Five regional craft breweries near Melbourne to explore
If you've found yourself on a weekend road trip away in the regions, why not explore what beverages they have on offer, responsibly.Melbourne’s laneway craft breweries are rightly famous but their country cousins are something else. Open space, fresh air, hearty food and of course, tempting drinking opportunities make terrific target destinations for a rural rendezvous. So, nominate a responsible driver or better still, book some accommodation to properly enjoy these beery beauties.
Jetty Road Brewery, Dromana
The Mornington Peninsula is littered with excellent breweries all producing their own version of yeasty, hoppy, bubbly goodness. In Dromana, you’ll find Jetty Road and while the industrial location isn’t immediately alluring, this big shed is wedged between Mr Little Cider and Jimmy Rum distillery so this is craft drinking territory. Food-wise, the extensive menu is augmented by pie, parma and steak nights. Pick your favourite brew or try sampling the lot; either way, your friends will love that you’ve led them down this road.
Bridge Road Brewers, Beechworth
The main street of Beechworth is straight out of the Gold Rush era with its timber verandas and historic buildings. One of these is Bridge Road Brewers, a wonderful old pub with a big shady beer garden out back and stopping for a gargle and a bite to eat is essential. Started in 2000 by local Ben Kraus, the craft brewery has expanded to include a huge range of beers, plus wood-fired pizzas along with wine and spirits all from the northeast. Beechworth has plenty of accommodation options, so cruise up from Melbourne and make a weekend of it.
Love Shack Brewing Co., Castlemaine
If you want to drink and eat like a local in Castlemaine, head for the Theatre Royal and out the back you’ll find Love Shack Brewing. Love Shack creates a tasty range of traditional lagers and ales, some fruitier concoctions and they’re perfect to wash down one of the Royal’s pizzas. This goldrush-era town is attracting all sorts of artisans and musicians and the Love Shack vibe is as mellow as the beer (or wine and cider), so even if your car isn’t as big as a whale, get on down.
Noodledoof Brewing and Distilling, Koroit
The title comes from the alter-egos of co-owners Sam Rudolph (Noodles) and Alex Carr (Doof) but by any other name, Noodledoof is a worthy destination in Koroit, near Warrnambool and Port Fairy. The former mechanic’s workshop has craft beers, a kitchen pumping out burgers, salads and other tasty stuff and the locals love it. Better still, the boys teamed up with the indigenous overseers of nearby Tower Hill to source native ingredients that infuse their gin with the true Aussie spirit.
Nagambie Brewery and Distillery, Nagambie
If you want to help Victoria’s flood-affected regions, head to Nagambie where the lake has receded and Nagambie Brewery welcomes you with open beer taps. The lake is front and centre: the brewery’s split deck overlooks it so the view is sublime. But on top of the staple beers are seasonal and experimental drops, plus gin and whisky and the innovative food menu has drink-friendly pizza, burgers, snacks and much more.
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