When it comes to cracking open a bottle, beer certainly comes to mind for Aussies. There’s no debate about it – swinging by the pub for a schooner after work and getting the mates together to watch a sporting event are ingrained in our culture.
Over the years, the rapidly bubbling craft brewery scene has changed the way we drink, shifting from classic, full-strength favourites to the artisanal, authentic flavours made right here in the country.
Craft beer stats to sip on:
- The Australian craft beer industry is worth $370 million in annual sales today, growing 10% year on year
- At 82%, Pale Ale is the most consumed style of craft beer among Australians
- The New England IPA is fast gaining fans too, growing at least 13% in consumption from 2020 to 2022
- The highest share of craft beer drinkers in Australia is aged between 30 and 39 at 31%
- On average, Aussies spend $56 per week on beer
Now Book It spotlights a barrel of craft beer breweries to book across Australia – from boutique breweries in Sydney through Tassie to ubiquitous names in every state, these are our 12 picks to book right now.
With Father’s Day on the horizon, this makes an excellent roulette of ideas for a dad-worthy treat!
Sydney, NSW
1. 4 Pines
This one’s a bit of a legend, starting out as a father-son microbrewery in Sydney’s own Manly beach and has now grown 14 locations strong across the country. One of the most loved brands of craft beers around here, you can still get a table at their original brew pub for a solid experience out on the balcony. Plus, now every time you have a 4 Pines beer, you’re helping them do good stuff like transition their pubs to cleaner energy, plant heaps of trees, and take care of our bees. Sounds like a beer we can get behind!
Location: 29/43-45 E Esplanade Manly, NSW 2095
Hours: Tuesday to Saturdays 11am-11pm, 11am-10pm on Sundays and Mondays
2. Bucketty's
The Bucketty’s story is one for the everyday guy with big brewing dreams, just ask owner Nick McDonald how he built this off-grid brewery from the ground up in Bucketty. As the pub celebrates its recent reopening in Brookvale, it’s a great time to rock into the new site for a sip with a side of Sunday jazz band, Wednesday curry or a round of pool all week long. To surprise dad this Father’s Day, book the Bucketty’s Experience Gift Pack that offers an exclusive brewery tour and tasting, takeaway brisket lunch with beer, plus a four-pack to go!
Location: 26 Orchard Rd, Brookvale NSW 2100
Hours: Wednesdays 3-9pm, Thursdays 12-9pm, Fridays 12-6pm, Saturdays 12-3pm, Sundays 12-7pm
Adelaide, SA
3. Big Shed Brewing
A nod to their brewery’s birth in a shed, the now industrial-meets-trendy Big Shed bar welcomes drinkers with their fruity kegs that come with a hint of gentle hop spiciness. There’s no shortage of choices here, but we especially love the fact that they also offer non-alcoholic ales for the responsible drinkers. Drop in for the beers and stay for the pizzas and burgers to go with a pint.
Location: 1154 Old Port Rd, Royal Park SA 5014
Hours: Sundays and Mondays 12-6pm, Tuesdays to Thursdays 12-9pm, Fridays and Saturdays 12-10pm
4. Prancing Pony
If you’re in Adelaide, hop on over to Prancing Pony, where world-class beer is served by the barrels (and pints). Their complex yet balanced India Red Ale is a champion and so is the Black Ale, and there’s plenty more to choose from. The brewshed is an open space, so expect a treat for all your senses – the scent of aromatic hops, the low and slow buzz of brewing. Centered around the community, there are long tables for big groups and good-for-sharing beer-battered wings and charcuterie boards on the menu.
Location: 42 Mount Barker Road Totness SA 5250
Hours: Sundays 10am-8pm, Mondays to Wednesdays 11am-6pm, Thursdays 11am-8pm, Fridays to Saturdays 10am-10pm
Tasmania
5. Spotty Dog Brewers
When it comes to a Tassie beer trail, there’s no looking past Spotty Dog! Their brew is inspired by American West Coast style of beers – approachable much like a lager, with a touch of Tasmanian spirit. The taphouse kitchen is dubbed Chicken Shop, so come prepared to dig into some of the island’s best buttermilk fried chicken – perfect when washed down with the classic, crisp Summer Pale Ale and the sunny dockside view.
