The best breweries and distilleries in Byron Bay (and its surrounds)

Lara Picone Lara Picone
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For an afternoon sipping locally crafted brews, check out these top Byron Bay breweries and distilleries.

Sprawling across a richly fertile area from coast to hinterland and brimming with fresh produce and native ingredients, Byron Bay and her neighbouring shires have inspired a collection of passionate brewers and distillers. From The Tweed to Byron and winding down to Ballina, you can sip on beautifully made beers and spirits crafted to showcase the flavours of this sub-tropical region. Here, we’ve rounded up Byron’s best breweries and distilleries to pop on your drinks list.

1. Stone & Wood

sample beers for tasting at Stone & Wood
Stone & Wood offer approachable, balanced beers. (Image: Destination NSW)

Heading to the cavernous, 31-tank brewery in Byron’s industrial estate is always a precursor to good times. Find your seat inside or grab a table in the beer garden and work your way through Stone & Wood’s hoppy options with a tasting. If you’re a certified craft beer fan, book in for the 90-minute brewery tour that kicks off fine hospitably with a welcome beer. Food is by 100 Mile Table and if you’re not a drinker, there are non-alcoholic and kid-friendly beverages on offer, too.

Address: 100 Centennial Circuit, Byron Bay

Opening hours: Monday to Thursday: 10am-6pm; Friday: 10am-7pm; Saturday: 12pm-7pm; Sunday: 12pm-6pm

2. Common People Brewing Co.

an aerial shot of the deck at Common People Brewing Co.
Bond over beers on the deck. (Image: Common People Brewing Co.)

All people, common and not-so, are welcome to the Taproom to settle in for a session of Common People’s brews. While the kegs flow with beers, such as the Protesters IPA, El Sabro Hazy IPA and Moonless Midnight Stout, if you’d rather have a different sort of fermented beverage, there’s a well-considered wine list on offer. No matter your tipple, it can be enjoyed with a menu of beautifully blistered pizza and other wood-fired treats. There’s often live music or community events, so check the website to see what’s coming up.

Address: 9 Dudgeons Lane, Bangalow

Opening hours: Thursday to Saturday: 12pm-9pm; Sunday: 12pm-8pm

3. Wandana Brewing Co

the calypso sour beer with sliced passionfruit and toasted organic coconut at Wandana Brewing Co
Calypso sour beer with sliced passionfruit and toasted organic coconut at Wandana Brewing Co.

This industrial-estate-located brewery gazes out across the lush pastures of outer Mullumbimby. Festoon lighting, a shaded beer garden and regular live music, not to mention innovative and delicious beer, make Wandana an easy go-to for an afternoon session. The Wandana folk are big believers that music makes their beer taste better, so they have their yeast cells vibrating with round-the-clock tunes. See if you agree with the theory by embarking on a tasting paddle that may include the Mullum Madness IPA, Roadie Pale Ale or Upzy Hazy. Rotating food trucks and a kids’ playroom also add to Wandana’s laidback appeal.

Address: 20 Manns Road, Mullumbimby

Opening hours: Wednesday 1.30pm-6.30pm; Thursday to Saturday 12.30pm-8.30pm; Sunday 12.3pm-7.30pm.

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4. Seven Mile Brewing Co.

the exterior of Seven Mile Brewing Co. Byron Bay
Step into Seven Mile Brewing Co. to taste locally brewed beers.

No coastal town is complete without its own brewery and Ballina, 30 minutes south of Byron, is no exception. Named after one of the shire’s best-known beaches, Seven Mile Brewing Co. sits right by the Ballina-Byron Gateway Airport tempting travellers the moment they disembark from their aircraft. Pop in to partake in locally brewed effervescence with beers such as the Iron Peg Aussie Pale, American Pale Ale and Hard Ginger Beer. A roster of food trucks swing by from Friday to Saturday to serve beer-adjacent bites from burgers to tacos and pizza.

Address: 188–202 Southern Cross Drive

Opening hours: Thursday: 3pm-7p; Friday to Sunday: 12pm-6pm

5. Earth Beer Company

the Earth Beer Company exterior, Byron Bay
The cellar door is nestled within a rustic barn. (Image: @jayanta_visual)

Set in a rustic barn on an avocado farm just behind the Tweed Coast town of Kingscliff, Earth Beer Company produces deliciously refreshing beer and other fermented delights. Locally minded, you won’t find these brews too far from their home, but they’re definitely worth stocking up on while here. Try the Hemp Hazy Pale, Dark Moon Brown Ale and the Rising Sun Pale and don’t miss a sip of their seasonal specials, such as the Mango Weisse or Avocado Kolsch. Sit-ins at the brewery are often accompanied by food trucks and there’s always some cool merch on-hand to take away as a holiday memento.

