16 Australian Breweries To Raise A Glass At

Wherever you find yourself in Australia, there’s a top-notch brewery waiting just around the corner – or thereabouts.

The quality of Australian breweries remains remarkably consistent, with the only point of contention being how each state or territory names the size of their beers.

Pints, schooners, pots – at the end of the day, a trivial yet enjoyable state-versus-state battle over beer sizes doesn’t overshadow the service and atmosphere of Australia’s famed breweries.

Since there’s an endless supply of upscale, boutique or bare-bone establishments to choose from, here’s a round-up of 15 breweries across the country, beloved by locals and all but guaranteed to serve up a delicious on-tap brew with a menu to match.

1. Txoko Brewing, WA

Operating almost strictly during the day (save for a late-ish close on Friday nights), Txoko Brewing has all the makings for a stellar long lunch.

a garden-like setting with long wooden tables at Txoko Brewing — Snag a spot at one of the wooden tables at Txoko Brewing.

Bring a congregation of loved ones and plant yourselves around long wooden tables in anticipation of sharing platters, house wines and a revolving selection of specialty brews.

As the menu is constantly changing, it’s a matter of checking Txoko Brewing’s current releases. Previous beer tastings have included James The Dank Peach IPA, Divergence Honey Hybrid Sour and Hibiscus Berliner Weisse – the flavour profiles are just as wild as the names given to them.

a food platter with a glass of beer at Txoko Brewing — Grazing platters match well with specialty brews at Txoko Brewing.

Address: 247 Haddrill Road, Baskerville, WA
Opening hours: Friday 4pm to 9pm, Saturday 11.30am to 4.30pm, Sunday 11.30am to 4pm.

2. FICK Brewing, Qld

At first glance, FICK Brewing looks like an unassuming two-storey house on a regular Northgate street. Splashed with a nice coat of dark paint, you might simply walk past it and nod approvingly if it wasn’t for the rip-roaring sound of merriment escaping the would-be garage.

Yes, inside this deceptively commercial property is a brewery that many would consider home. Extending through the property lies a fully equipped bar with a brewery further in the ‘backyard’, and it’s the closest thing you’ll get to a fully licensed house party.

If you have trouble choosing your first taste of FICK’s beer, the Belgian Double is a refreshing glass of ale.

Address: 108 Old Toombul Road, Northgate, Qld
Opening hours: Thursday 3pm to 9pm, Friday to Saturday 12pm to 10pm, Sunday 12pm to 8pm.

3. Urban Ground, Vic

Over the past decade, south eastern Melbourne has witnessed somewhat of a brewery boom, with each venue looking to top the last.

a woman ordering a drink at Urban Ground — Head to Urban Ground for gin tastings on Sunday afternoons.

Urban Ground opened back in 2017 in a push to turn Mordialloc’s small industrial area into a yeasty wonderland. On weekends, food trucks line Urban Ground’s outdoor area to dish out different cuisines, while indoors, gin tastings prove to be a crowd favourite – especially on Saturday afternoons.

a group of people dining at Urban Ground’s outdoor area — Dish out different cuisines at Urban Ground’s outdoor area.

An onsite playground is a blessing for patrons with kids, as the adults can tuck into the biryani tacos while the young ones run amok within eyesight.

the al fresco dining area at Urban Ground — Nab an al fresco spot for a sundowner at Urban Ground.

Address: 1 Lamana Road, Mordialloc, Vic
Opening hours: Friday to Saturday 12pm to 11pm, Sunday 12pm to 6pm.

4. Cascade Brewery Bar, Tas

People’s love affair with Cascade Brewery Bar has been thoroughly documented by now; the views, drinks and overall atmosphere are unshakable.

the facade of Cascade Brewery Bar — Cascade Brewery Bar is the oldest operating brewery in Australia.

Touted as the oldest operating brewery in Australia, harkening back to the early 1800s, Hobart’s Cascade Brewery Bar has the appearance of a much-sought-after tourist destination, while remaining loyal to its regulars with quality pints and sharp wines, all of which have had years to perfect.

a look inside Cascade Brewery Bar with a fireplace — Cosy up by the fireplace.

Address: 140 Cascade Rd, South Hobart, Tas
Opening hours: Sunday to Tuesday 12pm to 5pm, Wednesday to Saturday 12pm to 9pm.

