Sit back at a Brewery Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road is famous for its ocean drives and spectacular views. These are the reasons why this road is one of the most beautiful in the world. 243km from Apollo Bay to Port Fairy, The Great Ocean Road has many distilleries and breweries with delicious beers. If you love beer or want to spend time with friends in a beer garden, you can get great service from breweries along this route, as they have great craft beers and stunning coastal views.

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Taste Local Flavor: Craft Beers

Craft beers are a great way to experience the culture of the area. The breweries along this road make small-batch beers using local ingredients in honour of the Eastern Maar & Gunditjmara people who lived here. Each brew is a taste of this beautiful region, pale ale or single malt. You can also try a beer paddle and sample different varieties or choose one of our signature cocktails inspired by craft beer flavours.
Plan your perfect Great Ocean Road day trip from Melbourne, filled with craft beer tastings! Enjoy scenic views and discover local breweries along the way.

Taste Local Flavor Craft Beers
The Rise of Craft Beer in Australia

The Rise of Craft Beer in Australia

Australia’s craft beer industry has grown so much that it’s changed the beer market into an exciting and varied one. It was a niche once, but now there are many independent craft breweries making a big impact on the Australian culture scene. This is evident on the Great Ocean Road, where craft beer culture has taken hold, with a few notable examples. Quality and creativity are key for these breweries, which produce batch brews and seasonal releases that tell the story of local terroir and community.

This is shown through the use of local ingredients and traditional brewing methods that are characteristic of the movement. Breweries along the Great Ocean Road produce original beers that will stay with you long after you leave. With these changes, communal events/festivals are also made possible where like-minded people can get together and have a good time.

What’s on at the Brewhouse

Great beer isn’t all you’ll find at every brewery and distillery along the Great Ocean Road. Some of them have beer gardens where you can sit back and enjoy a cold one with amazing views. These are the areas that often host community gatherings, live music or street food festivals because creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere with every visit is a non-negotiable for them.

In addition to their regular beers, many breweries and distilleries also offer special experiences like brewery tours and tastings. So, if you want to learn how beer is made or want to try different types of beer while seeing what’s happening in the local brewing scene, then think of these events. The brewhouses along this road have something for everyone whether you just want to grab a casual drink or something more.

What’s on at the Brewhouse
Apollo Bay Distillery

Local Breweries

Check out some of the Great Ocean Road’s best breweries and distilleries:

Apollo Bay Distillery

Apollo Bay Distillery is in the beautiful village of Apollo Bay. They have a range of craft beers and great spirits. A must visit for anyone looking to try creative craft beer, signature cocktails and more in this area. Dog friendly beer garden with ocean views so grab a craft beer or have one with mates.

Bells Beach Brewing

For beer enthusiasts Bells Beach Brewing in Torquay is a must visit. Known for great brews and good vibes, it’s a great place to get an artisanal bottle of beer lovingly crafted. The outdoor beer garden is perfect after surfing or driving the coastal roads.

Bells Beach Brewing
Blackman’s Brewery

Blackman’s Brewery

Blackman’s Brewery in Torquay is a drawcard for many beer drinkers as they produce innovative beers in a warm environment. The brewery has a range of craft beers including hoppy IPAs and rich stouts brewed with quality and innovation in mind. Take your time to enjoy some tasting paddles outside while you look around the area. Blackman’s Brewery also has friendly staff and community gatherings.

Salt Brewing Co.

In Aireys Inlet is Salt Brewing Co. who are different to others as they focus on quality craft beer and a great experience within their venue. They have creative craft beer options made with local produce e.g. Victoria Bitter (VB). The Beer Garden is full of locals hanging out with mates while enjoying a drink by the beach with the coastal views. They also hold community events and have space for any special occasion that needs great food.

Prickly Moses at the Brewhouse

Prickly Moses at the Great Ocean Road Brewhouse in Apollo Bay has a range of craft beers. A beer lover’s paradise with beer gardens and creative craft beer options. The facility has a café overlooking the ocean where you can have a leisurely lunch or cold drink while taking in the coastal views.

Forrest Brewing Company

Forrest Brewing Company

Located in the Otway Ranges Forrest Brewing Company offers an amazing craft beer experience in a lush environment. They are known for their innovative brews and sustainability practices. Visit and try different craft beers including special batches and seasonal recommends. With views of the Otways from every direction it’s a great spot to stop and have a drink at some point and enjoy some local fare delivered in the form of food.

Suffoir Winery, Cidery & Brewery

Macarthur’s Suffoir Winery, Cidery and Brewery is a one-stop shop where you can try all sorts of drinks, including craft beers, wines and ciders. This is evident in the brewery’s many beer styles and the beautiful open-air pub. You can drink while taking in the views of the countryside. They also throw parties for the community and serve food and beer cocktails.

Suffoir Winery, Cidery & Brewery
Noodledoof Brewing and Distilling Co.

Noodledoof Brewing and Distilling Co.

Koroit’s Noodledoof Brewing and Distilling Co. is getting popular because of its brewing and distilling methods. So, they sell craft beers and spirits with a focus on quality and creativity. There is friendly staff and a fun atmosphere at the Brewery so that you can pop in. This can be in the outdoor beer garden or chill-out area, where you can try some of their latest drops.

Sow & Piglets Brewery

Port Campbell’s Sow & Piglets Brewery has these great crafted beers that are famous for their good qualities and good vibes. Traditional and creative beers are part of Sow & Piglets range all made with a focus on flavour. Plus you can drink in the beer garden and watch the coast views. And food and community events too so it’s a great place to visit.

Sow & Piglets Brewery

FAQ

IPAs stouts lagers specialty brews with local ingredients used in the brew.
Yes many breweries offer tours where you can learn about the beer making process, taste different beers and get behind the scenes.
Yes. Because many of the breweries have events happening, beer festivals, live music and food pairings. Check the brewery website or social media to see what’s on at the time.
You can find out if bookings are required by contacting the brewery directly. Some breweries may require bookings for tours or special events.
Most breweries are adult only but some have family friendly areas and activities. Check with the brewery for family rules as they may vary.

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