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.

Winding down in the Yarra Valley, where ‘work from home’ becomes ‘work from wine country’.

Steam from my morning coffee curls gently into the cool valley air, mist-veiled vineyards stretch out in neat rows below me. Magpies warble from trees, and the morning’s quiet carries the soft bleating of lambs from a nearby paddock. Midweek in the Yarra Valley has its own rhythm. It’s slower, quieter, with more empty tables at cafes and cellar doors, and walking trails I can claim all to myself. It’s as if the entire region takes a deep breath once the weekend crowd leaves.

walking trails in the Yarra Valley — You’ll find walking trails are less crowded during the week. (Image: Visit Victoria)

I haven’t come here for a holiday, but to do a little work somewhere other than my home office, where I spend too much time hunched over my desk. Deadlines still loom, meetings still happen, but with flexible work evolving from ‘work from home’ to ‘work from anywhere’, I’m swapping the view of my front yard to the vineyards.

A quiet afternoon at Yarra Valley Dairy

holding a glass of wine at Yarra Valley Dairy — Wine time at Yarra Valley Dairy, where you can enjoy a toastie or bagel in the cafe. (Image: Visit Victoria)

With the Yarra Valley just over an hour from the CBD, many Melburnians could drive here in their lunch break. I arrive late in the afternoon and am delighted to discover the Yarra Valley Dairy still open. On weekends, I’ve seen queues spilling out the door, but today there’s only one other couple inside. There’s no need to rush to secure a table; instead I browse the little store, shelves stacked with chutneys, spices, artisan biscuits and gorgeous crockery that would look right at home in my kitchen. It’s hard not to buy the lot.

a cheese tasting plate atYarra Valley Dairy — A cheese tasting plate at Yarra Valley Dairy.

I order a coffee and a small cheese platter, though the dairy has a full menu, and choose a wooden table with bentwood chairs by a wide window. The space feels part farm shed, part cosy café: corrugated iron ceiling, walls painted in muted tones and rustic furniture.

Outside, cows meander toward milking sheds. If pressed for time, there’s the option of quick cheese tastings – four samples for five dollars in five minutes – but today, I’m in no rush. I sip slowly, watching a grey sky settle over the paddock. Less than an hour ago I was hunched over my home-office desk, and now my racing mind has slowed to match the valley’s pace.

Checking in for vineyard views at Balgownie Estate

Restaurant 1309 at Balgownie Estate has views across the vines.

As my car rolls to a stop at Balgownie Estate , I’m quietly excited, and curious to see if my plan to work and play comes off. I’ve chosen a suite with a spacious living area and a separate bedroom so I can keep work away from a good night’s sleep. I could have booked a cosy cottage, complete with open fireplace, a comfy couch and a kettle for endless cups of tea, but as I am still here to get some work done, I opt for a place that takes care of everything. Dinner is served in Restaurant 1309, as is breakfast.

oysters at Restaurant 1309, Balgownie Estate — Oysters pair perfectly with a crisp white at Restaurant 1309.

On my first evening, instead of the usual walk about my neighbourhood, I stroll through the estate at an unhurried pace. There’s no need to rush – someone else is preparing my dinner after all. The walking trails offer beautiful sunsets, and it seems mobs of kangaroos enjoy the view, too. Many appear, grazing lazily on the hillside.

I wake to the call of birds and, after breakfast, with the mist still lingering over the vineyards, I watch two hot-air balloons silently drift above clouds. Perched on a hill, Balgownie Estate sits above the mist, leaving the valley below veiled white.

kangaroos in Yarra Valley — Spotting the locals on an evening walk. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Exploring the Yarra Valley on two wheels

the Yarra Valley vineyards — Swap your home office for a view of the vineyards. (Image: Visit Victoria/Cormac Hanrahan)

Perhaps because the Yarra Valley is relatively close to where I live, I’ve never considered exploring the area any way other than by car or on foot. And with a fear of heights, a hot-air balloon is firmly off the table. But when I discover I can hop on two wheels from the estate and cycle into Yarra Glen, I quickly realise it’s the perfect way to step away from my laptop and experience a different side of the region.

COG Bike offers pedal-assist e-bikes, and while the bike trail and paths into town aren’t particularly hilly, having an extra bit of ‘oomph’ means I can soak up the surroundings. Those lambs I heard calling early in the morning? I now find them at the paddock fence, sniffing my hands, perhaps hoping for food. Cows idle nearby, and at a fork in the bike path I turn left toward town.

It’s still morning, and the perfect time for a coffee break at The Vallie Store. If it were the afternoon, I’d likely turn right, in the direction of four wineries with cellar doors. The ride is about 15 kilometres return, but don’t let that put you off. Staying off the highway, the route takes you along quiet backroads where you catch glimpses of local life – farmers on tractors, weathered sheds, rows of vines and the kind of peaceful countryside you don’t see from the main road.

A detour to the Dandenong Ranges

legs hanging over the sides of the train, Puffing Billy Railway — The iconic Puffing Billy runs every day except Christmas Day.

The beauty of basing myself in the Yarra Valley is how close everything feels. In barely half an hour I’m in the Dandenong Ranges, swapping vineyards for towering mountain ash and fern-filled gullies. The small villages of Olinda and Sassafras burst with cosy teahouses, antique stores and boutiques selling clothing and handmade body care items.

I’m drawn to RJ Hamer Arboretum – Latin for ‘a place for trees’. Having grown up among tall trees, I’ve always taken comfort in their presence, so this visit feels like a return of sorts. A stroll along the trails offers a choice: wide open views across patchwork paddocks below, or shaded paths that lead you deeper into the quiet hush of the peaceful forest.

The following day, I settle into a quiet corner on the balcony of Paradise Valley Hotel in Clematis and soon hear Puffing Billy’s whistle and steady chuff as the steam train climbs towards town. Puffing Billy is one of Australia’s most beloved steam trains, running through the Dandenong Ranges on a narrow-gauge track. It’s famous for its open carriages where passengers can sit with their legs hanging over the sides as the train chugs through the forest. This is the perfect spot to wave to those on the train.

After my midweek break, I find my inbox still full and my to-do list not in the least shrunken, just shifted from one task to another. But I return to my home office feeling lighter, clearer and with a smug satisfaction I’d stolen back a little time for myself. A midweek wind-down made all the difference.

A traveller’s checklist

Staying there

Balgownie Estate offers everything from cellar door tastings to spa treatments and fine dining – all without leaving the property.

Playing there

the TarraWarra Museum of Art, Yarra Valley — Visit the TarraWarra Museum of Art. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Wander through Alowyn Gardens, including a stunning wisteria tunnel, then explore the collection of contemporary artworks at TarraWarra Museum of Art . Cycle the Yarra Valley with COG Bike to visit local wineries and cellar doors.

Eating and drinking there

Olinda Tea House offers an Asian-inspired high tea. Paradise Valley Hotel, Clematis has classic pub fare, while the iconic Yering Station offers wine tastings and a restaurant with seasonal dishes.

seasonal dishes at the restaurant inside Yering Station — The restaurant at Yering Station showcases the best produce of the Yarra Valley. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Raise a glass: The top 16 Australian breweries