Every strong team needs good leadership, shared vision – and plenty of fun team building activities. Team building activities give your team a chance to bond, practise effective communication and build trust. There are so many options for team building activities, from sailing to indoor rock climbing or code breaking. If you’re in Sydney, this list will help you find the perfect activity for your next team bonding session.
For remote teams, consider exploring some creative virtual options to keep the camaraderie alive. Check out 39 free virtual team building activities, perfect for those working from different locations.
What is team building and why is it important?
Team building refers to intentional efforts made to grow meaningful relationships between employees. Authentic relationships in the workplace are essential for several reasons.
Research shows that positive relationships increase employee satisfaction, and relationships are a key ingredient in high-performing teams. A sense of belonging increases productivity and ensures skills and knowledge are transferred between team members. Finally, workplace relationships are vital for employee wellbeing.
Improving workplace collaboration can significantly boost team performance. Discover 8 ways to improve collaboration in the workplace to create an environment where ideas can thrive.
So, it’s clear that team building events are a worthwhile investment. Here are our top picks around Sydney.
10 places for team building activities in Sydney
Sydney Indoor Climbing Gym
Unit 4C/1-7 Unwins Bridge Road St Peters NSW. https://goo.gl/maps/wJSvzSnLRcdGkuqSA
Ideal for: Groups of 2-20. General level of fitness required.
Price: 2hr team building session available from $58pp.
Availability: Weekdays from 9am-3:00pm
Website: https://indoorclimbing.com.au/stpeters/team-building-programs/#location-select
Why you should try it: Sydney Indoor Climbing Gym can design a team building session suited to your team. Staff will give a full safety briefing and run you through a series of team building activities.
Challenge your team to push their limits and trust each other as they scale the walls. Plus, after the session your team can continue to enjoy the facility for free and test out their new skills.
The Cipher Room
640 King Street, Newtown NSW 2042. https://goo.gl/maps/wyyhsr2N46Hbo1578
Ideal for: 2-16people. No prior skills necessary.
Price: $55pp.
Availability: Every day, 10am-10pm.
Website: https://www.cipherroom.com.au/
Why you should try it: The Cipher Room offers compelling breakout room games at two Sydney locations — Newtown and St Peters. The games are for 2-8 players but for corporate team building sessions, you can book two breakout rooms simultaneously.
An escape room is all about problem solving. Your team will need to work together to crack codes, solve puzzles and escape! This team building activity is suitable for everyone, getting the mind whirring and the heart pumping.
Sydney By Sail
National Maritime Museum, 2 Murray Street, Darling Harbour.
Ideal for: Teams of 14-35 people. No prior skills necessary but a sense of adventure is a must! Also, make sure you check whether any team members are prone to seasickness before booking.
Price: From $200-$255pp.
Availability: Any day upon arrangement.
Website: https://sydneybysail.com/team-building/team-building
Why you should try it: This takes team building to a whole new level. Imagine your team competing in a regatta on Sydney harbour. Team members will learn basic boat safety and sailing skills.
Then, it’s time to race! Split across two or three fully manned yachts, you’ll race each other around a specially designed harbour course. There’s time to relax afterward and catering can be arranged.
Host an amazing race
Ideal for: Teams of 8-300.
Price: Price on enquiry.
Availability: Any day upon arrangement. Between 10am and 2:30pm.
Website: https://sydneyamazingrace.com.au/
Why you should try it: If you’re looking for the ultimate team bonding activity in Sydney, why not host your very own amazing race? Sydney Amazing Race can design a bespoke race for your team, at a huge variety of locations across Sydney.
Courses range from The Rocks or the Botanic Gardens through to Manly, Chatswood or the Hunter Valley. They also offer virtual courses as well, ideal for remote teams.
For more ideas on staying connected, especially in remote settings, read about 15 ways to stay connected virtually with coworkers.
Challenge your team and watch them bond like never before as they explore the beautiful city of Sydney.
Urban Legends cycling tours
44/18-32 Oxford St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010. https://goo.gl/maps/NWbdEj13nSxhckji9
Ideal for: Teams of 4-12. A basic level of fitness and the ability to ride a bike are necessary.
Price: $149pp.
Availability: Any day of the week upon arrangement. 8am-2pm.
Website: https://urbanlegendstourco.com/bicycle-tours
Why you should try it: Treat your team to a team building day on two wheels. A guided cycling tour of Sydney is sure to get your team moving, laughing and snapping pics of the iconic scenery.
The typical route includes the Opera House, Darling Harbour, a trip over Anzac Bridge and around Rozelle, Glebe and the Sydney Fish Markets.
This course can be customised to suit your team’s ability and interest. Strap on a helmet and get ready to ride together. This is a team building activity you won’t forget.
