While Australia is famous for its delicious wines, you most certainly shouldn’t overlook the numerous craft beers on offer during your visit to the Land Down Under. The country boasts plenty of micro-breweries and you will find many quality ones, regardless of the state you decide to travel to. Keep on reading for a few that should not be skipped.
Green Beacon Brewing Company, Brisbane
Even if the Great Barrier Reef was your reason for visiting Queensland, you should still go to the capital, Brisbane. This metropolis is a hotspot when it comes to craft beer and you can have your pick of breweries. However, one that you simply cannot miss is Green Beacon, located in the heart of the suburb, Teneriffe. When you enter it, you might get a feel of Brooklyn, NY but the ales they serve are strictly in the UK style. Among the creative offerings, you will find blood orange IPA and oatmeal stout. Fresh seafood is also on the menu and the brewery works with local food trucks to provide customers with a selection of interesting dishes.
Bright Brewery, Bright
Located three and a half hours away from Victoria’s capital, a visit to the Bright Brewery is an ideal day-trip from Melbourne. Started in 2005, Bright Brewery uses the fresh mountain water the town is known for to create their delicious range of beers. You can pick from the 24 taps in the brewery and enjoy your drinks on the Hop Terrace or opt for a tasting tray to sample and find your new favorite. If you can’t decide, you will not go wrong with the Blowhard Pale Ale. There is seating both indoors and outdoors so you will be able to experience everything this brewery has to offer regardless of the weather.
Pirate Life Brewery, Adelaide
If you’re in search of a night full of entertainment, look no further than Adelaide’s Pirate Life brewery. In November 2020, SkyCity launched the first-ever brewery inside a land-based casino thus allowing visitors to sip on delicious craft beer from Pirate Life while playing poker, watching a sports game, or enjoying the live entertainment. Check out the single-hop IPA the Mosaic or the açaí & passionfruit sour if you want a refreshing brew. The District at SkyCity has a vibrant atmosphere and the Pirate Life staff will make you feel right at home.
Capital Brewing Co., Canberra
Visit the suburb of Fyshwick if you want to check out Capital Brewing Co. This brewery turns the clear waters around Brindabella into tasty beverages. You can stop by the taproom during opening hours and try some of the seasonal and taproom-only brews. On the other hand, you can book a tour of the brewery to get all the behind-the-scenes details. You will receive a beer on arrival and a tasting paddle at the end. They are dog-friendly as well and even offer a non-alcoholic beer for your canine companions!
Shambles Brewery, Hobart
If you have time to visit Tasmania during your trip, your itinerary will surely be full to the brim. However, one place you must not overlook is the Shambles Brewery in North Hobart. Seeing as how it is within walking distance from the CBD, there is no reason not to pay this spot a visit. Among a wide variety of brews, you can go for Dances with Hops, an American-style IPA, or Afternoon Delight, a pale ale. They also offer great food, including fried chicken and beef burgers as well as some vegetarian options.
Young Henrys, Sydney
Of course, we cannot forget about Sydney, Australia’s craft beer capital. There are many breweries to choose from but we suggest Young Henrys. Located in Newtown, an eclectic and bohemian suburb, this brewery is known for its top-notch beers that they pour directly from the tank. In addition to the eight brews on regular offer, they also have a roster of food trucks that offer tasty food on the weekends.
Feral Brewing Company, Swan Valley
Finally, when you find yourself in Western Australia, you need to try out the amazing beers of the Feral Brewing Company. Surrounded by the many wineries of Swan Valley, this brewery will provide you with a wide range of brews, from experimental and seasonal beers to barrel-aged barley wine – a wine that is actually beer. Their pale ale, the Hop Hog, is among the most awarded in the country but don’t miss out on other standouts like the watermelon warhead sour beer and oaked porter. Other than the experimental brewery, there is also a restaurant, a barrel-aging shed, a market garden, and a beer garden. The restaurant is focused on sustainable eating and celebrates local produce with its delicious meals, while the beer garden provides enough space for picnics and lawn games.
No matter where you go in Australia, you will surely find an amazing brewery with an incredible offer of craft beers to sample. Just check in advance whether you need to book your place and make sure to arrange a designated driver (or overnight accommodation) if things get a little too tasty.