5. Capital Brewing Co, ACT

Achieving the rare feat of being open seven days a week, Capital Brewing Co takes the title of Fyshwick’s buzzing hotspot.

Arguably one of the busiest breweries Down Under (especially on the weekends), locals and tourists are ready and willing to line up for a taste of Capital Brewing Co’s bubbly gold.

Book a table ahead of time to rest your legs and tuck into a loaded hot dog courtesy of Brodburger, or associate with the hops connoisseurs in the outdoor area and compare amber schooners.

Address: 3/1 Dairy Road, Fyshwick, ACT
Opening hours: Sunday to Monday 11.30am to 8pm, Tuesday to Thursday 11.30am to 9pm, Friday 11am to 10pm, Saturday 11.30am to 10pm.

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6. One Drop Brewing Co, NSW

Winning an array of awards for its beer, One Drop Brewing Co in Sydney has garnered immense praise and a hoard of regulars since opening its doors in 2019.

interior of One Drop Brewing Co — One Drop Brewing Co in Sydney has a hoard of regulars.

The greenhouse-style interior and breezy beer garden caters to all body temperatures, as does its drinks menu: on warm days, try One Drop’s beer slushies and soft serves, or opt for something heavier on cooler occasions, à la the Fudged Up Imperial Pastry Stout on the cooler days.

The variety of drinks can keep the most seasoned brewery lovers on their toes.

the breezy beer garden interior of One Drop Brewing Co — Relax with a drink in hand.

Address: 5 Erith St, Botany, NSW
Opening hours: Wednesday to Thursday 12pm to 9pm, Friday to Saturday 12pm to 10pm, Sunday 12pm to 8pm.

7. Otherside Brewhouse, WA

Hanging pot plants, colourful murals and a funky circular bar at the centre of the action are all a signature of Otherside Brewhouse.

the funky circular bar inside the Otherside Brewhouse — Enjoy an electric evening at the funky circular bar of the Otherside Brewhouse.

Originally conceived by a group of music industry mates in Fremantle, live gigs at Otherside have become a staple companion to the swaths of delectable beer at patrons’ fingertips. The laid-back atmosphere can transform into an electric evening at the strum of a guitar string, nicely balanced by the owners’ invitation for guests to bring their beloved dogs along for the experience.

the funky circular bar with hanging pots inside the Otherside Brewhouse — Soak in the laid-back atmosphere at the Otherside Brewhouse.

Share a plate of Caribbean-inspired vegan nachos and ask the staff to recommend a beer from their ‘Experimental and Creative’ menu.

people dining al fresco at Otherside Brewhouse — Otherside Brewhouse also has an al fresco, dog-friendly spot.

Address: Blaikie Street, Myaree, WA
Opening hours: Wednesday to Friday 3pm to 9pm, Saturday 11am to 8pm, Sunday 11am to 8pm.

8. Shapeshifter, SA

With a layout occasionally resembling an industrial German beer hall, Shapeshifter is designed to mingle.

a crowded brewery at Shapeshifter — Shapeshifter resembles an industrial German beer hall.

As this is a South Australian-based brewery, locally sourced wine competes for attention with the extensive range of beers, but there’s plenty of room for both in this mammoth establishment.

A kids’ corner filled with arcade games shouldn’t dissuade adults from playing a round of pinball themselves, as there’s no joy in life quite like beating a high score with one hand while holding a drink in the other.

pouring a tap beer into a glass at Shapeshifter — Pick from a selection of tap beers at Shapeshifter.

Address: Unit 2/54 Crittenden Road, Findon, SA
Opening hours: Thursday 4pm to 10pm, Friday to Saturday 12pm to 10pm, Sunday 12pm to 6pm.

9. The Mill Brewery, Vic

There’s something inherently Melburnian about The Mill Brewery’s origins: revamping an old mechanic’s warehouse and upgrading it to a beer-slinging watering hole is incredibly on brand, and it’s a resounding success.

A stroll around Collingwood’s eclectic streets is an excursion in and of itself, so making Mill Brewery the final stop is the ultimate Sunday afternoon for a local.

This welcoming brewery has crafted a flawless collection of independent beers, including the tangy Lunar Fruits Blackberry and Yuzu Sours.

