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.

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.

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 Mornington Peninsula blends vineyards, galleries, golf and delicious finds for an unforgettable getaway that indulges all penchants.

Just over an hour from Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula blends coast and country in a way that feels effortlessly indulgent. It’s a region where vineyard views meet acclaimed dining, art and culture is never far from the sea, and where hot springs bubble alongside rolling fairways. Whether your escape is a long lunch, an immersive art trail or a round of golf, the Mornington Peninsula has an itinerary to match. And there’s always a glass of good local pinot waiting for you at the end of the day.

A creative trail through the Peninsula

The Mornington Peninsula is a haven for artists and creatives. Its coastal views and rolling landscapes have long been a source of inspiration. Stay at the historical InterContinental Sorrento , a grand hotel established in 1875, recently renovated to blend heritage charm with contemporary elegance. With curated art lining the hotel’s corridors and rooms, you could spend hours simply wandering the halls, studying the walls.

Pt Leo Estate outdoor gallery — Wander around Pt. Leo Estate’s outdoor gallery. (Image: Visit Victoria/Jesse Hisco)

If looking for an outdoor gallery with sea views, head to Pt. Leo Estate , a landscaped vineyard home to a sculpture park featuring more than 70 large-scale works by both local and international artists, all easily accessible by connecting paths. After strolling through the vineyards, there are three dining options: fine dining at Laura, a relaxed meal at Pt. Leo Restaurant or a vino at the Wine Terrace. For something more hands-on, sign up for the Sip & Sketch experience. And if you book directly into the elegant Lancemore at Lindenderry Red Hill , you’ll enjoy free access to the sculpture park.

food at Pt Estate — Pt Leo Estate boasts three elegant dining venues. (Image: Visit Victoria/Two Palms/Arianna Harry)

For those who like their art framed by rolling hills, vines and wetlands, Montalto is the place. More than 30 sculptures are dotted throughout the property. The vineyard offers a formal restaurant and casual tables among the seasonal produce in a setting that feels like Mr. McGregor’s Garden from Peter Rabbit. And there’s always the option to picnic on the lawn.

Montalto Vineyard is an idyllic setting for afternoon wining and dining. (Image: Visit Victoria/Robyn Lea)

The Sorrento-Portsea Artists Trail offers a self-guided walk along bush paths and sea cliffs to see the same landscapes that once inspired brushstrokes of some of Australia’s most famous artists. Along the way, interpretive signs share insights into the area’s artistic past. And, if the peninsula’s weather turns a little wild, the region is brimming with galleries, particularly around Flinders, Sorrento and Red Hill. Artisan studios are open by appointment.

A feast for food and wine lovers

With more than 200 vineyards, around 60 wineries and cellar doors, plus an abundance of breweries, distilleries, orchards and family-run farms spanning generations, the Mornington Peninsula is a playground for food and wine enthusiasts.

The perfect base for a culinary inclined trip is Cassis Red Hill , where luxury accommodation is tucked between grape vines and olive trees. A quiet nod to the fishing village of Cassis in the south of France, this retreat is all about contemporary elegance – crisp linen, sunlit interiors and a private mineral plunge pool.

Then, for a stand-out lunch, Green Olive at Red Hill offers a delicious way to enjoy the region. Graze on generous tasting plates with house-made relishes, lamb sausages, local cheese and just-picked garden produce. Pair it with a wine flight or order a picnic hamper to enjoy among the olive grove; there’s a picnic option for your dog, too. And for a playful twist, Green Olive is home to what is believed to be Australia’s only pickleball court set within a vineyard or orchard.

Amid the many wineries with open cellar doors, Main Ridge Dairy offers a delicious detour – a goat dairy where you can sample handcrafted cheeses and even meet the resident goats. For a more refined experience, Paringa Estate is one of the peninsula’s most awarded wineries, offering fine dining with sweeping vineyard views and a menu crafted from seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.

If you’re looking to step outdoors before a lingering lunch, during winter Flinders Truffles offer the chance to join their clever dogs and search for the black gold under oak trees. For an authentic taste of the region, time your visit with one of the Peninsula’s vibrant farmers’ markets.

From golf days to spa stays

Kingswood CountryGolf Club — Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club. (Image: Visit Victoria)

With its champion courses, the Peninsula is a dream destination not only for those who love to tee off but for those who enjoy the post-golf wind down. Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club draws keen golfers from around the world, while Peppers Moonah Links Resort is a course that has hosted both a PGA tournament and two Australian Opens. For a true test of skill, The Dunes Golf Links is one of Australia’s top public courses. Each golf course offers accommodation, and staying onsite means maximum convenience, especially at The Dunes, where premium rooms have you sleeping right next to the fairway. Off-course indulgence is close at hand, too.

Alba Thermal Springs& Spa — Soaking at Alba Thermal Springs & Spa. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Peninsula Hot Springs and Alba Thermal Springs are just next door, where thermal waters drawn from geothermal mineral springs deep underground provide the ultimate recovery after a day of perfecting your swing. These award-winning wellness sanctuaries offer everything from bathing pools to private plunges and spa treatments.

After sinking the last ball, and the 19th hole beckons, the Peninsula serves up just as many dining options as it does golf courses. Just minutes away and right on the beach, Jetty Road Brewery  is a laid-back spot perfect for a round of beers and typical pub fare. For something a little elevated, book a table at Epicurean . Here, a glass of local red pairs beautifully with handmade pastas and woodfired pizza, all served in a historical coolstore and packing shed dating back more than a century.

Raise a glass: The top 16 Australian breweries