The 19 best breweries along Sydney's Inner West Ale Trail

Discover our top picks along Sydney’s Inner West Ale Trail, most of which are within easy walking distance of each other.

There are few pleasures greater than a tasting flight at a local brewery on a hot day. This isn’t why I moved to Sydney’s Inner West, the unofficial capital of craft breweries, but it certainly didn’t hurt. Focusing mostly on the suburb of Marrickville, the area has long been a popular place for brewery crawls among Sydneysiders in the know, but this year it was given an official name: The Inner West Ale Trail .

exterior shot of The Bob Hawke Beer & Leisure Centre — Discover the Inner West Ale Trail. (Image: The Bob Hawke Beer & Leisure Centre)

Across six suburbs within a five-kilometre radius (Marrickville, Enmore, Newtown, St Peters, Rozelle and Camperdown) you’ll find over 320 unique brews at 18 independent breweries. Of these, 15 also have restaurants or food trucks, ranging from pizza to vegetarian Thai food, so be sure to plan some snacks between drinks. To cater for anyone who isn’t so into beer, there are also 100 wines, ciders and spirits to be found.

And each brewpub has a venue that brings the relaxed but funky Inner West vibe to life. Find an ever-changing roster of weekly events, from live music to bingo to comedy nights. Discover more and plan your next visit.

1. Batch Brewing Co.

Batch Brewing Co. sydney — Pop into one of the first breweries in Sydney. (Image: Destination NSW)

Founded in 2013, Batch was one of the first, and remains one of the most popular, breweries in Sydney. While they have now expanded to have locations in Petersham and Darling Square, their original spot was in Marrickville.

As the name suggests, Batch has a focus on unique, small-batch beers. They do have a core line of best-sellers (like Marrickville Original Pale Ale and Pash the Magic Dragon Sour) but pride themselves on a rotating menu of new, limited-release beers.

Address: 44 Sydenham Rd, Marrickville

2. Brickworks Brewing

beer and burger at Brickworks Brewing — Pair your beer with pub grub. (Image: Facebook/Brickworks Brewing)

Small but mighty, the brewers at Brickworks have been doing their thing for 20 years and counting. Find 12 beer taps with rotating brews to try, experimenting with styles from around the world.

Settle in for live music and food trucks on weekends, in the shadow of the historic brick factory and iconic smoke stacks that define St Peters.

Address: 15 May St, St Peters

3. Chuck & Son’s Brewing Co.

Chuck Hahn at Chuck & Son's Brewing Co. — Taste the brews of Sydney’s OG brewer.

While you’re in St Peters, pop into Chuck & Son’s for an IPA, hoppy hazy or amber ale. Brewer, Chuck Hahn, is also the man behind James Squire, Malt Shovel and Hahn Brewery – so you know the brews here are good. Especially when you’re sipping them on the sunny rooftop terrace.

There’s also an impressive wine list (especially for a brewery) and creative cocktails. Try the hop-infused gin negroni for a beer-related twist on an old favourite. An onsite food truck serves up burgers and rice bowls.

Address: Unit 3E-3F/1-7 Unwins Bridge Rd, St Peters

4. Future Brewing

interior future brewing sydney inner west ale trail — Taste brews that throw science into the mix.

A new(er) kid on the block, Future Brewing has quickly become popular with the locals. Taking a new twist on brewing, owner and brewer Brady Hannett was a scientist before he switched careers, so it’s no surprise the beers are beloved. Pop in on the weekend to pair your beer with tasty meals from a changing sister of food trucks.

Address: 82 May Street, St Peters

5. Hawke’s Brewing Co.

food and beer at The Bob Hawke Beer & Leisure Centre — Pair classic 80s-style Australian-Chinese with your brews. (Image: The Bob Hawke Beer & Leisure Centre)

Taking inspiration from, arguably, one of Australia’s most famous Prime Ministers (for necking a beer, at any rate), The Bob Hawke Beer & Leisure Centre is an icon of Marrickville and home to both Hawke’s Brewing and classic 80s style Australian-Chinese restaurant Lucky Prawn. Find the core range and limited releases on the taps here.

Everything about this venue screams RSL, from the sports memorabilia plastering the walls to the wood panelling and brown glass.

Address: 8-12 Sydney St, Marrickville

6. Hopsters Co-operative

Hopsters Co-operative sydney — Join the community at Hopsters Co-operative.

As Australia’s first brewing cooperative, Hopsters is definitely worth the trip. Fully funded and run by members, you’ll find heaps of events to enjoy with your huge range of beers (and even wines). Think trivia, comedy, Queers and beers nights, masterclasses and brewer talks.