Location: 1 Bender Dr, Derwent Park TAS 7009
Hours: Thursdays to Saturdays 12-10pm, Sundays 12-5pm
6. Fox Friday
After years in Hobart, the well-loved Fox Friday recently joined the company of solid brewers in Melbourne and Perth with spacious taprooms and their famously bold hazy IPAs in tow. At their Tassie flagship, the fantastic pub fare stands out next to their foxy selections of adventurous stouts and strong ales. Daily promotional specials like Thursday hot dogs and Friday burgers are on the calendar so to sate cravings for beer and bites, plan your visit accordingly.
Location: 105 Murray St, Hobart TAS 7000
Hours: Wednesdays to Sundays, 12pm to late
Queensland
7. Balter Brewery
This Gold Coast favourite stops at nothing to serve up a good time – take it from their namesake, which means to dance gracelessly but with enjoyment. Of course, these guys are more than just a name, and the mainstay on the beer shelf is an award-winning XPA that boasts tropical and fruity flavours. There’s always something on at Balter, from the inaugural trivia nights to midweek taco and tinnies — even Balter Beer School for the thirsty learners!
Location: 14 Traders Way Currumbin Waters Queensland, 4223
Hours: Wednesday to Fridays 3-8pm, Saturdays 12-8pm, Sunday 12-7pm
Byron Bay
8. Seven Mile Brewing
Tucked down the highway near Byron Bay, this family-owned brewery keeps it simple with five core beers but rest assured there’s something for every drinker. From the light Cali Cream ale to malty, full-flavoured West Coast IPA and even a hard Wildling Ginger Beer, plus seasonal batches, raise a glass to the spirit of collaboration. That is to say, book a table on Samburger nights when the kitchen features The Cooking Guy’s mouthwatering smashed burgers to go with your beers!
Location: 188-202 Southern Cross Dr, Ballina NSW 2478
Hours: Thursdays 4-9pm, Fridays to Sundays 12-6pm
Melbourne, VIC
9. Wolf of the Willows
Wolf of the Willows began making and selling beers way before they had a taproom, so despite their relatively young venue, this brewer’s a verified veteran. The community-centric space is an amalgamation of industrial furniture and a massive mural, all made by mates. We recommend pulling up a chair by the bar with a plate of loaded chips, where you can watch all 18 taps flowing with liquid gold. Their XPA, IPA and pilsner are all stunners and for those in your party who are less beer-inclined, the hard seltzers hit!
Location: 39 De Havilland Road Mordialloc 3195
Hours: Fridays 3-10pm, Saturdays 12-10pm, Sundays 12-5pm
10. Bodriggy
Housed in an Abbotsford heritage lot and determined to keep it that way, Bodriggy features scrap metals reimagined into a bar and gives new flame to old lights. This indie brewer pays just as much attention to their brews, with over 62 taps on offer. Try the Speccy Juice, a session IPA that the bar created in collaboration with inner Melbourne neighbours The Old Bar and its football team The Unicorns. The food menu’s Latin American, which sees hearty arepas, stuffed tortas and fresh ceviche take the lead. Even with a location that seats 400, it’s always warm in here as the community fills the space.
Location: 245 Johnston St, Abbotsford VIC 3067
Hours: Mondays to Fridays, midday till late
Western Australia
11. Bright Tank Brewing Co.
Expect chill, casual vibes at this 80-seater brewery boasting bright, slick tanks and an offbeat food menu to go with beer. Bright Tank focuses on its plates as much as its brews, featuring interesting sharing dishes such as Fremantle octopus with potatoes and dry-aged rump camp with bone marrow and warrigal greens. Snack on a plate of sourdough bread baked with spent grain from the brewery and sip on their carefully crafted paddle – it’s an experience.
Location: 100 Brown St, East Perth WA 6004
Hours: Wednesdays and Thursdays 4–10pm, Fridays and Saturdays 12pm to late, Sunday 12–10pm
12. Bailey Brewing Co.
For a family-friendly brewery, Bailey’s beautiful Swan Valley location with an outdoor playground is heaven sent. Parents can kick back beer in hand with peace of mind while the kids enjoy themselves. Your choice of brew runs the gamut here, but the hard-hitting Draught and the juicy Hazy IPA are great for conventional and adventurous drinks alike.
Location: 9861 W Swan Rd, Henley Brook WA 6055
Hours: Tuesdays to Fridays 11am-10pm, Saturdays and Sundays 8am-10pm
Venues are listed by region in no particular order.
