Laneway Learning Melbourne

Laneway Learning is not a rope school but a not-for-profit community organization that started in Melbourne in March 2012, founded by Mark Gregory and Lucie Bradley. It runs informal, low-cost evening classes on a wide range of subjects, taught by people from the local community; its information for teachers says they are sometimes professional educators but most often amateur enthusiasts or local small-business owners. Its stated aim is practical tips to take home rather than expertise overnight. Classes take place in rooms on Swanston Street in the CBD, and most in-person sessions in its November 2026 listing cost roughly AU$20 to AU$40.

Rope classes

Shibari appears regularly on its program through Harli Adalia, a local shibari artist who describes herself as an anatomy specialist. She teaches two 75-minute formats that are usually scheduled back to back on the same evening.

Shibari 101: Rope Bondage is an open beginner class. It introduces basic shibari forms, foundational knots and frictions, safety and anatomy, and the history of the practice. No experience is needed and no partner either, because the exercises are tied on oneself; rope is supplied, though students may bring their own. The 19 November 2026 session was listed at AU$23.

Shibari for Intimacy: Creating Deeper Connection is aimed at pairs. It starts with safety and rope handling and then moves to simple tying exercises framed around trust and communication between partners. The school asks people to book with a friend or partner because it does not pair strangers, and rope can be borrowed or bought on the night. Tickets were listed at AU$18 to AU$23 for 19 November 2026, with free places offered to First Nations attendees.

Laneway describes its classes in general as one-off introductions and a starting point for people who want to go away and learn more.