Address: 592 Cudgen Road, Cudgen

Opening hours: Friday and Saturday 11am-8pm; Sunday 11am-7.30pm

6. Husk Farm Distillery

the front view of Husk Farm Distillery
Sign up for long lunches at the barn-like distillery. (Image: Sally/@salsinghphotography)

It all started when a sugar cane-farming family had the novel idea to make rum from their fresh cane juice, soon enough Husk Farm Distillery became a North Coast institution. Their farm-to-bottle ethos has caught the attention of spirit drinkers far and wide, and while it may have all started with rum, the family also now produce the incredible, violet-hued Ink Gin among other tipples. Book a spot on the lawn at the beautiful barn-like distillery for a sunny afternoon of cocktails and nibbles or grab a table for a long lunch. If you’re keen to nerd out on the nitty gritty of distilling, be sure to sign up for a tour that includes a welcome drink and tastings. Or catch one of the many events, from cocktail-making classes to paddock parties and stargazing. Being a 45-minute drive north of Byron, be sure to nominate a designated driver or arrange transport.

Address: 1152 Dulguigan Road, North Tumbulgum

Opening hours: Hours change seasonally, check the website for updated times.

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7. Cape Byron Distillery

botanicals on display at Cape Byron Distillery
Find high-quality gins infused with local botanicals. (Image: Destination NSW)

You’d be hard-pressed to find an Aussie gin-drinker who hasn’t heard of Brookies Gin. If you know, you know how, so why not go along to Cape Byron Distillery and see where and how this beloved spirit is made? Just 15 minutes from town, this Byron cellar door is set on a 95-acre property and lushly encroached upon by regenerated rainforest. Here you can sit on the balcony and sample not just their flagship gin, but also their Shirl the Pearl Gin, Turkish Delight Gin, Whisky and the sweet Mac. Liqueur made from, of course, macadamias. For the full experience, though, book in for a guided tasting, rainforest and gin tour or whisky tour.

Address: 80 St Helena Road, McLeods Shoot

Opening hours: Thursday to Sunday 10.45am-6pm

8. Lord Byron Distillery

This renewable, zero-waste alcoholic enterprise is a family affair began by Brian and Helen Restall. At Lord Byron what goes in the bottle is sourced from ingredients grown locally, even the pure water, which is collected from the family’s farm. Taste the provenance in their rum, gin, limoncello and other spirits when you swing by their Banksia Drive distillery. A visit may include a tour, cocktail masterclass or a session to distil your own gin.

Address: 4 Banksia Drive, Byron Bay

Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 10am-5pm

Discover the best bars in Byron Bay

Lara Picone
Working for many of Australia’s top publications, Lara Picone has had the distinct pleasure of writing, editing and curating content about the finer things in life for more than 15 years. Graduating from Macquarie University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, her editorial foundation began at Qantas: The Australian Way magazine, before moving on to learn the fast-paced ropes of a weekly magazine at Sunday Magazine and picking up the art of brand curation at donna hay magazine. Pivoting a near-problematic travel lust into a career move by combining it with storytelling and a curious appetite, her next role was as Deputy Editor of SBS Feast magazine and later Online Editor of SBS Food online. She then stepped into her dream job as Editor of Australian Traveller before becoming Online Editor for both International Traveller and Australian Traveller. Now as a freelancer, Lara always has her passport at-the-ready to take flight on assignment for the Australian Traveller team, as well as for publications such as Qantas Magazine, Escape and The Weekend Australian. As ever, her appetite is the first thing she packs.
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Your guide to what’s new and exciting this summer on the Central Coast

    Kassia Byrnes Kassia Byrnes
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    From serene natural beauty to vibrant nightlife, with plenty of arts and culture in between, the NSW Central Coast has been enjoying a serious glow up.

    Just one hour from Sydney, the Central Coast has long been the perfect seaside getaway. And with its ECO Destination certification with a focus on sustainability, it’s a trip travellers can feel good about, too. Recently, new and exciting openings have turned the Central Coast into a place where incredible natural beauty is still on the table, but so is a vibrant and sophisticated arts, dining and nightlife scene.

    Find out what’s new to discover on the Central Coast.

    1. Gosford’s glow up

    room at voco gosford
    Book into voco and experience the best of Gosford.

    Long-time Central Coast lovers will hardly recognise Gosford these days. While always boasting gorgeous water views, a range of revamps and new openings have turned it into a busy hub of arts and culture, with an increasingly diverse and vibrant nightlife.

    Landmark lifestyle hotel voco Gosford is the perfect home base for a Central Coast getaway. At this IHG hotel overlooking sparkling Brisbane Water, guests can spend sunny days soaking in the rooftop pool (or just sipping a cocktail beside it). When it comes to meals, you can enjoy multiple venues serving up everything from modern Australian fare to fine-dining Japanese.