Address: 40 Sackville Street, Collingwood, Vic
Opening hours: Wednesday to Thursday 4pm to 10pm, Friday to Saturday 12pm to 11pm, Sunday 12pm to 8pm.

10. Mountain Culture Brewery, NSW

When passing through the Blue Mountains, reserve a few additional hours to spend at Mountain Culture Brewery.

two glasses of beer at Mountain Culture Brewery — The Mountain Culture brand extends further than its much-lauded brewery.

Located in a century-old building once used by Katoomba’s local newspaper employees, what you see now has kept the essence of the historic building with some modern, comfortable additions.

The Mountain Culture brand extends further than its much-lauded brewery, regularly selling out different drops online, but to get the full experience it’s best to go in person.

the interior of Mountain Culture Brewery in Katoomba — Mountain Culture Brewery is housed in a century-old building.

Address: 23-25 Parke Street, Katoomba, NSW
Opening hours: Wednesday 5pm to 9pm, Thursday to Saturday 11am to 9pm, Sunday 11am to 8pm.

11. Beaver Brewery, NT

Keep an eye out for a convoy of food trucks parked at Beaver Brewery in Darwin, serving Northern Territory delicacies including juicy salt and pepper crocodile, fluffy magpie goose bao buns and local Purple Mango pizzas – it’s a treasure trove of taste bud delights.

a look inside Beaver Brewery — Swing by Beaver Brewery for a cold beer.

Once you’ve popped some croc in your gob, keep an eye out for Chris, part-owner of the family-run brewery, and he’ll ensure the beer you’re drinking was meant for you.

You’ll likely get a kick out of the beer logos, too, featuring adorable little beavers dressed in costumes reflecting the names of each drink.

two glasses of beer at Beaver Brewery — Get a kick out of the beer logos.

Address: 2/14 Tang Street, Coconut Grove, NT
Opening hours: Friday 4pm to 10pm, Saturday 12pm to 8pm.

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12. Smiling Samoyed, SA

Don’t be fooled by the beautiful dogs lounging around the microbrewery on any given day; the food and drinks at Smiling Samoyed in South Australia are just as much of a reason to visit as the white-haired bundles of happiness.

a close-up shot of a smiling samoyed — Meet adorable Samoyeds at this hip microbrewery.

Live out your lifelong dream of playing with pets while tasting a pint almost too good for this world. Kitsch signs plaster the timber interiors for an inviting, familiar feeling, and a little beer garden out back is the perfect accompaniment to a crisp lager.

people ordering drinks at Smiling Samoyed brewery — Play with pets while tasting a pint.

Address: Hansen Street, Myponga, SA
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 12pm to 4pm, Saturday to Sunday 11.30am to 5pm.

13. Boston Brewing Co, WA

Not all is as it seems at Boston Brewing Co. Among the usual suspects you’d expect to find on a brewery menu are hidden tastes of the world.

From mumbo chicken burgers with mesclun leaves and spicy mumbo sauce, braised lamb shoulder with spinach and bursts of pomegranate, plus a s’more chocolate cake with freeze-dried mandarins, the varied menu will have you returning every Saturday to try something new.

The immaculately styled two-storey brewery in Perth is a Victoria Park highlight, proving to be a top recommendation if you’re showing out-of-town friends around for the first time.

a look inside the Boston Brewing Co, WA — Pop into the two-storey Boston Brewing Co in Perth.

Address: 660 Albany Highway, Victoria Park, WA
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 11am until late.

14. Shambles, Tas

Ultra-modern, ultra-chic and ultra-sized, Shambles doesn’t do things half-heartedly.

A certain ‘wow’ factor lingers long after you’ve entered this deliberately designed brewery, yet not so much that you’re turned off coming altogether – the weekly drag bingo and trivia nights make that evident.

Pouring beers at Shambles — A certain ‘wow’ factor lingers long after you’ve entered Shambles.

Staff match the warmth of the patrons and then double it, while the beers have been created with care. It’s a day or night (or both) well spent in Tasmania.

Interior of Shambles brewery — Shambles is ultra-modern, ultra-chic and ultra-sized.

