art piece. 

We’ve been spinning our way through the city to find pottery classes that make the perfect mix of artistry and fun. 

These studios don’t just teach you how to throw clay – they’re where mess meets mindfulness and creativity knows no bounds. Bonus points if you manage to leave without wearing half the clay home (but honestly, no judgment if you do).

Ceramiques

Media credit: ceramiques.elsternwick

Location: 15 Horne St

Contact: +61 406 523 332

Operating hours:

  • Tuesday – 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
  • Saturday – 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
  • Friday – 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM
  • Saturday – 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Pricing:

  • One-Off Classes – $80
  • Four-Week Term – $260

Website

At Céramiques, pottery isn’t just an art – it’s an experience of calm and creativity. Their wheel-based ceramic workshops are the perfect way to unwind while crafting something truly your own. 

In their two-hour introductory class, you’ll learn the basics of wheel-throwing and create two to four pieces. 

Once you’ve chosen your favorite, the studio will glaze and fire it for you. It will be ready for pickup in about four to five weeks.

For those wanting more time at the wheel, their four-week term at $260 includes all materials, glazing, and firing. These courses are designed for adults, but anyone 16 or older can join if accompanied by a legal guardian.

Pro Tip:

In a one-off workshop, opt to glaze a functional piece like a mug or bowl – it’s a great keepsake or an even better gift

twelve80 | Melbourne Community Ceramic Studio

Media credit: twelve.80

Location: 6 Lewis St

Contact: +61 406 523 332

Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Pricing:

  • Introductory Workshop – $85
  • Monthly Membership – $290

Website

Twelve80 is a community for anyone who’s ever dreamed of turning a lump of clay into something extraordinary. 

For beginners, their $85 introductory workshops are a perfect first spin, combining hands-on lessons in wheel throwing and hand-building with expert guidance to help you craft your own ceramic masterpiece.

Their term classes, available in four- or eight-week options, take things up a notch. These courses explore advanced techniques like slip casting alongside wheel throwing and hand-building, letting you refine your skills step by step.

Pro Tip:

Take advantage of their monthly membership for $290 a month. It’ll give you 24/7 access to the open studio that’s fully loaded with Shimpo wheels, slab rollers, and every tool you need.

Urth Clay Studio

Media credit: urth_clay_studio

Location: 68B Bulla Rd

Contact: +61 482 075 551

Operating hours: Sunday – 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM

Pricing: Social Clay Session – $98

Website

Urth Clay Studio is about connection, creativity, and a little bit of magic with mud. Their offerings range from one-off Social Clay Sessions to immersive workshops like the six-hour “Clay Retreat,” perfect for anyone seeking relaxation and creative exploration. 

The Social Clay Session, a fun 2.5-hour experience for ages 8 to 99, is priced at $98 and includes all materials, glazes, and colors. 

Families can dive into the clay together with a generous 20% discount for two adults and two children, making it an ideal group activity. 

For those craving a more mindful experience, their eight-week Mindful Clay Program offers a supportive, judgment-free space to craft and create pieces you’ll actually use.

Pro Tip:

Pay it forward! If you know someone going through a tough time, reach out to the studio. Share their story, and Urth Clay might just offer them a session filled with fun, positivity, and plenty of laughs.

Bayside Pottery Studio

Media credit: baysidepotterystudio

Location: Unit 2/48 Waterloo Cres

Contact: +61 405 279 198

Operating hours:

  • Tuesday to Friday – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
  • Saturday – 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
  • Sunday- 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Pricing:

  • One-Off Taster Class – $99
  • Four-Week Handbuilding Course – $320

Website

Founded by the immensely talented Maree Maglio, a ceramic artist with over three decades of experience, Bayside Pottery Studio is where creative sparks fly in a cozy and supportive setting. 

The Four-Week Handbuilding Course (priced at $320) is a hands-on deep dive into techniques like pinch pots, slab building, coiling, and glazing. 

With classes capped at just six students, you’ll get the personalized attention you need to make your ceramic dreams a reality. Short on time? The One-Off Taster Class offers a perfect two-hour intro to hand-building for $99 – just enough to get your hands dirty.

And here’s the kicker: Bayside Pottery Studio also hits the road with “The Travelling Potter” service. Maree brings the magic of clay directly to you, making it a hit for corporate team-building or personal events (a minimum of eight participants is required).

Pro Tip:

Make sure to bring along a notebook to track techniques, tips, and those creative “aha!” moments.

Bisque Studios

Media credit: bisque.studios 

Location: 2/167 Beavers Rd

Contact: +61 3 9943 7844

Operating hours:

  • Monday to Tuesday & Thursday – 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
  • Wednesday – 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
  • Saturday – 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM

Pricing:

  • Bisque Intro Workshop – $99
  • 6-Week Term Classes – $480

Website

Founded by the talented Kate Brouwer, Bisque Studios is your go-to destination for hands-on ceramic fun. Their 8-week term classes offer a deep dive into hand-building and wheel-throwing, giving you all the tools (literally) to create your next masterpiece. 

