Famous for its rich cultural scene, divine food, passionate sports fans, and a hint of adventure, Melbourne boasts an array of unique team building activities. After all, in their lifetime the average person will spend 13.2 years at work, so having fun and building bonds with your fellow employees is vital, and there’s no better place to do it than this iconic city.
Table of Contents
- Why Melbourne is Ideal for Team Building
- How to Choose the Right Team Building Activity
- Top 15 Best Corporate Team Building Activities in Melbourne
- The Impact of Regular Team Building
- The Final Word
Why Melbourne is Ideal for Team Building
Melbourne’s unique blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty provides the perfect backdrop for team building exercises. From its bustling CBD to the serene Yarra Valley, the city offers diverse settings that cater to various team dynamics and objectives. Whether you’re looking for corporate events or fun activities for large groups, Melbourne has it all.
How to Choose the Right Team Building Activity
When selecting a team building activity, consider:
- Team size and dynamics
- Company culture and goals
- Budget constraints
- Time availability
- Physical abilities of team members
- Desired outcomes (e.g., improved communication, problem-solving, creativity)
Top 15 Best Corporate Team Building Activities in Melbourne
- Problem-Solving Challenges: Escape Rooms
- Culinary Team Challenges
- Volunteering
- Outdoor Adventures
- Day Trips
- Amazing Race Melbourne
- Yarra Valley Wine Tour and Team Challenge
- Street Art Workshop Tour
- Melbourne Sports Precinct Challenge
- Eureka Skydeck Puzzle Challenge
- Melbourne Aquarium Team Quest
- Melbourne Museum Scavenger Hunt
- Theatrical Improv Workshop
- Melbourne Coffee Culture Experience
- Sustainable Melbourne Challenge
1. Go On A Quest For Problem-Solving Challenges
People: Teams of 2-6
Google Rating: 4.6 (350+ reviews)
Pricing: $
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There’s something inherently exciting about diving into a problem and finding an effective solution. That’s why problem-solving challenges can be such powerful team building activities. In Melbourne, you can take your team to experience the thrill of our escape rooms for corporate teams at Escape Room Melbourne where everyone must work together under pressure to solve puzzles and escape before time runs out. For teams inclined towards technology, a hackathon or virtual reality experience could be the perfect problem-solving challenge.
These kinds of team building activities not only build practical problem-solving abilities, but they also help develop interpersonal skills and promote team cohesion. As team members engage in these challenges, they gain insights into each other’s strengths and perspectives, enhancing mutual understanding and respect. Whether navigating the clues in an escape room or brainstorming innovative solutions in a hackathon, the shared experience is certain to create lasting bonds.
2. Go On A Culinary Adventure And Take Cooking Classes
People: Classes of 10-40 (large groups can be arranged)
Rating: 4.9 (130+ reviews)
Price: $$
Melbourne’s food scene is nothing short of legendary. Thus, it’s hardly surprising that this city offers some fantastic cooking classes ideal for corporate team building. As you collaborate, communicate, and occasionally compete, the fun and learning are sure to stir up a winning team spirit. And the icing on the cake (quite literally) is tasting your co-workers’ culinary creations. If you’re interested in Asian cuisines, you might consider OTAO Kitchen in Richmond, which specialises in a variety of Asian cooking classes, such as Thai, Japanese, Vietnamese, and Indian.
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Alternatively, The Essential Ingredient in Prahran Market is known for its comprehensive range of cooking classes that cover an array of cuisines and techniques. Here, you can delve into everything from artisanal pasta and cheese making to baking.
By preparing dishes from various world cuisines, they experience the rich multicultural influences that define Melbourne’s food culture. Cooking together encourages creativity, as each participant contributes their unique ideas and skills to create something delicious.
3. Start Volunteering
People: Any number normally welcome
Price: FREE
Giving back to the community is one of the best team building activities on offer. It takes your team out of their usual work setting and drops them into something new. It lets team members see a different side of each other, sparking fresh conversations, and nurturing empathy and mutual understanding. Put simply, volunteering calls for teamwork at its best. It demands that your team communicates well, solves problems creatively, and collaborates effectively. These are all essential skills for a thriving team. There’s a huge range of worthwhile charities and not-for-profit organisations in Melbourne in need of volunteers. Depending on your team’s availability and location, you can volunteer for a few hours or set aside a full day – the choice is yours.
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4. Enjoy All The Outdoor Activities
People: Small or big groups can be arranged
Price: $-$$
Melbourne really has something for everyone, and that includes a sense of adventure. With its diverse natural landscapes and cosmopolitan amenities, it offers a wide array of outdoor activities perfect for team building. The unique mix of urban and natural settings promotes a variety of experiences that encourage team cooperation, communication, and mutual support.