Address: 222 Elizabeth Street, Hobart, Tas
Opening hours: Wednesday to Thursday 4pm to 10pm, Friday to Saturday 12pm to 12am, Sunday 12pm to 8pm.

15. Range Brewing, Qld

Range Brewing has been the brewery of choice for many Newstead residents and travellers for what feels like decades – hyperbole of course, as the local haunt opened in 2018.

Recently, Range Brewing released a non-alcoholic collection of drinks, which mimic the flavour profile of its existing beverages to a tee.

The ambience on a Friday night is unmatched, so it’s the perfect destination to experience Newstead in peak form.

Address: 4 Byres Street, Newstead Qld
Opening hours: Wednesday 4pm to 9pm, Thursday 4pm to 10pm, Friday to Saturday 12pm to 10pm, Sunday 12pm to 9pm.

16. Riverside Brewing Company

riverside brewing company north parramatta — Stop in for the best beer in Sydney.

With a surprising location you’d only find if you were looking, Riverside Brewing Company packs a huge punch from its small venue. In fact, as a craft beer enthusiast who lived in Marrickville for years, I’ll gladly label it as the best beer in Sydney.

For lovers of hops, the IPAs here hit the mark, and the dark beer options are the best I’ve tasted. Sitting apart from other dark beers, there’s no coffee taste (a relief to me, personally), but they are dangerously smooth. BYO growler to take some home with you.

This two-man operation has a couple of things to sort out with the decor, but what they lack in that area they make up for in vibes. An afternoon here is like walking into Cheers, where not everybody knows your name, but they will by the end of the day.

Address: 3/2 N Rocks Rd, North Parramatta
Opening hours: Thursday to Saturday, 12pm to 6pm

Heading to Brisbane? Check out the extensive list of Brisbane’s best breweries.

The Great Ocean Road has captured the hearts of Australians with its astounding scenery since 1932, but going off-course can enrich your experience with untouched nature, foodie delights and charming towns.

It’s a chilly 16 degrees. My husband pulls on a steamer and jogs – as all seasoned surfers do – into the water. We’re at Bells Beach, the legendary break on Victoria’s Surf Coast that’s home to the Rip Curl Pro, the world’s longest-running event in competitive surfing. Each year, over the Easter long weekend, up to 40,000 people descend on the region for the event. Today, though, we have the beach almost to ourselves, and the less-than-favourable temperature doesn’t deter my husband from surfing this famous break.

Torquay to Anglesea and Aireys Inlet

The red dome of Split Point Lighthouse in Aireys Inlet. (Image: Tourism Australia)

The nearby surf town of Torquay marks the starting point for the Great Ocean Road. Unfolding our map, which we have marked out with a highlighted route for our children to follow, we set off for lesser-known Anglesea, a chilled-out town 20 minutes south of here. Its wide, sandy beach is a gentler swimming option for our young family. Groms can learn to surf here with Go Ride a Wave, which also runs stand-up paddle boarding on the Anglesea River.

Split point lookout — The lighthouse overlooks the Shipwreck Coast. (Image: Tourism Australia)

After a couple of nights in Anglesea, we hit the road again, first stopping at Aireys Inlet. Here we stretch our legs at Split Point Lighthouse, which was made famous by the 1990s television series Round the Twist, before driving under the Memorial Arch that welcomes us, officially, to the Great Ocean Road.

This 243-kilometre coastal road was built by returned First World War servicemen and serves as a permanent memorial to those who fought and died during the war. Carved into rock using hand tools and horse-drawn carts, it was a huge engineering feat and provided much-needed access to isolated coastal communities.

Lorne to Birregurra

Lorne is a delightful beachside stop for lunch and browsing boutique stores. It’s also the gateway to Great Otway National Park, which comprises a varied landscape of old-growth forests, cool-temperate rainforests, heathy woodlands and rugged coast. With the highest rainfall in Victoria, the region is home to many waterfalls – 10 of which are within 10 kilometres of Lorne.

Turning slightly off the main drag, we wind along a gum-shaded road to Erskine Falls. Here, our son leads the way through the hyper-green rainforest and down 200-plus stairs to the cascade that drops 30 metres into a lush fern gully. We hop over large boulders to get closer to the falls, enjoying the entire place to ourselves; it’s worth the return climb.

