8 Aussie Breweries with a Great View

Australian hopheads have been in a state of near bliss the past few years. The Australian craft beer market is exploding like that burst of Galaxy hops in your favourite pale ale, and it shows no signs of slowing down. It seems craft breweries are popping up all over the place—so how does one set itself apart?

Great beer, of course. But also, a great atmosphere. You want beer that blows your mind, and views that take your breath away. We took inspiration from Expedia Australia’s Kegs of Glory campaign and set off to find the best craft beer in Australia, with the views to match.

Little Creatures Brewing

Fremantle, Western Australia

Western Australian craft breweries are known for their amazing beers, and at Little Creatures Brewing in the Perth ‘burb of Fremantle, there are bonzer views, too. Sip a refreshing pilsner, which won Champion Lager at the 2016 Australian Craft Beer Awards (now the Indies), and watch the sun set over Fremantle Harbour. That’s the life.

Eagle Bay Brewing Co.

Eagle Bay, Western Australia

Pale ales are some of the best-selling craft beer in Australia, but even among all the competition, the one at Eagle Bay Brewing Co. stands out: it won gold at the 2018 Australian International Beer Awards. Complemented by a mind-boggling array of meat-and-cheese boards and classic Western Australia views, we reckon you can’t lose.

Hemingway’s Brewery

Port Douglas, Queensland

Love hops? Hemingway’s Brewery is for you. Their Doug’s Courage IPA won bronze at the 2018 Australian International Beer Awards, and their waterfront locale in Port Douglas can’t be beat. It’s one of the best independent Australian breweries for food, too, with classic pub grub like burgers, pizza, and fish and chips.

Smiling Samoyed Brewery

Myponga, South Australia

The country’s southerly state may be known for its wine, but South Australia craft breweries are on the rise. Smiling Samoyed Brewery just so happens to have a location that’s a beaut, in addition to its impressive beer list. You’ll also be joined by an unusual punter—the brewery’s official “greeter”, Hoppy the Samoyed.

4 Pines Brewery

Manly, NSW

If you prefer your frothies dark and your views green, head to 4 Pines Brewery in Manly. This NSW brewery has an award-winning stout and porter on tap; and there’s also a gold-medal pale ale, for those who prefer blondes. Grab a seat overlooking the famous four pines that lend the brewery its name and try ‘em all, why don’t you?

Cascade Brewery

Hobart, Tasmania

Located in a majestic old building at the foot of imposing Mount Wellington, Cascade Brewery is one of the most photogenic Australian beer companies on this list. The inside of the brewery is impressive as well, and you can tour it seven days a week, with a refreshing bevvo (or three) at the end.

Paracombe Premium Perry

Paracombe, South Australia

What’s perry, you ask? When you grab a grog at Paracombe Premium Perry, you’ll soon find out: it’s cider made from pears. When it’s made with 100% fresh pears and no concentrates, and enjoyed while you’re overlooking the very orchard where the pears were grown, well, life doesn’t get much better than that.

Bright Brewery

Bright, Victoria

Sitting pretty on the outskirts of Alpine National Park, Bright Brewery is the perfect place to down a cold one after a day of bushwalking or cycling. The Fainters Dubbel won gold at the 2017 Australian Craft Beer Awards, but be warned: at 8.5%, it’ll have you legless in no time.

Take it from us—the only thing that can make award-winning craft beers, delicious food, and good company even better is one of these views. Grab your mates and spend an arvo in the great outdoors, or at least looking at it.

Header image via Yelp/Rachel B.