Address: 198 Enmore Rd, Enmore

7. Kicks Brewing

exterior of Kicks Brewing sydney — Pop into this small family-run taproom.

For a small family-run taproom, Kicks packs a big punch. Focused on creating fresh, progressive (but very drinkable) beers, expect strong hop flavours, bold American-style IPAs and some very out-of-the-box flavours. Match it with a rotating international eats from various food trucks parked outside.

Address: 31 Shepherd St, Marrickville

8. Mixtape Brewing & Bar

pizza and tacos at mixtape Brewing & Bar inner west ale trail sydney — Enjoy a menu as good as the beers.

The real beauty of Mixtape , beyond its size that means it usually has space even on a busy day, unlike some of the smaller venues, is that not only does it sell its own brews (and damn good pizza), but it sells a selection of other Inner West brews as well. So if you’re only going to do one-stop, this should be it. Here, 18 taps pour Mixtape’s small batch brews, while a handful more Aussie and international craft beers. Truly one of my favourite stops along the trail.

Address: 142A Victoria Rd, Marrickville

9. Philter Brewing

bar at Philter Brewing sydney — Book ahead or get in early for this popular Sydney brewery.

Philter is one of the most reliable breweries if you’re a fan of knowing what you’re going to get. The Philter XPA, in particular, is almost a staple on bar taps around the city. The onsite restaurant also serves up pizzas, burgers, wings, snacks and share plates.

Despite the multiple levels in the converted factory space (a public bar, retro rooftop bar and sports bar), Philter is one of the busier breweries. So make a booking or aim to get there a little earlier than lunchtime to nab a table.

Address: 92-98 Sydenham Road, Marrickville

10. Pickled Monkey Brewing Co.

Pickled Monkey Brewing Co. sydney — Ignore the name and taste the beer. (Image: Facebook/Pickled Monkey Brewing Co.)

A huge 24-taps at Pickled Monkey Brewing Co. makes this brewpub more than just a funny name. But the name is odd, and it has an odder backstory. In the 1900s, a few wooden barrels turned up at the University of NSW from Oxford University. Assuming they were filled with beer, a few cheeky wharfies cracked them open. As it turned out, they were drinking the juice of pickled monkeys that were en route to the UNSW Biology Department for dissection. Gross. Luckily, the actual beers are anything but.

Unique brew flavours and a menu packed with pizzas and tacos keep things interesting in this open-plan pub.

Address: 127 Victoria Rd, Marrickville

11. Sauce Brewing Co.

delivery to Sauce Brewing Co. sydney — Sit in Sauce’s beer garden. (Image: Destination NSW)

Perfect for summer, Sauce Brewing Co. features one of the best beer gardens in Sydney, though it’s usually packed full of punters with their kids and dogs. Grab one of their small, core range of beers or try a wilder, one-off flavour. Canned cocktails are also on offer, as well as a food truck roster from Thursday to Sunday, serving either burgers, barbecue or tacos.

Address: 1a Mitchell St, Marrickville

12. The Grifter

The Grifter sydney taproom — Enjoy The Grifter beers on taps around Sydney, or head to the source.

Another OG and favourite of Marrickville, The Grifter is also a popular beer to find on taps around the city. But if you head straight to the source (inside a former laundromat warehouse), find 12 taps including the core range, seasonal and one-off brews. Some of the unique tastes they’ve had over the years include watermelon pilsner, pink lemonade sour and oatmeal stout.

Address: 1/391-397 Enmore Rd, Marrickville

13. Wayward Brewing

Wayward Brewing sydney — Take in tacos and beers. (Image: Destination NSW)

Beginning life as a winery, the Wayward Brewing venue really sets a dark and intimate mood. Set underground with oak barrels, brew tanks and cosy cellar rooms, find 24 beers on tap at a time, plus an alcoholic seltzer range. The beers are award-winning for a reason – besides the taste, Wayward is committed to producing a top-quality product. All the beers are preservative-free, unpasteurised, unfiltered and made with natural ingredients.

Come nighttime (or all day on weekends), the in-house Wayward Eats food truck serves up a menu of burgers, loaded fries, tacos and quesadillas.

Address: 1 Gehrig Ln, Camperdown

14. White Bay Brewery

White Bay Brewery sydney — Be sure to order pizza with your craft brew. (Image: Facebook)

White Bay may be the furthest brewery away on this trail, but the staff are so dang friendly that it’s worth the bus ride. Not to mention the views, the cute fit-out inside a 150-year-old steel mill and the very easy-to-drink beer varieties. The wood-fired pizzas served here are absolutely delicious.

