18 Best Craft Beers Melbourne Has To Offer [2024]

Craft Beers Melbourne

Craft beer, by definition, is beer brewed in a small, independent brewery (producing fewer than 2 million barrels per year) with a little more love and magic, rather than being mass-produced by one of the few big beer makers that fill grocery stores. Taste is one of the most significant advantages that good craft beers provide to the 48 percent of consumers who prefer beer for their alcohol usage. With this in mind, you should be aware of the greatest venues that provide the finest craft beers Melbourne has to offer.

1. Wolf of the Willows

Key Services	recycled materials, delicious hand-crafted, modern ales,  easy drinking pales to barrel aged beauties
Website	https://www.wolfofthewillows.com.au/
Address	39 De Havilland Rd, Mordialloc VIC 3195, Australia
Phone	+61 3 9587 2480
E-mail	bar@wolfofthewillows.com.au
Operating Hours	3PM – 10PM Fridays | 12PM – 10PM Saturdays | 12PM – 6PM Sundays

Wolf of the Willows is a brewery founded in November 2014 by Scotty and Renae McKinnon. They are passionate about creating handcrafted, contemporary ales that are distinct in quality, flavor, and character – what they term ‘Ales of Distinction.’ Their fulfillment comes from transforming raw, natural components into beers they enjoy drinking. They are proud of the fact that they brew the beer, bottle the beer, and do everything else. All of this being said, if They can only offer you with a little respite from a pint of one of Their lowly ales, they have done their job. As a result, they have some of the finest craft beers Melbourne has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

• Ales of Distinction
• Contemporary Ales
• Handcrafted

Customer Testimonial:

“Wolf of the Willows is a hidden Parkdale brewpub gem. With a huge variety of craft beers on tap and the odd guest beer, this place is great. Caters for single visitors and groups. There is always a food truck out the front for a bite to eat.”

Russ Porteous

2. Colonial Brewing Co.

Key Services	sweet and refreshing beer, coffee and of course the bitter malt,  DJ beats, good vibes and of course, epic beverages
Website	https://www.colonialbrewingco.com.au/
Address	89 Bertie St, Port Melbourne VIC 3207, Australia
Phone	+61 3 8644 4044
E-mail	functions@colonialbrewingco.com.au
Operating Hours	12PM – 7PM Thursdays | 12PM – 11PM Fridays – Saturdays | 12PM – 6PM Sundays

Born in Margaret River, a little slice of traditional Australia. Exported to Port Melbourne, in the middle of a bustling metropolis. We’ve brewed tiny and lived large, and we’re a little of both. Since 2004, they have started producing beer. Every brew is brewed with care, attention, and a lifelong love for brewing excellent beer by individuals who have dedicated their lives to it. A culture of taking care in their craft and paying attention to the smallest details, controlling every variable with the greatest equipment available, and creating brutally amazing beer every time. As a result, they have some of the finest craft beers Melbourne has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

• Award-Winning Beers
• Attention to Detail
• Wide Selection of Beers

Customer Testimonial:

“Great venue, in a really nice part of Melbourne. My favorite beer is the southwest sour, love the stuff #indian_whisky_co”

Jason Bamford

3. Hop Nation Brewing Co.

Key Services	top-quality natural ingredients and environmentally friendly approach, barrel-aged brews, winemaking background, Australian Made
Website	https://hopnation.com.au/
Address	6/107-109 Whitehall St, Footscray VIC 3011, Australia
Phone	+61 450 973 644
E-mail	info@hopnation.com.au
Operating Hours	3PM – 7PM Thursdays | 12PM – 11PM Fridays – Saturdays | 12PM – 6PM Sundays

Hop Nation began as a pipe dream for us, and like with most pipe dreams, the initial aim was to test the waters with a little funds while keeping our day jobs. They set up the firm, came up with a name and label design with some pals, laid down their first IPA brew, and released THE FIEND back in May of 2015. As it turns out, people were quite thirsty for THE FIEND and wanted more – always a good thing. They were really lucky to collaborate with some fantastic brewing businesses to gypsy brew their following four brews. As a result, they have some of the finest craft beers Melbourne has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

• IPA’s
• Collaborations with Fantastic Brewing Businesses
• The Fiend

Customer Testimonial:

“A really good selection of beers and really friendly and accomodating staff. We didn’t book, but they still managed to arrange some seating upstairs for us. The House Tasting Paddle was particularly good, with some definite favourites on there already. It can be quite difficult to find down a side alley, but this only adds to the style. Would highly recommend the Mango Gose!”

