Master the Art of Sourdough Baking in Mount Hawthorn, Western Australia

Read the full experience

Located in Mount Hawthorn, a lively suburb of Perth in Western Australia, the Sourdough Baking Class offers a welcoming and hands-on culinary experience that delivers far more than just bread. This class is a unique blend of tradition and technique where participants dive into the time-honored craft of sourdough baking under the expert guidance of Chef Elise Jennings. Mount Hawthorn itself is known for its vibrant community spirit and close-knit neighborhoods, making this class a perfect way to connect with local craftsmanship while exploring a skill that’s as rewarding as it is delicious. The class walks you through the entire process of sourdough baking—from nurturing the starter to shaping, scoring, and baking—providing a comprehensive understanding of how to create signature loaves like the Classic Round Sourdough and the aromatic Golden Focaccia. The skilled instruction ensures even beginners feel confident while learning the nuances of fermentation and dough handling. It’s not just a cooking class; it’s a deep dive into a tradition that blends patience, science, and artistry. What makes this experience stand out in Perth’s food and cultural scene is Elise’s approachable teaching style paired with a collaborative atmosphere. By the end of the session, you not only walk away with freshly baked bread but also the knowledge and skills to continue the practice at home. The class emphasizes organic practices and sustainable baking techniques, including starter care that fosters long-term engagement beyond the workshop. Mount Hawthorn offers a charming backdrop with its leafy streets and vibrant café culture, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in local life. The neighborhood’s charm is enhanced by historical details — once a quiet farming area, it has grown into a hotspot for creative culinary experiences, making this sourdough workshop an authentic taste of Western Australia’s artisanal food movement. Whether you’re a food lover, a traveler seeking local experiences, or a beginner fascinated by baking, this class is an enriching way to add a delicious skill to your repertoire. Booking this experience means embracing the slow food ethos, supporting local expertise, and savoring the fragrant results of patient craftsmanship right in one of Perth’s most inviting communities.

Trip highlights

Difficulty

easy.

Duration

2–2.5 hours.

Fitness level

No physical fitness required; suited for all levels interested in baking.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need any baking experience?

No prior baking experience is needed; this class is designed for beginners and aspiring bakers.

Will I get to take home the bread I bake?

Yes, participants take home their freshly baked loaves from the class.

How large are class sizes?

Classes are kept small to ensure personal attention and a hands-on experience.

Is the workshop suitable for children?

This class is best suited for teenagers and adults due to the level of focus and techniques involved.

Can I buy a starter from the class?

Chef Elise provides guidance on how to create and maintain your own starter at home, but starter availability for purchase varies.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?

The breads are naturally vegan and dairy-free, though always inform the instructor of any allergies before the class.

Local insights

Wildlife

Bird species such as the Australian magpie and rainbow lorikeet are common in the area.

History

Mount Hawthorn evolved from farmland to a cultural hub in Perth, with growing emphasis on artisanal food scenes.

Conservation

The class promotes sustainable baking practices by emphasizing organic ingredients and waste reduction in the kitchen.

About The Cooking Professor

The Cooking Professor delivers hands‑on cooking classes and culinary workshops designed for home cooks, families, and food lovers. Featured on The Adventure Collective, the business offers a wide range of experiences that span global cuisines — from Japanese ramen and sushi to Moroccan street food, Italian pasta and gnocchi, Spanish paella and churros, and a variety of baking and cheese‑making workshops. Classes are structured for different age groups and formats: adult workshops (often noted as suitable for ages 14 and up), parent & child sessions for younger learners (examples include ages 4–14 and 8–16), junior kids’ programs, and long table dinner events. Many workshops are chef‑led and hands‑on; for example, the French patisserie class highlights Chef Kym Chambers as an instructor for choux pastry. Offerings include technical skill sessions—such as beginners knife skills, sourdough baking, cheese making (mozzarella and burrata), and sausage workshops—alongside cuisine‑specific cooking classes for Thai, Korean, Filipino, Chinese dumplings, Indian banquet classics, and more. Events also feature communal dining experiences with live music or themed entertainment for longer evening events. The Cooking Professor emphasizes practical learning, shared meals, and accessible recipes so participants can replicate techniques at home. Each class lists age suitability and detailed menus, making it straightforward to choose the right experience for families, teens, or adult learners.

Base locationMount Hawthorn, Western Australia

Tours offered40+

Specialtyland-adventures

Adventure tips

Bring an ApronProtect your clothes and stay comfortable throughout the hands-on baking process by wearing or bringing an apron.

Arrive EarlyArrive 10 minutes before start time to get settled and ready for the full class experience.

Maintain Starter at HomeAsk for detailed advice on caring for your sourdough starter post-class to keep it active and healthy.

Plan for Fresh Bread TransportationBring a container or paper bag to safely carry your baked bread home without damaging it.

Recommended gear

Apron: Keeps your clothes clean during the baking process.
Notebook: Useful for jotting down recipes and starter care tips.
Reusable Bread Bag or Container: Helps transport your fresh bread safely after class.
Water Bottle: Stay hydrated in the warm kitchen environment, especially during summer.