Swap Winter Blues for Winter Brews

Now winter’s here, your first thought on the weekend – particularly if you’ve been out on site all week – probably isn’t ‘let’s leave the house’. But this is the perfect time of year to do some ‘indoor tourism’, taking your taste for adventure on a trip to some of the best breweries in the world.

So have a quick read of our guide to some of the coolest beer destinations in each state and territory, and get yourself off to a toasty, tasty brewery.

Victoria

Stomping Ground Brewing Co., Collingwood

Set up in a massive converted warehouse based on European beer halls, Stomping Ground is a space to socialise, eat and taste across their huge range of brews from a 30-tap bar.

Bridge Road Brewers, Beechworth

Located in a 150-year-old coach house and stables, Bridge Road is a leader in Aussie craft beers. Not only will you find a range of house-brewed beers, there’s also local wines and killer pizzas to try in the beer garden.

New South Wales

Wayward Brewing Co., Camperdown

24 taps of rotating craft beers hidden down a city laneway, Wayward is a “beer speakeasy” with a great atmosphere, great food and great events – a casual beer-explorer’s paradise.

Mountain Culture Beer Co., Katoomba

Lost in the Blue Mountains? Stop in here for “directions” – the expert staff will guide you through an amazing range of beers, plus some great food from the kitchen to enjoy with that incredible scenery.

Queensland

Balter Brewing Company, Currumbin

Established in 2016 by famous pro-surfer/shark-puncher Mick Fanning and friends, Balter is a little bit beach, a little bit urban, with plenty of space to park yourself and enjoy the atmosphere.

Moffat Beach Brewing Company, Moffat Beach

A favourite of locals, this brewery combines its home-brew roots with some great, traditional Aussie pub feeds and seafood, and regular live music gigs - jazz, funk, rock; whatever floats your boat.

South Australia

Pirate Life Brewery, Port Adelaide

Establishing itself in a huge warehouse in the historic port suburb, there’s fire pits, a massive bar, merch, a barber for those mid-tasting trims, and a great menu that will keep any group happy all afternoon.

Little Bang Brewing Co., Stepney

An SA classic already, you’ll find 21 rotating taps at the bar plus local wines, small-batch gin, beautiful food and regular events that make this the perfect place to relax, day or night – you can even bring your dog along!

Tasmania

Moo Brew, Hobart

What makes this brewery’s tasting room cool? Well, it’s Mona (the Museum of Old and New Art). Both established by David Walsh, the museum and the brewery lean into the odd, but these beers will leave any connoisseur happy.

Cascade Brewery Company, South Hobart

Settled in the foothills under Mt. Wellington, Cascade is Australia’s oldest operating brewery. Visit the heritage beer garden, or settle down in the warmth inside with a nice beer and nice food to match.

Western Australia

Nowhereman Brewing Co., West Leederville

Less than 3kms from the city centre, Nowhereman is easy to get to – and easy to spend the rest of the day at. The bright, airy tasting room centres on a well-catered bar and is a great urban brewery destination.

Little Creatures Brewhouse, Fremantle

Located right next to the brewery, Little Creatures’ Brewhouse is a favourite hang-out for locals and their dogs. There’s great food to be had on top of great beers – even get takeaway pizza and some cool Creatures merch.

Northern Territory

Alice Springs Brewing Co., Alice Springs

Family-friendly, cosy and unique, Alice Springs Brewing Co’s brewery bar is a great spot to stop for a few drinks, or grab an informal but extremely filling meal in a beautiful part of the country.

Six Tanks Brewing Co., Darwin

Micro-brewery, bar and kitchen in the heart of Darwin's CBD, Six Tanks brew and serve hand-crafted beers directly from the tank to the tap. They also boast some of Darwin’s best chefs – a real bonus to a good beer.

ACT

BentSpoke Brewing Co., Bradden

There’s not just great beers on tap, with ginger beers, hot cider and more to warm your bones on cold winter days. Everything is brewed on-site at this amazing venue, with a modern take on the classic pub menu to explore as well.

Capital Brewing Co., Fyshwick

This large space boasts an excellent beer courtyard and selection on the bar, plus plenty of room for small humans to play while you’re tasting. With burgers and hotdogs, plus the world’s only “beer river”, Capital makes for a fun day out.