We are definitely spoilt for choice when it comes to conferencing and team building in Sydney. According to the latest annual ICCA country and city ratings, Sydney has once again been confirmed as Australia’s number one destination for business events. And it is no wonder with its world-class venues, glorious harbour and pristine parks and beaches. If you’re currently in the midst of planning your annual conference and lacking inspiration for team activities, we’re here to help! We’ve generously put together a list of our top 5 ideas for team building in Sydney CBD to help you on your way.
Amazing Race – The Rocks & Circular Quay
There is no better way to do team building in Sydney and explore the CBD than with the Amazing Race!
The Amazing Race is an action packed adventure where teams navigate their way around the local streets undertaking team based challenges. Speed is not always the deciding factor with an emphasis on teamwork, planning, problem-solving and of course having fun.
Teams will be issued with a list of cryptic clues to various locations across the local urban area. Awaiting the groups at each location are team based activities known as “roadblocks” where teams earn points towards their overall score. Teams will also be collecting scavenger items and taking team photos along the way to earn precious bonus points. All teams converge at the finale location at the same time for a final all-in team challenge before prizes are awarded to the victors!
“All of our teams had the most fantastic Afternoon. The Amazing Race was the just the best Team Activity for our diverse work group (all different ages, shapes, sizes and fitness levels). Everyone is still talking about how much fun they had. The staff were all really friendly and helpful and very fair.”
- WWRD Australia Pty Limited
“Thank you to Mitch and his team for running a very successful event. All of our staff commented on how much fun they had while doing the different activities. It really made our teams work together throughout the activities. Our group had different levels of fitness and everyone was able to be involved.”
- Ice Box Liquor
City Scramble – Darling Harbour
Just like the Amazing Race however The Scramble is a modified version that is best suited to those groups tight on time and or budget. This exciting outdoor event will see teams race around the local area taking team photos, collecting scavenger items, solving IQ Tests and passing through a roadblock challenge activity site.
Teams will be issued a map of the local area showing their start, finish and roadblock location and a list of photos to take and scavenger items to collect. Teams aim to outscore their opponents with each scavenger item, team photo and correct IQ answer adding to their score. When teams arrive at the final location they submit their items, photos and answers to the Pinnacle team for marking.
The event is tailored to suit the location; the City Scramble is the perfect activity for team building in Sydney CBD.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for organising an amazing team event last Friday at short notice. Phil was fantastic, very professional and made the event really fun. I have had a lot of positive feedback from my colleagues, everyone seemed to really enjoy themselves and despite a chilly breeze, the weather was perfect. I have sent a ‘Thank You’ to Phil but also wanted to thank you for organising this at such short notice. I would have no hesitation in using Pinnacle again.”
- Getinge
“We held a Resort Scramble Team Building exercise over 2 days – each day had as much momentum as the other, and our staff are still raving about it!
All the Pinnacle Staff were friendly and professional which made both days relaxing and totally enjoyable. We will be using Pinnacle again without a doubt!“
- Castle Personnel
Water Taxi Treasure Hunt – Sydney Harbour
Sydney Harbour is ranked the best harbour in the world and the Water Taxi Treasure Hunt is the perfect way to explore the best sights of this world famous location. Teams will be competing against each other to race to the final location and uncover their team’s treasure.
Teams must navigate their driver around Sydney Harbour to various locations where challenges await. After completing each challenge teams are awarded with a piece of the map and a part of the code that will reveal the whereabouts and combination lock that contains their hidden treasure.
The Water Taxi Treasure hunt will be tailored to suit your start / finish location and time frame. All teams experience the thrill of opening their treasure chest – The quality of the treasure depends on the order in which you find it!
“Great event, the facilitator plus each check point host was very helpful, full of energy and fun to work with. Leading up to the event, communication with Pinnacle was amazing, they were involved at each point and answered all queries.”
- Pacific Life Re
“The team building activity that we took part in – Water Taxi Treasure Hunt was well received by the team and everyone commented on how much fun they had… thank you to the Pinnacle team for providing another great team building event.”
- Boral
Carnivale – Royal Botanic Gardens
When we picture team building in Sydney of course the famous landmarks of the Harbour Bridge & Opera House spring to mind. In the Royal Botanic Gardens you can have a view of both! And if you are looking for some competitive fun in the sun the Carnivale event is for you. This round robin style event sees teams of 10 people per team rotate through a series of activities competing for the grand prize. We work with you to choose the activities included; usually a mixture of mild sporting challenges, team work initiative tasks and fun experience activities to ensure everyone is catered for.
“Overall a great experience, not only in dealing with Pinnacle but also the day itself. Pinnacle were very patient and flexible with all our requests. The event included the perfect level of physical activity and group work that we required, and catered for all levels. We received great feedback from the participants. The Pinnable facilitators were professional and great fun.”
- EY
“The activity was awesome. Had lots of great feedback from our employees. The Pinnacle team staff made the event very fun and ensure everyone was included no matter their ability. Thank you for a successful team building session, where everyone came together and some healthy competition.
I would recommend Pinnacle to other companies and will be looking at using you again in the future.”
- Green Light
Escape – Indoors at Your Conference Venue
Can your team escape? This exciting Escape the Room challenge is the ultimate team building event that will test the sharpest minds. Each team is “locked” in a room with a set time frame in which to escape before the world as we know it ceases to exist. Teams must follow the clues, solve the puzzles and unlock the secrets to ESCAPE!
For teams to be successful they must communicate, think outside the box, work together, admit to their mistakes and believe they can succeed. All this under extreme time pressure as each team has only 90 minutes to uncover the 8-digit code that will ultimately allow them to escape the room.
This event can be tailored to suit any size group by adding more rooms for more teams. We recommend each team is between 8 – 12 people with each team requiring 1 room. Rooms can be conference rooms, hotel rooms, offices, boardrooms etc. Pinnacle requires 30 minutes in each room prior to the event to set up.
“Our Senior Leadership Team were really impressed with this team building activity. Our CEO, Andrew McLean was amazed at how difficult and challenging the activity was, however this did not stop Sirtex from knocking the leaders off the leader board (he asked me to make sure that sheet is updated :)). Phil was incredible and I heard nothing but positive feedback from the team on his professionalism and his ability to encourage them to think outside the box.
“Thanks Pinnacle, we are always impressed with you guys!”
- Sirtex
“The ‘Escape’ exercise was fun and every team member contributed. Working as a team was important.”
- Boral