Kerbray

4. Fixation Brewing Co.

Key Services	snug tasting room, weekly new hoppy experience on tap, plant-based pizza
Website	https://fixationbrewing.com.au/
Address	414 Smith St, Collingwood VIC 3066, Australiav
Phone	+61 3 6685 9255
E-mail	incubator@fixationbrewing.com.au
Operating Hours	5PM – 10PM Wednesdays – Thursdays | 4PM – 10PM Fridays | 12PM –10PM Saturdays | 2PM – 7PM Sundays

Tommy began with one little tank and a handful of new kegs filled by hand every few weeks. Fresh IPA kegs were delivered to a few select Collingwood and Fitzroy establishments. They eventually added another tank, then another, brewing and polishing only one product, Fixation IPA, until they established their brewery and innovation facility, The Incubator, in 2018. Collingwood, Melbourne, Victoria. It all started with a desire for fresh IPA in Australia, and for most brewers, IPA was an afterthought. Not here, at least. The fixation is IPA. The beer style that genuinely delights us. As a result, they have some of the finest craft beers Melbourne has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

• IPA’s
• The Incubator
• Fresh IPA

Customer Testimonial:

“Great selection of craft beers on tap and in cans. Awesome venue and great staff. These are some of Australia’s best IPA’s and highly recommend checking them out!”

Michael Boyer

5. Mountain Goat Beer

Key Services	US and Canadian beer experience, pioneer of the Australian craft beer scene, fruity Summer Ale to the crisp Billy the Mid
Website	https://www.goatbeer.com.au/
Address	80 North St, Richmond VIC 3121, Australia
Phone	+61 3 9428 1180
E-mail	merch.support@cub.com.au.
Operating Hours	5PM – 10PM Thursdays | 5PM – 11PM Fridays | 2PM – 11PM Saturdays | 1PM – 7PM Sundays

Mountain Goat Beer in Richmond is one of Victoria’s top craft brewers, located in the shadow of the city lights. What began as a backyard operation in the early 1990s with Cam Hines and Dave Bonighton is now a rather slick event where you can have a few drinks and pizzas while watching the lads and their staff at work on Wednesday and Friday nights. Call us nostalgic, but we still like their original beer, the malty and hops Hightail Ale, which has now been joined by a slew of other offerings. As a result, they have some of the finest craft beers Melbourne has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

• Malty and Hops
• Hightail Ale
• Pizza and Beer Night

Customer Testimonial:

“Wonderful beer! Mountain Goat Organic Stream Ale is my favorite beer, and this is where it is made! I got to try all of their other beers, and was very pleased with all of them. In particular, I was impressed with their stout beer. Not heavy and had a good aftertaste. Also the pizza selection is very good and tasty.”

Keith Wisdom

6. Two Birds

Key Services	Female-operated, taco beer, Sunset Ale, Mexican food, salt and vinegar pork crackling and black pepper beef jerky
Website	https://www.twobirdsbrewing.com.au/
Address	136 Hall St, Spotswood VIC 3015, Australia
Phone	+61 3 9762 0000
E-mail	info@twobirdsbrewing.com.au
Operating Hours	4PM – 10PM Thursdays | 12PM – 10PM Fridays – Saturdays | 12PM – 8PM Sundays

Two Birds Brewing is the brainchild of Jayne Lewis and Danielle Allen, the driving force behind Australia’s first female-founded brewing firm. This award-winning brewery, located in Spotswood, an inner-western Melbourne suburb, exemplifies everything wonderful about Australia’s craft beer sector. These Two Birds are breaking new ground by creating sophisticated, approachable beers that can be enjoyed with friends at a backyard BBQ or at the dining table with your favorite food. Visit The Nest to discover what all the excitement is about. If you enjoy a nice beer, you’ll enjoy Two Birds Brewing. As a result, they have some of the finest craft beers Melbourne has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

