As the warmer Spring weather arrives and we crawl out of wintery hibernation, wanted to share a potential story idea around Beer experiences in Australia.
Aussies love to get together over a cheeky pint – weekend BBQs and boozy picnics are a cultural staple so it comes as no surprise that Oktoberfest is a hit every year. A festival with copious amounts of beer, musical celebrations and endless giant pretzels, Oktoberfest is an iconic German festival that Australians just can’t get enough of.
For the Aussies that aren’t booking flights to Germany or have tickets to their nearest Oktoberfest party, there are other ways of celebrating! Tripadvisor has put together a list of bubblin’ beer experiences that will get you in the mood (dirndls and lederhosen are optional):
Sydney The Rocks Historical Pub Tour – Sydney, New South Wales
Combine drinks at the Rocks’ historical pubs with dinner on this walking tour in Sydney’s oldest neighbourhood. Experience authentic Aussie pub life as your guide takes you to some of the district’s most storied watering holes on this entertaining evening out. The tour includes five drinks and dinner, plus commentary from your guide about local history and great places to visit later on your own.
From AU$142 per person
2. Afternoon Brewery and Distillery session – Byron Bay, New South Wales
Grab your friends and prepare for some fun on this afternoon brewery and distillery tour. You’ll be taken to two local breweries and a distillery (or vice versa) to learn how your favourite drinks are made and, of course, to have a taste. The tour starts at 2pm so will take you through to the early evening, when you can call it a night or continue the fun independently.
From AU$139 per person
3. Afternoon Brisbane Half-Day Brewery Tour – Brisbane, Queensland
If you’re short on time and want to sample some great craft beer in and around Brisbane, this tour provides the perfect overview of the vibrant brewing scene in Queensland. Visit two breweries and one bar that features craft beer of your choice.
From AU$149 per person
4. Hinterland ExBeerience – Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Starting on the coast, the first stop will be at Your Mates Brewing for a tasting paddle and a behind the scenes tour of the brewery to see how beer is made. Then you will make your way up to the beautiful town of Maleny to Brouhaha Brewery for a tasty two course lunch featuring local produce, and another tasting paddle of locally crafted beer. Styles range from sours to saisons, pale ales to stouts, and a whole range of seasonal beers. Following that, you will head down the range, to Glass House Brewing who will greet you with a tasting paddle and a few stories. Finally, you will find yourself back at the Coast at your choice of either Sneaky Baron or TAPS Mooloolaba where you can continue your craft beer experience! A great way to spend the day!
From AU$170 per person
5. Little Creatures Brewery Tours – Fremantle, Western Australia
Little Creatures Brewing is one of the oldest and most iconic breweries in Australia. Operating since 2000, the brewery has a unique and rich history that is ingrained in the rich tapestry of Fremantle. Brewery Tours at Little Creatures are fun and interactive. Led by one of our resident hop heads, you’ll get your hands on the quality raw ingredients we use from toasted malts to hops from around the world. As you wander through the brewery, you’ll learn about the different phases of the brewing process while the team recount the journey of Little Creatures, from the Fremantle America’s Cup and a crocodile farm, the Little Creatures migration over East to Geelong… and now owner operated brewpubs all around the world. Finish with a guided tasting of the full range of Little Creatures brews including any specialty ales that are currently pouring.
From AU$25 per person
6. Melbourne Walking Tour: Uncover Hidden Laneway Bars – Melbourne, Victoria
Come thirsty on this Melbourne walking tour, where you’ll join a local guide and discover four hidden bars. Places like Above Board, the Whisky Den, Bodega Underground, and Jungle Boy are just a few of the possibilities, depending on availability. Meet local bartenders and bar owners, take advantage of drink specials, and receive a customised map and recommendations to further explore Melbourne’s bar scene.
From AU$89 per person
7. Beer Lovers’ Guide in Melbourne: Perfect Beer Tour – Melbourne, Victoria
This walking tour is ideal for beer lovers, as it stops at bars specialising in Australian beer and liquor, a microbrewery, and more. Your fun (and drink)-loving local guide will tell you all about Melbourne’s alcohol history, so you get much more than just a bar-hopping evening. When the tour is over, stay on and hang out with your new friends and check out more of your guide’s recommended spots.
From AU$103 per person
8. Canberra Brewery Winery and Distillery Tour – Canberra, ACT
This brewery, winery, and distillery tour is ideal for groups with varying tastes, as you can try a range of alcoholic beverages in one afternoon. There’s also no need to nominate one of your party as the designated driver, with mini-bus transportation, so everyone can relax and have fun. Learn how local drinks are made, taste what you fancy, and get the chance to purchase more for later.
From AU$165 per person
9. Signature Tour – Hobart, Tasmania
Discover some of Tasmania’s best craft beverages as you embark on a tour of several venues. Alongside a small group visit wineries, cideries, distilleries, and breweries in the Huon and Coal River valleys. Guests enjoy tastings at each location and learn a bit about what makes each drink so special. There’s also the option to purchase lunch at one stop, so you can fuel up for more drinks.
From AU$229 per person
10. Barossa Valley Via Hahndorf (Historical German Village ) – Adelaide, South Australia
The Barossa Valley is famous for its fertile vineyards and traditional wineries, but knowing where to find the best of them requires local knowledge. On this tour, begin with pickup at your Adelaide hotel and spin through the Barossa Valley as your guide sheds light on the winemaking process. Share your preferences to hit up to five wineries of the most interest, shop at Hahndorf Resort, visit Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop, and tuck into a delicious lunch at one of the wineries.
From AU$159 per person