Priced at $480, these classes cover everything from clay to glazes. Firing of the pieces with a fee of $12 per kilogram when you collect your completed works – because perfection deserves the perfect finish.

Not ready to commit for eight weeks? Their weekend workshops are the perfect solution, offering bite-sized creativity bursts for beginners and pros alike. 

And if you’re looking to celebrate or learn with friends, their private classes and parties make pottery a social event to remember.

Pro Tip:

Snag one of their gift cards to share the joy of ceramics or save it for your next creative adventure.

Terrapotter Studios

Media credit: terrapotterstudios 

Location: 374 Clarendon St

Contact: +61 428 138 894

Operating hours: Saturday to Sunday – 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Pricing: Single Session Classes – Starting at $100

Website

Terrapotter Studios has a knack for making pottery as enchanting as its name suggests. Whether you’re a total newbie or a seasoned pro, their classes are designed to bring out your inner artist. 

There’s something for everyone here. They have wheel-throwing sessions that let you master the basics of shaping clay and hand-building classes focused on timeless techniques like coiling, slab-building, and pinch pots.

Feeling fancy? Their specialized glazing workshops add that perfect touch of personality and polish to your creations – because what’s a masterpiece without a killer finish? 

With classes starting at just $100, you can dive into a single session or commit to a series for a more cost-effective way to refine your skills. 

Pro Tip:

Hop on their website and book your slot early since their classes fill up fast!

Diana Ceramic-Burwood

Media credit: diana_ceramic

Location: 3/6 Duffy St

Contact: +61 3 5902 7029

Operating hours:

  • Tuesday & Sunday – 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
  • Wednesday – 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM
  • Thursday – 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
  • Friday – 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
  • Saturday – 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM

Pricing: 

  • Wheel Throwing Workshop for Beginners – $110
  • Clay Hand Building Workshop: Mud and Merlot  – $125
  • Beginner’s Wheel Throwing Course  – $309

Website

Founded by the talented Diana, this studio is as inviting as it is inspiring. 

For those new to the pottery scene, the Wheel Throwing Workshop for Beginners offers a hands-on introduction to ceramics. You’ll be guided through the basics of crafting your very own piece. 

Prefer a more grounded approach? The Hand Building Course for Beginners spans four sessions and covers everything from coiling and pinching to slab building, letting you create personalized bowls, planters, mugs, and plates that are uniquely yours.

For a creative twist on a night out, the studio’s Mud and Merlot workshops are a must-try. These social sessions pair pottery with drinks, blending relaxation and artistry in the most delightful way. 

Pro Tip:

Enrolled in a multi-session course? Make the most of their Open Studio Hours to practice at your own pace.

McCanless Pottery

Media credit: mccanless_pottery

Location: Unit 3/35-37 Canterbury Rd

Contact: +61 3 9008 4506

Operating hours:

  • Monday to Friday – 9:30 AM to 9:00 PM
  • Saturday to Sunday – 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM

Pricing:

  • Ceramic Painting and Sip Workshop – $119 to 129
  • Kids Term Class (8 Weeks) – $572

Website

At McCanless Pottery, creativity flows as freely as the wine at their Ceramic Painting and Sip Workshop. Whether you’re sculpting or mastering the wheel, this studio is all about turning muddy beginnings into masterpiece endings. 

They even cater to mini-makers with an 8-week Kids Term class for budding artists aged 6 to 12. For $572, your little potter will learn hand-building and wheel-throwing techniques in a fun, supportive environment – it is clay play at its finest.

Looking for something a little more grown-up? The Ceramic Painting and Sip Workshop is a must. With handmade pottery, brushes in hand, and a glass of wine by your side, it’s two hours of pure creative bliss. 

Pricing ranges from $119 to $129 depending on when you book and how big your crew is. It’s the perfect mix of art and indulgence.

Pro Tip:

Make sure to shop their selection of Shimpo pottery wheels and tools to start building your dream home studio.

Pot Dispensary

Media credit: pot.dispensary

Location: 425 Chapel St

Contact: +61 1800 616 615

Operating hours:

  • Tuesday & Thursday to Saturday – 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
  • Sunday – 12:00 PM to 4:30 PM

Pricing: Introduction to wheel throwing – $120

Website

If you’re looking to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty, Pot Dispensary offers the perfect gateway into pottery. Their two-hour guided wheel-throwing classes are ideal for beginners wanting to spin some clay magic. 

Whether it’s a cup or some quirky vessel, you’ll be able to craft your own masterpiece while the studio takes care of all the behind-the-scenes magic – trimming, firing, glazing. 

The result? A gorgeous ceramic piece that’s food-safe, dishwasher-safe, and yes, even microwave-safe for those late-night mug cakes.

Their six-week courses cater to all skill levels by diving deeper into wheel-throwing and hand-building techniques to help you hone your craft.