• Female-Founded
• Award-Winning Beers
• The Nest

Customer Testimonial:

“I havent visited because Isolation prevented our visit BUT i am really enjoying a Two Birds Brewing “GOLDEN” i found in my fridge! The fruity hops add nicely giving a sweeter malt flavour. You’ve won me!! See you when it’s all over! “

Grant Crawley

7. Stomping Ground Brewery

Key Services	German beer hall ambiance, Two dozen variety of taps, Double Shot Coffee IPA
Website	https://www.stompingground.beer/
Address	100 Gipps St, Collingwood VIC 3066, Australia
Phone	+61 3 9415 1944
E-mail	shop@stompingground.beer
Operating Hours	11:30AM – 11PM Sundays – Thursdays | 11:30AM – 12AM Saturdays – Sundays

Simply said, they are a neighborhood brewery that brings people together over a wonderful beer. Collingwood was the epicenter of Australian brewing a century ago, and in 2016, they set out to bring independent brewing back to its birthplace. They think that beer should be for everyone and create an award-winning range to appeal to everyone’s interests, from casual drinkers to the daring. Their brew team, led by Ashur Hall, the one you’ll see playing around in short shorts and gumboots, produces hundreds of brews every year. As a result, they have some of the finest craft beers Melbourne has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

• Neighborhood Brewery
• Award-Winning Beers
• Collingwood Brewing History

Customer Testimonial:

“Cannot say enough good things about this place. The beer is fantastic (the “hop” section of the menu is of course my favorite), great atmosphere, friendly staff, and as a plus you get a nice view of the factory.”

Vinícius Salazar

8. Moon Dog Craft Brewery

Key Services	independent, Australian owned craft brewery, variety of stouts and beers, fresh & fruity alcoholic seltzers
Website	https://moondogbrewing.com.au/
Address	17 Duke St, Abbotsford VIC 3067, Australia
Phone	+61 3 9428 2307
E-mail	sales@moondogbrewing.com.au
Operating Hours	4AM – 10PM Tuesdays – Fridays | 12PM – 11PM Saturdays | 12PM–8PM Sundays

Moon Dog Brewery is located on Duke Street in the city of Abbotsford. The enormous correctly labelled water tank outside makes it clear which industrial structure is the brewery. Make sure to arrive at 2 p.m. on Saturdays for the free brewery tour. Moon Dog beers are dispensed from six taps, and they go nicely with the unusual aspect of complimentary popcorn. Just enough salt to keep you drinking more of the delicious brews. A brewery that clearly strains the definition of “beer.” There will undoubtedly be a beer or two that will make you think. As a result, they have some of the finest craft beers Melbourne has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

• Free Brewery Tours
• Unusual Beers
• Complimentary Popcorn

Customer Testimonial:

“great craft beer place, there was so many selection, the place atmosphere was also nice. it can be reach by public transportation. the price is fair. So many interesting flavour. looking forward to come again”

Randy

9. 3 Ravens Brewery

Key Services	oldest independent brewery, All Bee, Mixed Packs, environmentally friendly, pioneers of Australian craft beer
Website	https://3ravens.com.au/
Address	1 Theobald St, Thornbury VIC 3071, Australia
Phone	+61 3 9495 1026
E-mail	3ravens@3ravens.com.au
Operating Hours	4PM – 9PM Thursdays | 3PM – 11PM Fridays | 12PM – 11PM Saturdays | 1PM – 8PM Sundays

It began simply enough as the name of a beer made just for a wedding. However, 3 Ravens quickly took on a life of its own. In 2003, they opened a 300L mini brewery in a Thornbury warehouse, producing traditional European beers and distributing them to a few surrounding bars. Their emphasis is on promoting local products and creating a variety of distinct and fascinating cuisines that represent Australian culture. They pay homage to classic ales while pushing the envelope to develop their own, drawing on inspirations and procedures from both old and contemporary. As a result, they have some of the finest craft beers Melbourne has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

• Small-Batch Beers
• European-Inspired

Customer Testimonial:

“Great beer, both classic varieties as well as new unique brews”

Isamu T.

