It’s official – cooking schools are styling up. We say refine your culinary skills or learn something new in fabulous surrounds…and eat the results!

Sydney Seafood School
A relaxed seafood barbie may be the quintessential Aussie summer feast, but there’s nothing thrown together about the Sydney Seafood School’s uber-cool makeover by Michael McCann of Dreamtime Australia Design (think Flying Fish, Pony and the amazing Victor Churchill butchery). Learn your seafood ropes in an oak-panelled, leather-lined auditorium with marble demonstration bench. Next, do-it-yourself at custom made stainless-steel cooking islands, fitted with high-tech appliances and LCD television screens. Time to taste? Grab your complimentary vino and find a spot in the dining room with its 180-degree photomural of Blackwattle Bay and glowing fishnet chandeliers. With more than 20 years in the business, 12,000 students annually and a crew of guest presenters, SSS is quite a catch.
www.sydneyfishmarket.com.au

Meera Freeman Cooking School, Melbourne
Meera Freeman’s designer cooking studio is located in the heart of Melbourne’s Little Italy and the birthplace of the city’s cafe culture. The highly experienced cookery teacher used to deal in modern Italian furniture, so it’s no surprise that this converted Victorian factory is outfitted with original Eames chairs, custom-made tables and Alessi utensils. The recipe for this cooking casa? Bagged brick alls, white-concrete floors and overhead mirror to further examine cooking techniques. Regular four-week courses are held in Italian, North African, Thai and Vietnamese cuisines. The former TV presenter, food consultant and author also leads culinary tours through Morocco. Clever cookie.
www.meerafreeman.com.au

The Bush Camp, Faraway Bay
Nature is your kitchen and campfires your oven at the Kimberley Cooking School in Faraway Bay – an idyllic, rustic-luxe retreat. Handcrafted timber furniture, butterfly chairs and hammocks create the ultimate in relaxed outback style. The schools are held every May by Perth master chef Chris Taylor. Lessons take place in the open-air Eagle Lodge, perched on a headland overlooking the extraordinary coastline of the remote Kimberley. As well as cooking lessons, this three-night gourmet getaway includes bushwalking, fishing or simply chilling in the heart of Australia’s rugged wilderness. The award-winning camp educates students in bush tucker and native ingredients, such as lemongrass, passionfruit and a huge assortment of fresh fish. Higher learning.
www.farawaybay.com.au

Spirit House, Noosa
Graduate with wok-star status from this much-loved Thai cooking house. Just 20 minutes from Noosa in Yandina, the secluded property is reminiscent of country Thailand. Its lush gardens, tranquil lagoon and pavilions will inspire even the most inexperienced student. The 2ha property features an open-air restaurant, Asian-style courtyard and meandering paths. The red school building sits separately, set deep amid tropical palms, bamboos and heliconias. Informal classes utilise domestic appliances and are held around a big communal table, Thai-banquet style. Decorated with Buddha statues and oriental furniture, the only sounds to be heard are wind chimes and waterfalls. Bliss.
www.spirithouse.com.au

Red Feather Cooking School
Dieters and vegetarians beware: this is probably not the place for you. Pickle, cure and roast your way through Tasmanian produce at this boutique cooking school before retreating to the adjoining historic sandstone inn. With its cathedral ceiling, hanging copper pans and wooden cupboards, the gorgeous country-chic kitchen channels rural France. Warm and enticing, plus a grounded approach to fine food equals bucketloads of atmosphere. Set near the South Esk River, there’s scenic wine routes, highland lakes and access to Red Feather Inn’s country vegetable garden and heritage farm. Pasta, pastries and pigs…oh my!
www.redfeatherinn.com.au/school

Image: Sydney Seafood School (above).