Address: 26C Mansfield St, Rozelle

15. Wildflower Brewing & Blending

Hands down, Wildflower is the most beautiful brewery venue in Sydney. Likely even in the world. Aesthetic wooden barrels and dried flowers decorate the interior, while a Melbourne-like laneway makes for a breezy outdoor area on a hot day.

They also have a particularly unique approach to their brewing. Using Indigenous yeast collected from the bush to create wild-fermented brews. The result is a very unique, tart and slightly pungent flavour. They also make natural wines, and personally, the red varieties here are my drink of choice.

Address: 11-13 Brompton St, Marrickville

16. Willie The Boatman

Willie The Boatman brewery sydney — Relax in comfy couches. (Image: Destination NSW)

This pet-friendly spot is not only adorably decked out with an 1850s oak bar literally imported from a US saloon, comfortable couches, hanging plants and vintage signs, but it also has a very agreeable roster of brews to choose from. Everything from a pale ale to a cherry sour. Honestly, one of the tastiest sours going. Head in on Friday to Sunday for a free sausage sizzle.

Address: Enter Via, Precinct 75 Suite 601 75 Mary Street, Edith St, St Peters

17. Young Henrys Brewing

mural and patrons at Young Henrys Brewing sydney — Feel the vibes at Young Henrys Brewing. (Image: Destination NSW)

Another very common sight to see in pubs all around Sydney, Young Henrys’ Newtowner is basically the mascot of Sydney. Set inside a converted warehouse, listened to very Aussie tunes (hello, AC/DC ) surrounded by massive wall murals and very mulleted staff. Besides the core range, try a few experimental brews that rotate.

Address: 76 Wilford St, Newtown

18. Bracket Brewing

Coming (back) soon, Bracket Brewing is in the middle of moving house from Alexandria to Marrickville, so there’s not much to say about the decor just yet. But we’re sure many Inner Westie fans will continue to love it for its monthly new beer releases.

Address: 2/48 Addison Road, Marrickville

19. Yulli’s Brews

Yullis Brews Food — Come for the beer, stay for the Thai food. (Image: Facebook/Yulli’s Brews)

This one isn’t on the official trail as it’s located in Sydney’s Inner South, but it really should be. Just as much as the craft beer (on which there are often very affordable specials on pints and jugs), the food is hands-down the best of any Sydney brewery. Not so surprising when considering that Yulli’s started as a vegan restaurant in Surry Hills before expanding to its brewery location in Alexandria.

Find an extensive menu of vegan Thai food, from small snacks, like shitake tofu dumplings, to main meals with all your favourites – but their pad see ew noodle dish is to die for. As for beers, they have some pretty unique blends, like the tangy Mandarin IPA, along with all the staples. They also have alcoholic seltzer and ginger beer

Address: 75a Burrows Road, Alexandria

The ultimate road trip begins and ends on NSW’s stunning Grand Pacific Drive.

Whales, charming villages, fine wine and stunning natural vistas: there’s a lot to love about a road trip along the Grand Pacific Drive in New South Wales. Winding from the Royal National Park through Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and Shoalhaven before heading inland to the Southern Highlands, this scenic drive makes for an unforgettable road trip.

But like all great road trips, it’s not just about the drive but the stops made along the way. From incredible farm-to-plate (and grape-to-glass) dining options to unbeatable natural vistas and quaint towns with beautiful accommodation, there’s plenty to explore en route.

Where to eat

What is a road trip without incredible food? Whether you’re after fresh seafood, slow-cooked paddock-to-plate feasts or delicious wines, you’ll find something around every bend along Grand Pacific Drive.

Restaurant Santino is a local Wollongong secret we can’t keep quiet any longer. With a fresh take on Italian cuisine, servings are hearty and flavours are comforting. The chitarra with blue swimmer crab, garlic, chilli, parsley and crustacean oil is a crowd favourite.

Keep it local in Shellharbour with a menu all about fresh local produce at Relish on Addison . From South Coast oysters and blue swimmer crab linguine to crispy pork belly, surf and turf takes on an elevated meaning here.

Kiama’s neighbourhood wine and cocktail bar, Little Betty’s , is just as good for a tasty share plate as it is for creative cocktails. The signature Grilled Octopus with burnt honey, garlic confit and sautéed Asian greens is worth a trip on its own.