Activities such as an Amazing Race-style city exploration or a treasure hunt within the Royal Botanic Gardens develop strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, fostering stronger working relationships. Beach Olympics or World Series Paintball tap into a playful competitive spirit that enhances camaraderie and group unity.
Nature-based activities, such as kayaking on the Yarra River or hiking in the Dandenong Ranges, push teams out of their comfort zones, building resilience and promoting a deeper sense of mutual understanding and respect. They offer a retreat from the daily grind, allowing team members to engage in a different environment, which often leads to stronger connections and enhanced team cohesion.
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5. Consider Taking A Day Trip
People: Small or big groups can be arranged
Price: $$-$$$
Last but not least, why not organise a day trip to one of Melbourne’s spectacular local sights. They’re close enough to be perfect for corporate team building events, but far enough that you’ll need a full day to enjoy them. For those who prefer the great outdoors, Melbourne’s surrounding environment is ripe for team building adventures. The stunning Great Ocean Road could be the backdrop for a team surf lesson, fostering camaraderie and mutual support. Team hikes in the Dandenong Ranges or cycling excursions in the Yarra Valley can develop unity and resilience, while a group wildlife spotting trip to Phillip Island offers relaxation and shared awe.
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6. Amazing Race Melbourne
Duration: 3-4 hours
Ideal Group Size: 10-100 people
Key Benefits: Problem-solving, communication, city exploration, time management
An Amazing Race-style challenge in Melbourne is an exhilarating way to combine team building with city exploration. Teams race against the clock, solving clues that lead them to iconic Melbourne landmarks such as Federation Square, the Royal Botanic Gardens, or the vibrant laneways.
Each checkpoint presents a unique challenge that requires teamwork, quick thinking, and effective communication. These could include deciphering cryptic clues, completing physical challenges, or engaging with local culture. For example, teams might need to learn a few phrases in the local Aboriginal language, create a short video showcasing a hidden laneway, or complete a mini scavenger hunt in the Queen Victoria Market.
Pro Tip: Customize checkpoints to include company-specific trivia or challenges related to your industry. This can help reinforce company values or knowledge in a fun, interactive way. For those who enjoy this kind of problem-solving under pressure, our Fractured: Remember Yesterday room offers a similar thrilling experience.
7. Yarra Valley Wine Tour and Team Challenge
Duration: Full day
Ideal Group Size: 15-40 people
Key Benefits: Relationship building, sensory skills development, local knowledge, creative thinking
A Yarra Valley Wine Tour combined with team challenges offers a perfect blend of relaxation and team building. This picturesque region, just an hour’s drive from Melbourne, is home to some of Australia’s finest wineries and provides a stunning backdrop for team activities.
The day typically starts with a visit to a renowned winery like De Bortoli or Rochford Wines. Here, teams can participate in a guided wine tasting, learning about the wine-making process and developing their sensory skills. This can be turned into a friendly competition, with teams trying to identify different wine varieties or aromas.
Pro Tip: Include a blind tasting competition or wine blending workshop for added engagement. This activity can be particularly enjoyable for couples in your team, much like our couple-friendly escape rooms. Remember to arrange for a designated driver or bus transport to ensure everyone’s safety.
8. Street Art Workshop Tour
Duration: 2-3 hours
Ideal Group Size: 10-30 people
Key Benefits: Creativity, self-expression, collaboration, appreciation of local culture
Melbourne is renowned for its vibrant street art scene, making it the perfect backdrop for a creative team building workshop. This activity not only taps into each participant’s artistic side but also encourages collaboration and out-of-the-box thinking.
The workshop typically begins with a guided tour of famous street art locations like Hosier Lane or AC/DC Lane. A local street artist can provide insights into the techniques, styles, and stories behind the artwork.
This tour sets the stage for the team’s creative endeavors and helps them appreciate the cultural significance of street art in Melbourne. Following the tour, teams are given their own space (often a large canvas or a designated wall space) and art supplies. Under the guidance of professional street artists, they collaborate to create their own piece of street art. This could be themed around company values, a shared vision for the future, or simply a creative representation of the team’s identity.
The activity concludes with each team presenting their artwork, explaining their creative process and the meaning behind their piece. This not only showcases the team’s creativity but also improves presentation skills and boosts confidence.
9. Melbourne Sports Precinct Challenge
Duration: Half-day
Ideal Group Size: 20-100 people
Key Benefits: Physical activity, teamwork, healthy competition, local sports culture appreciation
Melbourne’s reputation as the sports capital of Australia makes it the ideal location for a sports-themed team building event. The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and Rod Laver Arena provide an exciting backdrop for a series of team challenges.
