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

Sunshine, sea breezes and sand-speckled locals: the Sutherland Shire is perfect for an idyllic Sydney summer.

The Sutherland Shire is one of Sydney’s most dynamic regions. Home to an eclectic mix of top-notch eateries and drinking holes, a flourishing arts scene, and striking land and seascapes, it’s a haven for foodies, culture seekers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

It’s also an ever-evolving destination with a constant wave of new places to eat and drink, and under-the-radar pockets to explore – many of which are dog-friendly.

If you’re venturing to this gorgeous part of the world this summer, here’s your guide to what’s new and worth discovering.

Savour the summer dining scene

Fred’s After Hours on the sutherland shire — Pop into Fred’s After Hours.

The Shire’s buzzing dining scene is one of its biggest drawcards, and many of the region’s culinary highlights can be found in the sun-soaked beachside hub of Cronulla. A bunch of newcomers have recently set up shop, making the area ripe for culinary adventure.

Homer Rogue Taverna is exactly as its name suggests: a cheeky take on classic Greek food. Expect meze and mains bursting with bold flavours and a wine list packed with standout Greek drops.

Freds Providore – a Cronulla favourite for casual cafe fare and excellent coffee – is now open late from Thursday to Sunday. Come sundown, it morphs into Fred’s After Hours, serving a refined European-inspired menu, wines, cocktails and a laid-back yet polished vibe.

Bobbys is a slick destination right on Cronulla Beach, where you can grab a plate of freshly-caught seafood and a summery cocktail while cooling off in the sea breeze.

And if you’re after a bit of everything, the sprawling and multifaceted Parc Pavilion is a melting pot of dining experiences. It blends a cafe, bistro, bar, Italian restaurant and a host of regular events, all tied together in a cool coastal setting.

Got a Saturday morning to spare? The Shire Farmers Market in Sutherland is a must-do ritual, letting you (and your four-legged friend) browse fresh produce, flowers and gourmet treats against a backdrop of live music and local chatter.

Dive into ocean pools

ocean pool on the sutherland shire — The ocean pools beckon.

Given its prime coastal positioning, the Shire teems with crystal-clear ocean pools and enclosed bathing spots. Silver Beach Tidal Baths offers a netted
swimming experience in Botany Bay. Tucked beside a small sandy beach, the tidal baths at Gunnamatta Park are calm and shallow – making them an ideal setting for less confident swimmers.

Just a hop and a skip away is Shelly Park Ocean Pool, a magical rock pool carved in the ocean. It’s well-suited to young kids and offers sweeping views towards the open sea.

Experience local arts and culture

Hazelhurst Arts Centre in Gymea is elegantly positioned within a lush garden landscape, serving as the Sutherland Shire’s premier destination for arts and culture. This summer, experience the Art on Paper Award 2025 – a celebration of innovation and creativity through the versatile medium of paper.

Set within the leafy surrounds of Hazelhurst Arts Centre, Hazel Kitchen & Bar has curated the ultimate picnic experience. Think abundant cheese platters, artisan charcuterie boards, fresh OJ and a thoughtfully chosen wine list, all available to take away and enjoy in the art-filled gardens just beyond the restaurant. Best of all, four-legged friends are welcome to join the fun.

Next, venture south to the artsy village of Bundeena for the monthly Bundeena and Maianbar Art Trail . This self-guided journey through local artists’ studios offers a glimpse into their work and creative spaces.

Relish the dog-friendly atmosphere

a dog on Greenhills Dog Beach sutherland shire — Let the dog off-leash at Greenhills Dog Beach.

The Sutherland Shire is a bona fide playground for pups and their humans. Find a string of dog-friendly beaches popular with locals, visitors and pups alike. Silver Beach in Kurnell is a peaceful pocket, allowing dogs off-leash without restriction. While Horderns Beach in Bundeena and Greenhills Beach in Cronulla are equally serene and provide off-leash access (be sure to check times and seasonal restrictions before you go).

If you’re planning to make a weekend of it, book yourself and your pooch into Quest Cronulla . With stylish and spacious pet-friendly accommodation, thoughtful amenities, and a prime location just steps from Cronulla Esplanade and a variety of dog-friendly cafes, it’s the perfect spot to rest after a full day of exploring.

Get into nature

Sunrise at Curracurrong Falls and Eagle Rock in the Royal National Park, Sydney. — Find natural beauty in Royal National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to outdoor escapes: imagine rugged bushwalks, breezy beachside tracks, meandering cycling trails and lookouts galore. The best part? Many of them are perfectly suited to dogs.

Take your canine to Cronulla Esplanade – the Shire’s version of the famed Bondi to Coogee Walk. This eight-kilometre route takes you past the region’s most picturesque beaches, offering panoramic vistas and an electric energy. It heaves with locals every morning and weekend, getting their steps in with a coffee in one hand and a dog leash in the other.

If you’re travelling without furry friends, stop by the Royal National Park. You’ll be engulfed in ancient bushland, craggy cliffs, towering rock formations, diverse wildlife and twisting tracks. The Jibbon Loop Track is a highlight, with spectacular views over the sea. Alternatively, the Karloo Track forms a loop that winds through untamed bush, freshwater pools and waterfalls. Re-lace your walking shoes or grab a bike to follow The Bundeena Drive to Marley Walk past freshwater pools and creeks, on to scenic beach views of Little Marley Beach.

Hit up the beautiful beaches

aerial of cronulla beach and esplanade — Enjoy postcard-perfect beaches. (Image: Destination NSW)

The stretch along Cronulla bursts with postcard-perfect beaches, each offering a different flavour. With rolling waves, regular patrol and a steady stream of beachgoers, Cronulla Beach and North Cronulla Beach are buzzy and built for all kinds of swimmers. Elouera Beach is a quieter option, attracting early-morning surfers hoping to catch the perfect wave.

If you prefer a side of dramatic scenery, visit Wanda or Greenhills – in addition to ocean panoramas, both are backed by towering golden dunes and wild scrub. Looking for something more subdued? Shelly Beach Ocean Pool is a relaxed – yet no less captivating – retreat.

Start planning your Sutherland Shire summer at visitsutherlandshire.com.au.

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