10. Urban Alley Brewery

Key Services	extensive range of beers, lager, dark ale and both Australian and American pale ales, oatmeal stout
Website	https://urbanalley.com.au/
Address	12 Star Circus, Docklands VIC 3008, Australia
Phone	+61 3 8080 9800
E-mail	brewery@urbanalley.com.au
Operating Hours	12PM – 9PM Tuesdays – Thursdays, Sundays | 12PM – 9:30PM Fridays – Saturdays

In 2018, Urban Alley Brewery opened on the outskirts of Melbourne’s CBD, in District Docklands. Their first brew, Urban Ale, was created to serve as a bridge between mainstream to artisan beer. Urban Alley has garnered over 20 honors since 2019, including Australian International Beer Awards, Independent Beer Australia, and Perth Beer Awards, for draught, packaging, and design. The goal has always been to deliver a brewpub experience to local communities. They began in Docklands, with the second location in KNOX, the third in late 2022, and more to come in 2023. As a result, they have some of the finest craft beers Melbourne has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

• Award-Winning Beers
• Draughts, Packaging, and Design
• Community-Focused

Customer Testimonial:

“If you like freshly brewed beer, this is the place you must go to. Urban Alley has some excellent beers, good food and an awesome ambiance. There might be others that are better around Melbourne, but this place is definitely up there among the good ones.”

Gaurang Shah

11. 4 Pines Brewing Company

Key Services	Microbrewery, Core Range Ale, Limited Releases, Barrel Aged
Website	https://4pinesbeer.com.au/
Address	Shop 1/61 Surf Coast Hwy, Torquay VIC 3228, Australia
Phone	+61 481 288 225
E-mail	reception@4pinesbeer.com.au
Operating Hours	8:30AM – 9PM Sundays – Thursdays | 8:30AM – 11PM Fridays – Saturdays

Jaron and his dad, Steve, had a brainstorming session for 4 Pines after a surf session in Manly. Back in 2006, to be precise. Since they originally established their microbrewery in Manly, a lot has changed, but their dedication to improving the world they live in remains unchanged. The key is to be kind to the world so that the good times they’re having now can last. The 4 Pines microbrewery was started by a father and son in Manly, Sydney, who both loved beer and surfing. As a result, they have some of the finest craft beers Melbourne has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

• Beers are all natural
• Local and sustainable
• Family owned and operated

Customer Testimonial:

“We popped in for a quick drink and it also happened to be happy hour. $6 pints. Really good espresso Martini. Good vibe and lovely service”

Beth McIlwain

12. Akasha Brewing

Key Services	Limited Edition Seasonal Release Rang, Pilsen, IPA, Ale
Website	https://akashabrewing.com.au/
Address	10-12 Spencer St, Five Dock NSW 2046, Australia
Phone	+61 2 9715 7156
E-mail	beer@akashabrewing.com.au
Operating Hours	4PM – 9PM Sundays – Thursdays | 2PM – 10PM Fridays | 12PM – 10PM Saturdays | 12PM – 7PM Sundays

An up-and-coming Sydney brewery, Akasha Brewing Company, is making hop-lovers’ dreams come true with its flavorful, crisp, and refreshing brews. Come inside the Akasha Taproom and Brewery’s inner sanctum to find out the scoop on future beer tastings and events. The Sanskrit term “Akasha” refers to the inexplicable fifth element that binds the other four (earth, fire, air, and water). Two young men from Sydney, Dave Padden and Wesley White, named their famous Five Dock brewery after the odd quartet because beer, like the force, is made up of four parts. As a result, they have some of the finest craft beers Melbourne has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

• Award-Winning Craft Beers
• Delicious Food Menu
• Family and Dog Friendly

Customer Testimonial:

“Such a great place. Outstanding IPAs, always a good food truck and options for non beer drinkers too.”