Start the day with a behind-the-scenes tour of the MCG, giving participants a glimpse into the history and significance of this world-famous stadium. Follow this with a series of sports-themed challenges designed to test various skills and promote teamwork. These could include:
- A mini-cricket match on the MCG’s hallowed turf (or a nearby practice pitch)
- An Australian Rules Football kicking competition
- A tennis serve accuracy challenge at Rod Laver Arena
- An obstacle course race incorporating elements from different sports
- A sports trivia quiz covering Melbourne’s rich sporting history
To make it more inclusive, include some non-traditional or lesser-known sports activities like handball or ultimate frisbee. This ensures that even non-sports enthusiasts can fully participate and enjoy the experience.
Conclude the day with a medal ceremony, awarding teams for various achievements like best teamwork, most improved, or most enthusiastic participation.
Pro Tip: Include a mix of well-known sports and quirky challenges to keep everyone engaged. This can be a great alternative to traditional birthday party ideas for sports-loving teams.
10. Eureka Skydeck Puzzle Challenge
Duration: 2-3 hours
Ideal Group Size: 10-50 people
Key Benefits: Problem-solving, time management, communication, appreciation of Melbourne’s cityscape
The Eureka Skydeck, offering breathtaking 360-degree views of Melbourne from the 88th floor, provides a unique and memorable setting for a team building puzzle challenge. This activity combines the thrill of being in one of Melbourne’s iconic locations with engaging problem-solving tasks.
As teams ascend to the Skydeck, they’re briefed on their mission: to solve a series of puzzles and challenges within a set time limit. These puzzles are strategically placed around the Skydeck, encouraging teams to explore the space and take in the spectacular views while working together.
Challenges could include:
- Decoding a message using the city landscape as a cipher
- Identifying landmarks from cryptic clues and using them to solve a larger puzzle
- Creating a story or marketing campaign inspired by the view, incorporating specific elements spotted from the Skydeck
- Solving physical puzzles or riddles that relate to Melbourne’s history or geography
The ‘Edge’ experience, a glass cube that projects out from the building, can be incorporated as a bonus challenge for thrill-seekers. Teams that dare to step out onto the Edge might receive additional clues or points.
The activity concludes with teams presenting their solutions, fostering public speaking skills and celebrating their achievements with the stunning Melbourne skyline as a backdrop.
Pro Tip: Incorporate the ‘Edge’ experience for an added thrill and team bonding opportunity. For those who enjoy height-based challenges and puzzles, our Mine Escape room might be a great follow-up activity, offering a different kind of ‘elevated’ experience.
11. Melbourne Aquarium Team Quest
Duration: 2-3 hours
Ideal Group Size: 15-60 people
Key Benefits: Learning, problem-solving, environmental awareness, teamwork
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium provides a captivating backdrop for a unique team building experience. This activity combines the wonder of marine life with engaging team challenges, promoting both learning and collaboration.
There are several ideas to do in the aquarium:
- A scavenger hunt to find and photograph specific species, encouraging careful observation and teamwork
- Puzzle-solving activities related to marine biology and ocean conservation
- A team challenge to design an eco-friendly solution to a current ocean pollution problem
- A quiz that combines general knowledge with facts learned during the aquarium tour
- A creative task to develop a story or ad campaign featuring one of the aquarium’s inhabitants
The activity can culminate in a behind-the-scenes tour, giving teams a unique perspective on marine life care and conservation efforts. This not only adds an exclusive element to the experience but also reinforces the importance of environmental stewardship.
Pro Tip: Include a behind-the-scenes tour for an exclusive experience. This activity can be particularly engaging for kids’ team building events too, making it perfect for family-friendly corporate outings.
12. Melbourne Museum Scavenger Hunt
Duration: 2-3 hours
Ideal Group Size: 10-50 people
Key Benefits: Learning, cultural appreciation, teamwork, problem-solving
The Melbourne Museum, with its diverse exhibits covering natural and cultural history, provides an ideal setting for an educational and engaging team building scavenger hunt. This activity combines learning with fun, encouraging teams to work together while exploring the museum’s fascinating collections.
Teams can be provided with a list of clues or challenges that guide them through different exhibits. These could include:
- Identifying specific artifacts or specimens and learning about their significance
- Solving riddles related to Australian history or indigenous culture
- Creating a short video presentation about a chosen exhibit
- Completing a crossword puzzle using information found throughout the museum
- Sketching or photographing items that meet certain criteria (e.g., “Find something that’s over 1 million years old”)
To add an extra layer of excitement, consider incorporating augmented reality elements or QR codes that reveal additional clues or information when scanned.
The activity can be concluded with teams presenting their findings and sharing interesting facts they’ve learned, fostering both knowledge sharing and public speaking skills.
Pro Tip: Tailor some of the challenges to relate to your company’s industry or history. This activity can help teams understand the history and evolution of problem-solving games, much like the challenges they might face in our escape rooms.