From Sheoak Falls Picnic Area, there are walking trails to Henderson Falls, Phantom Falls, Won Wondah Falls and Kalimna Falls, some of which follow an old timber tramway from forest-logging days, which only came to an end in 2008.

You can follow your appetite north to the town of Birregurra, which is part of the Otway Harvest Trail that connects farm gates, markets, wineries, breweries and distilleries. It’s home to three-hatted modern Australian restaurant Brae, helmed by celebrated chef Dan Hunter, set among native gardens and an organic farm, and Otways Distillery, which produces small-batch spirits using local produce and botanicals.

Brae restaurant — Brae is a three-hatted restaurant in Birregurra. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Apollo Bay to The Otways

Back on track, the cliff-hugging stretch between Lorne and Apollo Bay is breathtaking. At Teddys Lookout, we overlook the winding road ahead and St George River spilling into the ocean. We spend languid days in Apollo Bay, a buzzy seaside town that boasts a three-kilometre-long, crescent-shaped beach with a backdrop of rolling green hills. One evening, as the sun sets, we take the steep 10-minute walk to Marriners Lookout, which affords panoramic views of the ocean, hinterland and town.

A 15-minute drive along the road, Maits Rest is a lush rainforest gully that has been protected since the early 20th century. Wandering along the 800-metre boardwalk, we inspect the delicate moss-covered forest floor and the gnarled roots of 300-year-old myrtle beech trees, then crane our necks to see their canopies, some 50 metres above us. It’s therapy in nature.

Cape Otway to the Twelve Apostles

The southernmost tip of Cape Otway is a delightful detour, home to the 1848-built Cape Otway Lightstation, the oldest surviving lighthouse on mainland Australia. We climb the narrow winding staircase to the gallery deck, explore the keepers’ quarters and telegraph station, and enjoy a coffee and some ‘famous’ scones at the charming onsite cafe.

It’s a pinch-me moment to finally see the Twelve Apostles in person. This unmistakable cluster of limestone stacks rising abruptly from the sea were never 12, however. When coined this in the 1890s as a marketing ploy, there were only nine; today, only seven remain after two collapsed in 2005 and 2009. We admire these Aussie icons from the viewing platform, in awe of Mother Nature’s ever-evolving artwork.

The Grotto is another natural attraction within Port Campbell National Park. (Image: Carmen Zammit)

Edging the wild Southern Ocean, this part of the coast – dubbed Shipwreck Coast – is made up of many sea-carved natural wonders including London Bridge, The Grotto and Gibson Steps. After exploring the lookout trails of Loch Ard Gorge/Poombeeyt Kontapool – its English name taken from the site of the 1878 shipwreck – we nestle into the sandy beach encircled by towering sandstone cliffs, as our children splash about on the water’s edge, and soak it all in.

Port Campbell to Timboon

Timboon Fine Ice Cream is part of a regional foodie trail. (Image: C McConville)

Just north of Port Campbell National Park, the region of Timboon is part of the 12 Apostles Food Artisans Trail, filled with purveyors of delicious foodstuffs such as Timboon Fine Ice Cream, Timboon Railway Shed Distillery and Apostle Whey Cheese. As an antidote to the indulgence, the 20-kilometre Poorpa Yanyeen Meerreeng Trail is a self-guided ride or walk between Port Campbell and Timboon through tall forests, over historic bridges and past sparkling lakes and farmland with grazing cattle.

Warrnambool to Port Fairy

Warrnambool building — A 19th-century building in Warrnambool. (Image: Peter Foster)

In Warrnambool, a town rich in maritime history, we take the four-kilometre Thunder Point Walk that traces the coast. The kids squeal when an echidna shuffles out from beneath the wooden boardwalk, and we stop to admire a seal lazing on a rock at the port.

Further along, the streets of quaint fishing village Port Fairy are lined with 19th-century cottages, old stone churches and Norfolk pines. Follow the historic walking trail to see some of the 60-plus National Trust buildings. Port Fairy is also home to Port Fairy Folk Festival (6-9 March), one of the country’s longest-running music and cultural festivals. You could time your road trip with the event for a fittingly celebratory end to any journey.