Ben Carter

13. Balter Brewing

Key Services	XPA, Hazy, IPA, Lager, Captain Sensible
Website	https://www.balter.com.au/
Address	14 Traders Way, Currumbin Waters QLD 4223, Australia
Phone	+61 7 5525 6916
E-mail	hello@balter.com.au
Operating Hours	3PM – 8PM Wednesdays – Fridays | 2PM – 10PM Fridays | 12PM – 8PM Saturdays – Sundays

Beer is more than just a drink; it brings people together, bonds cultures, and is there for you through life’s greatest moments. That’s why they, at Balter, are dedicated to sharing in your celebrations of beer’s many joys. The satisfaction of your taste senses is their first priority. If their beers don’t make your tongue tingle and your face smile, then they have n’t accomplished their mission. Scott Hargrave, the head brewer, produces some of the tastiest frothies in the area. His brews are well-balanced and delicious, and they have a unique and refreshing flavor. As a result, they have some of the finest craft beers Melbourne has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

• Head brewer Scott Hargrave produces some of the tastiest frothies in the area.
• The beers are well-balanced and delicious, and have a unique and refreshing flavor.

Customer Testimonial:

“Really great spot for after work drinks or weekend catch ups with friends. The staff are always super friendly, which makes trying new beers that much more enjoyable.”

John K.

14. Bentspoke Brewing

Key Services	Eighteen Beers and A Cider On Ta, Beer-inspired Food, Lively, Industrial Chic Setting
Website	https://www.bentspokebrewing.com.au/
Address	48/38 Mort St, Braddon ACT 2612, Australia
Phone	+61 2 6257 5220
E-mail	lovebeer@bentspokebrewing.com.au
Operating Hours	11AM – 12AM Daily

There is no simple path to success. Avoiding new experiences might diminish the flavor of your life. Therefore, we at bentspoke go for the more daring path, well aware that it will result in the occasional crooked spoke. Canberra’s chief brewer, Richard Watkins, uses the city’s pure water to create a variety of beers and ciders, all of which have received high marks from beer experts. There are plans for a commercial-scale brewery, so you may expect to see more of this beer at bars and bottle shops in the near future. As a result, they have some of the finest craft beers Melbourne has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

• Canberra’s chief brewer, Richard Watkins, uses the city’s pure water to create a variety of beers and ciders.
• The beers have received high marks from beer experts.
• There are plans for a commercial-scale brewery.

Customer Testimonial:

“Very nice brewery goes without saying. Service was great and food came out together and timely. All in all a great experience.”

Tuyết Phạm

15. Big Shed Brewing Concern

Key Services	Core Beers, Limited Beers, Vodka, Gin
Website	https://www.bigshed.beer/
Address	1154 Old Port Rd, Royal Park SA 5014, Australia
Phone	+61 8 8240 5037
E-mail	taproom@bigshed.beer
Operating Hours	12PM – 6PM Sundays – Mondays | 2PM – 9PM Tuesdays – Thursdays | 12PM – 10PM Fridays – Saturdays

The doors of their tasting room and restaurant opened in September of 2014. It offers six different beers on tap plus finger foods to go with them. They serve hungry regulars and curious tourists from Wednesday through Sunday. What began as a hobby for two long-time friends in a large shed in the Barossa has evolved into a professional brewery in Adelaide’s Royal Park. Craig and Jason, who have been doing this for a while now, appear to have finally won over the hearts of the locals. As a result, they have some of the finest craft beers Melbourne has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

• Two long-time friends
• Big Shed in the Barossa
• Adelaide’s Royal Park

Customer Testimonial:

“Awesome sunday sesh back in June. Pinball tournament. DJ cranking some classic punk tunes. Food and beers on point as always “

Jackson Pollard

16. Boatrocker Brewery

Key Services	Beer, Spirits, Memberships, Magnums, Merchandise, Gift Ideas
Website	https://www.boatrocker.com.au/
Address	34 MacBeth St, Braeside VIC 3195, Australia
Phone	+61 438 394 972
E-mail	info@chauffeurlinkmelbourne.com.au
Operating Hours	4PM – 10PM Thursdays, 2PM – 11PM Fridays, 12PM – 11PM Saturdays, 12PM – 6PM Sundays