Pro Tip:

Got a group that’s ready to play with clay? They also offer private bookings for groups of one to twenty, so you can turn pottery into the ultimate squad activity.

The Wheelhouse Studio

Media credit: the_wheelhousestudio

Location: 174 Gladstone St

Contact: +61 428 138 894

Operating hours:

  • Monday to Tuesday – 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
  • Wednesday – 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
  • Thursday – 3:30 PM to 9:00 PM
  • Friday – 9:30 AM to 9:00 PM
  • Saturday – 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
  • Sunday – 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM

Pricing:

  • Four-Week Term – $365
  • Eight-Week Term – $680

Website

Since 2019, The Wheelhouse Studio – founded by the talented Dean Millsom – has been shaping more than just clay; it’s been shaping Melbourne’s love for pottery. 

The studio caters to all skill levels, offering wheel-throwing classes that teach you how to craft bowls, mugs, and more on a potter’s wheel. 

Prefer a more hands-on approach? Their hand-building sessions let you dive into traditional techniques like coiling, slab-building, and pinch pots. It’s the perfect class if you want to craft pieces as unique as you are.

If you’re ready to fully commit to the clay life, their structured term programs are the way to go. The eight-week term, priced at $680, provides an immersive experience, while the four-week option at $365 is great for those looking for a shorter creative burst. 

Pro Tip:

Sign up for their mailing list to stay in the loop on news and upcoming classes so you’ll never miss your chance to get creative.

Urban Clay

Media credit: urbanclaystudio  

Location: Unit 1/35 Advantage Rd

Contact: +61 432 394 009

Pricing: 

  • Six-Week Hand Building Classes – $449
  • Eight-Week Hand Building Classes – $549
  • Six-Week Wheel Throwing Classes – $549
  • Eight-Week Wheel Throwing Classes – $569

Website

This artist-run studio is all about fostering a welcoming and supportive vibe where beginners and advanced potters alike can dive into the world of ceramics.

Their Wheel Throwing Pottery Classes, available in 6 or 8-week terms (priced between $549 and $569), guide you through the magic of shaping clay on the wheel. 

There are also Hand Building Pottery Classes that offer 6-week sessions for $449 or an 8-week option for $549. These are perfect for those who love crafting unique pieces with their own two hands. 

If you’re feeling extra fancy, don’t miss their specialized workshops! Among the best ones is the the Day Bird Decorating Workshop, where for $200 you can add a personal touch to your creations.

Pro Tip:

Make sure to grab their gift vouchers – they’re the perfect excuse to rope your friends into the clay-making fun (and maybe score some handmade gifts in return).

Sarah Schembri Ceramics

Media credit: sarahschembri_ceramics

Location: 10 Kent St

Contact: +61 414 377 397

Operating hours: Saturday – 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Pricing: 

  • Six-Week Beginner Wheel Course – $510 
  • Eight-Week Open Wheel Term Class: $510

Website

Under the expert guidance of renowned Australian ceramicist Sarah Schembri, this studio isn’t just a place to learn pottery – it’s a light-filled haven for creativity. With 14 pottery wheels at your disposal, there’s plenty of room to let your imagination spin.

For beginners, the six-week Beginner Wheel Course is the perfect starting point. Over 2.5-hour weekly sessions, you’ll master essential techniques like centering clay and shaping basic forms.

Ready to take it up a notch? The eight-week Open Wheel Term Class is an immersive experience that welcomes both novices and seasoned potters looking to refine their craft. 

The $510-course fee includes a generous 10kg bag of stoneware clay, tools, and firing, so all you need is your enthusiasm (and maybe a little patience for that tricky centering step).

Pro Tip:

Don’t forget to pack your own apron and towel – things can get delightfully messy, and the studio doesn’t supply these essentials.

Slow Clay Centre

Media credit: slowclaycentre

Location: 13 Keele St

Contact: +61 3 9943 7844

Operating hours: Tuesday to Friday – 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Pricing:

  • Form & Surface Course – $575 
  • Eight-Week Wheel Throwing Courses – $625 

Website

Since 1990, Slow Clay Centre has been spinning magic (and clay) into the Melbourne art scene. Offering a wide array of classes led by exhibiting artists and skilled teachers, this studio is the perfect spot for both beginners and seasoned creators.

Their eight-week wheel-throwing courses lay a solid foundation in pottery techniques. At $625 for new students (with early bird and concession rates available), it’s a great way to kick-start your clay journey. 

If hand-building and sculptural techniques are more your vibe, the Form & Surface course is a must. This creative deep-dive welcomes all levels, blending personal expression with technical skill for $575 if you snag an early bird spot.

Even the little ones can get their hands dirty with After School Pottery Classes. Designed for kids aged 8-12, these sessions offer a messy and fun-filled outlet for creativity – because who doesn’t love a bit of mud?

Pro Tip:

Don’t let your inbox be a bottleneck – add [email protected] to your contacts, as all studio updates and info come straight to your email.

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