13. Theatrical Improv Workshop
Duration: 2-3 hours
Ideal Group Size: 10-30 people
Key Benefits: Creativity, communication, confidence-building, adaptability
An improv workshop led by professional actors is an excellent way to boost creativity, enhance communication skills, and build confidence within your team. This activity takes participants out of their comfort zones in a fun, supportive environment, encouraging quick thinking and adaptability.
The workshop typically begins with warm-up exercises designed to loosen up participants and get them thinking creatively. These might include word association games or simple role-playing scenarios.
As the session progresses, teams engage in a variety of improv games and exercises, such as:
- “Yes, and…” scenarios to promote positive collaboration and idea-building
- Character development exercises to enhance empathy and understanding of different perspectives
- Story-building activities where team members take turns adding to an evolving narrative
- Problem-solving scenarios where teams must think on their feet to resolve unexpected challenges
- Non-verbal communication games to improve body language awareness
The workshop can be concluded with small group performances, allowing teams to showcase their newly honed skills in a supportive, celebratory atmosphere.
Pro Tip: Incorporate scenarios relevant to your workplace for practical skill development.
14. Melbourne Coffee Culture Experience
Duration: 2-3 hours
Ideal Group Size: 10-20 people
Key Benefits: Sensory skills, relationship building, cultural appreciation, local knowledge
Melbourne’s world-renowned coffee culture provides a perfect backdrop for a unique team building experience. This activity combines sensory exploration with local cultural immersion, all while fostering team bonding.
The experience can typically include:
- A guided tour of Melbourne’s famous laneways and hidden cafes, learning about the city’s coffee history
- Coffee tasting sessions where teams learn to identify different flavors and aromas
- A hands-on barista workshop where team members learn to make various coffee drinks
- A friendly latte art competition to showcase newly acquired skills
- A discussion on sustainable coffee practices and their global impact
To add a team building element, consider incorporating challenges such as creating a unique coffee blend as a team or developing a marketing pitch for a fictional cafe.
Pro Tip: End the experience with a team competition to create the best latte art. This activity can be a great warm-up for teams before they tackle one of our themed escape rooms, as it encourages attention to detail and creative thinking.
15. Sustainable Melbourne Challenge
Duration: Half-day to full-day
Ideal Group Size: 15-50 people
Key Benefits: Environmental awareness, problem-solving, teamwork, community engagement
The Sustainable Melbourne Challenge is an eco-friendly team building activity that aligns corporate social responsibility with team unity. This challenge encourages teams to think creatively about sustainability while making a positive impact on the local community.
The day could be structured around a series of eco-challenges, such as:
- A clean-up drive in a local park or beach, with teams competing to collect the most waste or find the most unusual items
- Visits to sustainable businesses in Melbourne, with teams tasked to learn about and present on innovative green practices
- An upcycling workshop where teams create useful items or art pieces from recycled materials
- A sustainable transport race, where teams must navigate across the city using only eco-friendly transportation methods
- A challenge to develop and pitch a sustainability initiative for your company
The activity can conclude with teams presenting their achievements and ideas, fostering a sense of accomplishment and ongoing commitment to sustainability.
Pro Tip: Partner with local environmental organizations to make a lasting impact. This activity can help teams develop the kind of collaborative problem-solving skills needed in teamwork, which is crucial for success.
The Impact of Regular Team Building
Regular team building activities can lead to:
- Improved communication and collaboration
- Enhanced problem-solving skills
- Increased employee engagement and job satisfaction
- Better conflict resolution
- A more positive and productive work environment
- Stronger interpersonal relationships among team members
- Increased creativity and innovation in the workplace
- Better understanding and appreciation of diverse perspectives
These benefits align closely with the skills developed in escape rooms. For more on how escape rooms can benefit your team, check out our FAQ page.
The Final Word
Melbourne truly caters to all, with the best team building activities right here in the city. Whether it’s urban exploration, culinary challenges, or thrilling outdoor pursuits, Melbourne’s diverse offerings create the perfect environment for fostering stronger, more connected teams.
Each of these activities offers unique benefits, from problem-solving and communication skills to creativity and cultural appreciation. By regularly engaging in team building exercises, you’re not just creating a more cohesive team, but also contributing to a more positive, productive, and enjoyable work environment.
Remember, the key to successful team building is variety and consistency. Mix up your activities to keep things fresh and exciting, and make team building a regular part of your corporate culture.
If you’re ready to book your next corporate team building event, why not try one of our escape rooms for team building? Visit our website to book online now and learn more about our rooms!
Interested in other events to brighten up the office? Check out our tips to host the best office Christmas party. For those looking for a unique gift idea, consider our escape room gift vouchers.
Want to learn more about the team behind these exciting experiences? Visit our About Us page. For any questions or special requests, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Remember, team building is an investment in your company’s most valuable asset – your people. So why wait? Start planning your next team building adventure in Melbourne today!