Located in Melbourne’s southeastern suburbs, Boatrocker is a small brewery and distillery maintained by a family. Boatrocker intends to shake up the beer and liquor industry. Boatrocker stands out from the competition because of its dedication to both preserving history and exploring new and unique flavor variations. In 2009, Matt and Andrea Houghton started Boatrocker and sold their first beers out of the trunk of their vehicle. Boatrocker is an Australian craft brewery that has just set up shop in the south-east of Melbourne and brews a variety of beers that lean toward the political left. As a result, they have some of the finest craft beers Melbourne has to offer.

• Family owned and operated
• Dedicated to preserving history and exploring new and unique flavor variations
• Australian craft brewery

Customer Testimonial:

“Great beer selection. Welcomed at the gate. Given a run down of the place. Conehead IPA was great and the Two Bay’s gluten free was good (according to wife). Woodfire pizzas available also. Look at other ordering it. Looks awesome.”

Andrew Birt

17. Bridge Road Brewers

Key Services	Handmade On-site, Brewery, Dining Hall, Beer Club, Free Tasting Paddle
Website	https://bridgeroadbrewers.com.au/
Address	50 Ford Street, Beechworth, Vic 3747
Phone	+61 3 5728 2703
Operating Hours	11AM – 9PM Mondays – Tuesdays| 11AM – 1PM Wednesdays – Sundays

There will be 340 seats available in the taproom, pizza, and 25HL brewing at the Bridge Road HQ in 2022. From Bermagui to Bangkok, you can find Bridge Road on tap, in the fridge, or in the esky anywhere you can buy high-quality beer. Through their dedication and perseverance, Ben and Maria have developed a successful business on the principles of independence, authenticity, and quality, all of which are reflected in the name of their company, Bridge Road. Rather than relying on consistency as a selling factor, these chefs aren’t hesitant to change their recipes when necessary. As a result, they have some of the finest craft beers Melbourne has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

• 340 seats available in the taproom, pizza, and 25HL brewing
• Dedication and perseverance
• Independence, authenticity, and quality

Customer Testimonial:

“One of my favourite places to visit. The beer is always top notch as is the food. The staff are friendly and accommodating.”

Aidan Currie

18. Feral Brewing Co.

Key Services	Hop Hog, Seasonal Releases, Core Range
Website	https://www.feralbrewing.com.au/
Address	152 Haddrill Road Swan Valley Baskerville, WA, Australia 6056
Phone	+61 8 9296 4657
E-mail	beer@feralbrewing.com.au
Operating Hours	11AM – 5PM Wednesdays | 11AM – 9PM Fridays | 11AM – 5PM Saturdays – Sundays

Beers are like metaphors for us: weighty and meaningful. That’s why they cater to beer enthusiasts: Traditional brewing of beer, complete with monk robes, chanting, and a dark cellar, all under the watchful eye of a rigid religious doctrine: beer for beer’s sake, quietly fulfilling a vital function for the residents of the twenty-first century community. The world and the territory they seek to recognize and conserve are framed by these time-honored customs, and they apply these guiding principles to the brewing of real, lasting beer. As a result, they have some of the finest craft beers Melbourne has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

• Monks robes
• Dark cellar
• Rigid religious Doctrine

Customer Testimonial:

“One of the best things about Feral Brewing is their dedication to making beers that reflect their surroundings. The community they come from and the land they live on.”

Hannah White

Craft Beers Melbourne

Overall, craft beers are produced by small local and independent brewers that work hard to develop rich, distinct flavors that macro brewers seldom accomplish in their vast breweries. Craft beer provides more options than the bigger beers provided by major breweries. You have many reasons to be a proud craft beer lover, including the outstanding flavor, high quality ingredients, cheaper cost, and effect on your local community. We hope this helps you find the best spots that offer the finest craft beers Melbourne has to offer.

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