Only the best will do in Shoalhaven, where multi-award-winning Bangalay Dining uses native Australian ingredients to bring its dishes to life. Start with the Smoked trout croquette before moving on to the sautéed potato gnocchi. Don’t forget the white chocolate mousse for dessert.

Meanwhile, the Southern Highlands are full of culinary highlights. From dining on incredibly fresh, local fare (we’re talking ingredients plucked from the team’s on-site kitchen garden or sourced through local producers) at Eschalot Restaurant in Berrima to creating gin blends at Millsheds Distillery .

bangalay dining shoalhaven — Taste native flavours at Bangalay Dining.

Exploring nature

Scenery is everything when hitting the road, and Grand Pacific Drive serves it up in spades. Drivers don’t even have to leave the car to enjoy the iconic ocean views from Seacliff Bridge (but several lookouts make it easy to stop).

Seaside Kiama boasts stunning beaches and famous blowholes. But travellers can also swap ocean for rainforest when taking the Minnamurra Rainforest walk, culminating in a picturesque waterfall. Or soar overhead at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures .

The scenic coastal drive along Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton. — Cruise along the stunning Grand Pacific Drive.

Between May and November, 30,000 whales make their way passed the South Coast between May and November. Spot them from the coastal shores or join a whale-watching cruise from Shellharbour Marina or Jervis Bay. Dive in with Woebegone Freedive .

Shellharbour’s Killalea Regional Park is home to a traditional bush tucker and medicine walk with Aboriginal tour group, Gumaraa . Learn Indigenous healing practices and gain a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage and wisdom of the land’s Traditional Owners.

Wollongong is the perfect place for hikers, with the 6.5-kilometre Wodi Wodi track serving up views, settler history and a variety of landscapes in one loop. If you prefer, skip the walk and pull up at Bald Hill Lookout for expansive views south towards Wollongong (and a hang-glider or two).

For something truly unique, join the Highland Cow experience at The Swallow’s Nest in the Southern Highlands. In a brand-new offering, get a taste of farm life and help groom and feed these gorgeous creatures.

kiama coast walk people with dog — Wander the Kiama Coast Walk.

Unique experiences

No need to choose between an adrenaline rush or a culture fix, Grand Pacific Drive serves up both.

Soar into aviation history at Shellharbour’s HARS Aviation Museum . Tour the museum, then join a guided walk onto the wing of the record-breaking Qantas Boeing 747 and see the significant historic aircraft up close.

If ever there was a place to skydive, it’s in Wollongong. Dive from 15,000 feet (tandem, of course) with Sky Dive Wollongong and see the coastal beauty of this region from above.

Shoalhaven’s Bundanon Art Museum has to be one of the most unique offerings in the country. The legacy of artist Arthur Boyd and more than just a gallery, find eco-accommodation, fine dining, award-winning architecture and community here.

Kiama’s Crooked River Estate is about more than just delicious wine. Grab a picnic blanket and enjoy casual food and drinks with live music at Kick Back Fridays , every week.

Between June and August, the Southern Highlands’ Robertson attracts novice truffle hunters. Join the hunt at family-owned and operated Robertson Truffles (alternatively, you can order truffle treats online, if your sense of adventure isn’t up for it).

Freshly dug truffles at Terra Preta Truffles, Braidwood. — Discover hidden gems beneath the soil in the Southern Highlands. (Image: Destination NSW)

Where to stay

Road trips are the ultimate promotion for slow travel, encouraging visitors to take their time, enjoy the journey and stop along the way to really immerse themselves in local towns.

Find history and elegance at Berida Hotel in the Southern Highlands. Intimately set amongst gardens, but still close to the main street of Bowral, this 1920s private residence turned boutique hotel is the perfect stay.

Stay in one of Barranca’s private villas with views of rolling farmland overlooking the dramatic escarpment at Kangaroo Valley or be surrounded by native bushland (a short walk from the beach) in Jervis Bay.

Speaking of beachside escapes, Headlands Hotel Austinmer Beach delivers unrivalled access to Wollongong’s beaches. These serviced apartments enjoy coastal views from spacious balconies.

For something completely different again, check in at Cicada Luxury Camping . Stay in safari-style or large bell tents, each with a private fire pit and top-notch kitchen facilities. Outside, enjoy spectacular countryside views.

Discover more and plan your ultimate road trip along the Grand Pacific Drive and beyond at grandpacificdrive.com.au/grand.

The 19 best breweries along Sydney’s Inner West Ale Trail