Learn to Make Cafe-Quality Coffee in Just 3 Hours
A relaxed, hands-on introduction to commercial espresso machines for home baristas, career-changers, working holiday visa holders, and coffee lovers. Walk out making every coffee you'd order in a cafe.
From First Pour to Confident Barista — In One Session
Aussies lead the world in coffee-making. With no prior experience required, you'll walk out knowing how to use a commercial espresso machine from scratch.
What Makes Us Different
Your Own Steam Wand
Own dedicated steam wand and group handle (no waiting). Genuine hands-on practice from start to finish — not standing around watching someone else.
1:8 Trainer Ratio
One trainer for every 8 students means you get real attention. Our trainers are working baristas and cafe owners — not just teachers.
Commercial Machines
Train on the same equipment you'd find in a cafe. New, professional-grade espresso machines — not domestic gear.
No Theory, All Practice
No pre-course modules, no online assessment. Just three focused hours on the machines learning by doing.
Thu, Fri & Sat Mornings
Classes run Thursday, Friday and Saturday — 9:00am to 12:00pm. Done by lunchtime with the rest of the day ahead of you.
Easy Upgrade Path
Decide later you want the Nationally Recognised qualification? Top up to the 5-hour accredited course any time.
3-Hour vs 5-Hour Barista Course
Both courses teach you to use a commercial espresso machine from scratch. Here's how they differ.
Booked to Barista in 2 Easy Steps
Book Online
Pick your date and time below. Instant confirmation by email.
Show Up & Pour
Start extracting and frothing. No pre-course module — just turn up.
Choose Your Date Below
Classes run Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 9:00am – 12:00pm. Please allow a moment for the dates to load. If the booking widget doesn't load, call us on 1300 838 962.
Newcastle Campus
Newcastle NSW 2300
"I had so much fun learning how to make all types of coffee drinks and coffee art! The instructors are so knowledgeable and funny and they made this course such a great experience! Highly recommend taking this class."
"This is a great college to complete your qualifications with! We felt safe to ask lots of questions to ensure that we were understanding the content. Our staff really appreciated the supportive, kind and professional approach that the CBD staff had with our students. We had a fun, enjoyable day and look forward to bringing our next group of students there next year!"
"Cannot be thankful enough for the memorable experience becoming familiar with barista basics, surrounded by the most amazing teachers. Material was delivered thoroughly and with much light-hearted humour that elevated the learning process. I truly wish I could repeat the class again!"
Give the Gift of Coffee Skills
A barista course gift voucher makes a memorable present for birthdays, coffee lovers, or anyone who's mentioned wanting to learn. They pick the date that suits them.
Everything You Need to Know
Is the 3-hour barista course Nationally Recognised?
No. The 3-hour course is a non-accredited barista class designed for hobbyists, home baristas, and people who want to learn coffee-making skills without the formal qualification. You'll receive an Australian Barista School certificate of completion. If you need a Nationally Recognised qualification for hospitality work, choose our 5-hour accredited course instead.
What's the difference between the 3-hour and 5-hour courses?
Both teach you to use a commercial espresso machine and make every cafe coffee. The 3-hour course ($119) is non-accredited and skips latte art. The 5-hour course ($199) adds 2 hours of latte art training and awards a Nationally Recognised Statement of Attainment (SITHFAB025 + SITXFSA005). Most cafes require the 5-hour qualification.
Do I need any prior barista experience?
No prior experience needed. We teach you how to use a commercial espresso machine from scratch. By the end of class you'll be able to froth milk, pull espresso shots, make every coffee you'd find in a cafe, and clean and maintain the machine.
How much is the 3-hour barista course?
The 3-hour barista course is $119 (regularly $149) — you save $30. If you'd prefer the accredited 5-hour course with latte art and a Nationally Recognised Statement of Attainment, that's $199.
Where is the Newcastle barista course held?
Level 2, 376 Hunter Street, Newcastle NSW 2300 — opposite the new law courts in central Newcastle.
What's the trainer-to-student ratio?
1:8. Every student gets their own dedicated steam wand and group handle for the day — no waiting around, just real practice time on the machine.
When do classes run in Newcastle?
Newcastle barista classes run on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. All classes start at 9:00am and run for 3 hours (9:00am to 12:00pm). Pick the date that suits you in the booking widget on the page.
What is the cancellation policy?
Due to the small class sizes, we can't refund students who don't attend or who change their mind after booking. You can change your class date free of charge, but not within 48 hours of the class start time.
What should I bring on the day?
Just yourself and closed-toe shoes (food safety requirement). We provide all the coffee, milk, equipment and aprons.
Can I upgrade to the 5-hour course later?
Yes. If you complete the 3-hour course and later decide you want the Nationally Recognised qualification, get in touch and we can arrange a top-up to the full 5-hour accredited course.
Ready to Master the Espresso Machine?
Join thousands trained at Australia's most reviewed barista school. Three hours from now, you'll be making cafe-quality coffee.