    Venture out to lay eyes on the Central Coast’s first permanent Moving Image Gallery (MIG). Opened this year inside the Gosford Regional Gallery, the immersive space is a showcase of screen-based and digital art. While at the gallery, wander around the Edogawa Commemorative Garden, a traditional Japanese strolling garden complete with teahouse, koi pond and an ornamental bridge.

    Meanwhile, the revamped Gosford Regional Library has even more than books to discover. Now, it’s one of the best in the southern hemisphere – find exhibitions, historical archives and community initiatives for all ages at this perfect family-friendly escape.

    2. Newcomers to the dining scene

    table full of food at Amarilla restaurant terrigal
    Treat yourself to sundowners and snacks at Amarilla.

    The Central Coast has long been the perfect destination for gourmands, with everything from casual eats to fine dining elevating the local offerings. And three new destinations have been added to the map.

    Amarilla at The Haven in Terrigal is the perfect seaside venue for sundowners, with blissed-out beats providing the soundtrack. Book in for golden hour and choose bites from a Spanish tapas menu made for sharing. Do as the locals do and wash it all down with sangria – the Sunday Sangria Sessions have become a local institution.

    Also in Terrigal, Little Miss has brought a premium Mediterranean menu to the waterfront. Try the wagyu tartare with Greek caviar or butter-poached lobster and tomato bisque, paired with inventive cocktails and a handpicked selection of Lebanese wines.

    Over in Ettalong, Bar Toto is perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks. This award-winning cocktail bar is known for its creative concoctions, along with craft beer, wine and antipasti platters to snack on. The interior sets the mood, with dim lighting and wooden furnishings.

    3. New Central Coast experiences

    winemaker at Firescreek Botanical Winery
    Book an experience at Firescreek Botanical Winery.

    It’s entirely possible (and recommended) to spend a Central Coast getaway relaxing on one of its many peaceful and pristine beaches. But for those who crave more, there’s a long list of options to keep you busy.

    Pop into the iconic Australian Reptile Park to see the new Weigel Venom Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that’s home to over 200 of the country’s most venomous snakes.

    Get out on the water with Sail Central Coast, which offers 20 years of expertise in yacht charters. Book the Sunset Sail & Dine yacht charter for a private afternoon cruising the waterways of Bouddi National Park and Brisbane Water, stopping at Anchor on Hardys for a two-course meal with a cocktail.

    For something completely different, Firescreek Botanical Winery is now offering an Aboriginal Storytelling and Wine Tasting Experience. Learn about local cultures, stories and traditions from an Aboriginal Elder, then enjoy a botanical-inspired wine tasting led by a local winemaking expert.

    4. Central Coast accommodation

    view from a cottage at Noonaweena
    Sleep in the hinterland at Noonaweena.

    There’s simply too much to experience on the Central Coast to only stay for one day. Turn your trip into a relaxing getaway by the beach.

    Allawah, a retreat on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, is accessible only by boat. This secluded two-bedroom cottage is the perfect place to unwind, allowing you to spend lazy days fishing, kayaking, paddling or unwinding with a book on your own private jetty.

    In the Kulnura hinterland, Noonaweena features a range of accommodation styles, from a luxe glamping bell tent to cottages and a treetop suite. It’s a leader in green travel, with 10 years of certification from Eco Tourism Australia. Relax in the onsite wellness centre or get active on various courts and in the gym facilities.

    To stay by the ocean at Toowoon Bay, book into Kim’s Beachside Resort. This adults-only property offers a luxury escape nestled within a sub-tropical rainforest. Along with 36 private timber bungalows, indulge in massages or reiki treatments at the dedicated spa, or stop by the cocktail bar and à la carte restaurant.

    5. Shopping on the Central Coast

    Umina’s Centred Ceramics central coast
    Try your hand at Umina’s Centred Ceramics’ pottery courses.

    For those after unique trinkets, handmade treasures and beautiful homewares, the Central Coast is a haven.

    Markets on the Central Coast have a special flavour. Wander the Umina Beach Markets at twilight, where you’ll find small businesses from the local areas, and the Norah Head Ocean View Markets, where you can soak up good food, live music and artisan finds by the beach after sunset. ‘Tis the season for the Christmas twilight edition of the Avoca Beachside Markets, celebrating the season with pop-up bars, tasty treats and plenty of unique gift options from local artists and producers.

    Galleria Ettalong has also added to the Central Coast’s recent makers and creators renaissance, wrapping cinemas, a dining precinct and over 40 boutique shops into one area.

    Sign up for a pottery course at Umina’s Centred Ceramics, or peruse the shop for a range of one-of-a-kind pottery made on the premises for a special souvenir.

    For more eclectic arts and homewares, pop into Blue Bird Collective Co. This marketplace supports over 35 small, local and handmade businesses, artists and creatives. Take the time to check out fashion, jewellery and homewares that won’t be found anywhere else.

    Start planning your coastal getaway at lovecentralcoast.com.