OzHarvest cooking class
62 Maddox St, Alexandria NSW 2015. https://goo.gl/maps/SwmhzEJKqBzS3pKp6
Ideal for: Teams of 8-70.
Price: $175pp, tax-deductible.
Availability: Monday-Friday.
Website: https://www.ozharvest.org/cooking-for-a-cause/
Why you should try it: OzHarvest offers team building for a good cause. Their corporate cooking classes allow your team to learn new skills, create food and benefit those in need.
Guided by chefs, you will cook a meal from sustainable and nutritious ingredients and then pack this food to be delivered to local charities. Your team is sure to bond as they get their hands dirty in the kitchen for an fantastic cause. It’s the perfect day out with colleagues.
Maniax axe throwing
9-11 Jabez street, Marrickville, NSW. https://goo.gl/maps/Ub3Tn33aRBLPHnWb7
Ideal for: Teams of 6-350 people. Basic agility needed.
Price: From $60pp.
Availability: Every day, 9am-11:30pm.
Website: https://www.maniax.com.au/groups-parties/corporate-events
Why you should try it: Axe throwing . . . now if that doesn’t bring a team together, we’re not sure what will. This team building activity allows employees to express their frustrations in a healthy way and have a laugh as they try out a new skill – it’s the ultimate team event to build team spirit
Plus, it is unlikely that anyone on your team has prior skill in this unique sport, which means a level playing ground for all. Maniax offers customised corporate events, including catering and alcoholic drinks.
Treetops Adventures
Plough & Harrow East, Western Sydney Parklands, 749 Elizabeth Drive, Abbotsbury. https://goo.gl/maps/LipipZPw4NvjtPPSA
Ideal for: Teams of 2-20.
Price: From $56pp. Be sure to check whether anyone in your team is afraid of heights!
Availability: Every day, 9am-5:00pm
Website: https://www.treetopsadventure.com.au/groups/groups/
Why you should try it: Treetops Adventures has a number of zip lining courses around Sydney, including Western Sydney, The Hills, St Ives and the Hawkesbury.
Your team will buckle into harnesses and make their way through above ground obstacle courses. The courses are accessible for a wide variety of abilities and fitness levels. Everyone will get a thrill of soaring through the skies!
My Yoga Essence
Broadway, Ultimo NSW 2007. https://goo.gl/maps/PJqBxwdf6PVMnZ7X7
Ideal for: Teams of 5-20. No prior skill or fitness level required.
Price: From $160-$250 per group.
Availability: Any day, upon arrangement.
Website: https://www.myyogaessence.com.au/corporate-yoga
Why you should try it: My Yoga Essence brings relaxation and positive energy to your office. This travelling yoga studio offers a range of classes from challenging strength based yoga through to meditation sessions or mobility classes which can be done from the comfort of an office chair. There is something to suit every member of your team.
Yoga is a great investment in employee wellbeing, which makes this the ideal team building activity. You can even arrange weekly or fortnightly yoga sessions for your whole team.
Variety Children’s Charity
47 Herbert St, Artarmon NSW 2064. https://goo.gl/maps/HY8ZnGe6LpXtWtEo9
Ideal for: Teams of 10-350.
Price: Free.
Availability: Upon arrangement.
Website: https://www.variety.org.au/nsw/get-involved/corporates/volunteer/
Why you should try it: Research shows that volunteering supports wellbeing, bonds people and boosts overall happiness. That’s why volunteering with Variety Children’s Charity is the ideal team building activity.
As your team members step out of their comfort zone and work together to care for kids in need, bonding is inevitable. With Variety Children’s Charity, your team can help run an ice skating excursion, a sports day, a Christmas party or a school working bee.
Wondering how to plan a safe and fun team event during uncertain times? Check out these 10 Covid-safe Workplace Christmas Party Ideas that are perfect for remote-friendly celebrations.
How to host a virtual team building event
If you’re part of a remote team, don’t despair. There are plenty of great virtual team building activities. From online trivia sessions and digital book clubs to in-browser games and competitions, there is an option to suit every team.
Team building is just as important for remote employees. That’s why we’ve put together a comprehensive list of virtual team building activities. You can download the list here.
Need tips on conducting remote meetings effectively? Our Remote Meetings: A How to Guide covers everything on hosting successful virtual meetings and enhancing team collaboration.
Foster better relationships within your team
Team building is the perfect way you can foster deeper relationships between employees. Genuine relationships at work are crucial for wellbeing.
Employee engagement software can give you further insights into employee wellbeing. Find out what your team needs, so you can serve them better and see them thrive.
When it comes to team building activities, get creative. Whether you start a virtual book club, throw an axe or volunteer — your team will thank you.
Looking to create a great employee experience? Download our guide
How To Create a Standout Employee Experience