The Great Ocean Road can easily be done in three days, but we’ve spent a week on the road. The highlighted line on our now creased and well-worn map doesn’t follow the famous route precisely. It has sprouted branches in many directions, leading us to untouched rainforest and charming rural towns filled with culinary delights, and where we experienced some of our most memorable moments on the Great Ocean Road.

A traveller’s checklist

Staying there

The Monty is a highly anticipated, newly refurbished motel with a chic Palm Springs-inspired aesthetic set across the road from the Anglesea River. Basalt Winery in Port Fairy grows cool-climate wines such as pinot noir and Riesling in rich volcanic soil. Stay among the vines in its tiny home, complete with a kitchen, lounge area and outdoor firepit.

The Oak & Anchor Hotel has been a Port Fairy institution since 1857. Cosy up by the bar in winter or bask in the sunshine of the Lawn Bar in summer. The rooms are beautifully boutique with considered details, such as luxe baths for sinking into post-road trip.

Eating there

The Coast in Anglesea is a modern Australian restaurant focused on local ingredients. Grand Pacific Hotel has been a local landmark in Lorne since 1879 and recently underwent a restoration. It serves a mix of traditional pub and Italian fare alongside ocean views.

Graze is a cosy 40-seat dining room in Apollo Bay with a modern Australian menu complemented by regional wines. Apollo Bay Distillery offers tasting flights, a gin blending masterclass and serves woodfired pizzas.

Raise a glass: The top 16 Australian breweries

Wherever you find yourself in Australia, there’s a top-notch brewery waiting just around the corner – or thereabouts.

1. Txoko Brewing, WA

2. FICK Brewing, Qld

3. Urban Ground, Vic

4. Cascade Brewery Bar, Tas

5. Capital Brewing Co, ACT

6. One Drop Brewing Co, NSW

7. Otherside Brewhouse, WA

8. Shapeshifter, SA

9. The Mill Brewery, Vic

10. Mountain Culture Brewery, NSW

11. Beaver Brewery, NT

12. Smiling Samoyed, SA

13. Boston Brewing Co, WA

14. Shambles, Tas

15. Range Brewing, Qld

16. Riverside Brewing Company

Heading to Brisbane? Check out the extensive list of Brisbane’s best breweries.

Qantas releases over 170,000 discounted regional fares from $99

The 10 best Aussie beach towns for an easy coastal getaway

Australia’s top 10 historic towns worth exploring now

The 10 Aussie towns made for nature lovers and adventure seekers

Taking the route less travelled along the Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road has captured the hearts of Australians with its astounding scenery since 1932, but going off-course can enrich your experience with untouched nature, foodie delights and charming towns.

Torquay to Anglesea and Aireys Inlet

Lorne to Birregurra

Apollo Bay to The Otways

Cape Otway to the Twelve Apostles

Port Campbell to Timboon

Warrnambool to Port Fairy

A traveller’s checklist

Staying there

Eating there

Wherever you find yourself in Australia, there’s a top-notch brewery waiting just around the corner – or thereabouts.

1. Txoko Brewing, WA

2. FICK Brewing, Qld

3. Urban Ground, Vic

4. Cascade Brewery Bar, Tas

5. Capital Brewing Co, ACT

AI Prompt

6. One Drop Brewing Co, NSW

7. Otherside Brewhouse, WA

8. Shapeshifter, SA

9. The Mill Brewery, Vic

10. Mountain Culture Brewery, NSW

11. Beaver Brewery, NT

12. Smiling Samoyed, SA

13. Boston Brewing Co, WA

14. Shambles, Tas

15. Range Brewing, Qld

16. Riverside Brewing Company

Heading to Brisbane? Check out the extensive list of Brisbane’s best breweries.

Qantas releases over 170,000 discounted regional fares from $99

The 10 best Aussie beach towns for an easy coastal getaway

Australia’s top 10 historic towns worth exploring now

The 10 Aussie towns made for nature lovers and adventure seekers

The Great Ocean Road has captured the hearts of Australians with its astounding scenery since 1932, but going off-course can enrich your experience with untouched nature, foodie delights and charming towns.

Torquay to Anglesea and Aireys Inlet

Lorne to Birregurra

Apollo Bay to The Otways

Cape Otway to the Twelve Apostles

Port Campbell to Timboon

Warrnambool to Port Fairy

A traveller’s checklist

Staying there

Eating there