Five regional craft breweries near Sydney to explore

Not everyone feels like a Tooheys (or two) all of the time, which is why NSW’s craft brewery scene has blossomed into a huge number of different brews for different folk. So find a responsible driver and get out of town to try some of these beaut boutique breweries.

The original Mountain Culture brewpub in the Blue Mountains town of Katoomba started life as offices for the local newspaper, then became a dancing salon and “home for lost or belated drunks”. Fitting or not, it’s now a great venue for bevies and bites. The core range of lager, pale ale and IPA is supplemented by limited release beers and food options range from burgers to fried pickles. There’s wine as well (not too much!) and for something closer to Sydney, drop into the factory and bar at Emu Plains.

Just behind the Leagues Club in Gosford is a glorious shed that’s home to Bay Road Brewing. In line with its Central Coast spot,  the vibe is laid-back and beachy with kids and dogs sniffing about the tables so while the beer-brewing is serious stuff – it takes multiple visits to sample the core range, let alone discover experimental creations – the atmosphere is casual. Food options depend on the current visiting vendor but one thing is guaranteed and that’s a chance to catch up and chat with friends and family.

While the little town of Bellingen takes some discovering itself – it’s a short drive inland from the Pacific Highway on the NSW north coast – the Bellingen Brewing Company is another hidden gem, tucked away in a laneway near the river. There’s a shady beer garden and basically a tin shed serving the BBC’s own brews and wood-fired pizzas. There’s a few organic wines, but that’s about it apart from the relaxed outdoor atmosphere, a hearty commitment to sustainable living and regular live music events.

Body-boarder, brewer and chef, Damien “Dangerous Damo” Martin has done the lot. Former disciple of Gordon Ramsay and Sydney’s Quay restaurant, Martin has now lent his middle name to Dangerous Ales and you can kick back at its brewhouse in Milton down on the NSW south coast. The old pub is a corker with a big deck and comfy lounge where you can safely knock back a Dangerous Ale but also enjoy some seriously good tucker.

A barbecue with a beer (or two) in the backyard is an Aussie tradition so if you find yourself in the vicinity of Lake Macquarie up near Newcastle, drop into Yard Kings and enjoy both and forget about the hard work. Known as The Yard, this big venue combines lovingly crafted Yard Kings beer on tap with the smoky goodness of platters, sangers and hot dogs from the low ‘n’ slow barby. There’s pizza, wine and cocktails for the beered-out and the atmosphere lends itself to a drink, a yarn and good times.

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