Which Are Melbourne’s Craft Breweries?

Melbourne Craft Breweries

Beer brewed by hand in Australia has grown in popularity. Also, a wide variety of new cafes and bars have opened up to serve the thirsty drinker. Drink beer at a rowdy beer hall housed in a repurposed inner-city warehouse, try some rare barrel-aged brews, or have a bottomless brunch in Melbourne. In Melbourne, you won't go thirsty.

Moon Dog Brewery

Imagine walking into a cozy pub in Abbotsford, overflowing with ambience from the ephemera-stacked bookcases and mismatched couches–not to mention table tennis! But that's just setting the stage for what Moon Dog Brewery is really known for: its adventurous selection of experimental beers.

Take your taste buds on an unexpected journey with libations like Cold War Drip, brewed explicitly to mimic coffee PLUS cigars–indeed, you'll experience flavour unlike anything else.

Escape the hustle and bustle of city life with a quick drive to our tropical oasis, where you'll find fantastic music, cold craft brews on tap for every taste bud, plus delectable wines, ciders and cocktails! Come explore ten taps pouring seasonal beers and single kegs in Melbourne's picturesque paradise - cheers!

Fixation Brewery

If you didn't live under a rock in 2019, you know that Fixation Brewing is a legitimate business because it won the Indies' Champion Large Independent Brewery title. If you're in the mood for an IPA, head on down to the Fixation brewery & tasting room in Collingwood; they make some of the best in the area.

Colonial Brewery

Colonial Brewing has plenty of tasty beer for a fun night out or a relaxing afternoon beverage. Sit yourself down at the bar & order one of their delicious cocktails. One of the top craft breweries in Melbourne, its beers are refreshing and easy to drink. They serve various brews in cans, including ciders, IPAs, dark pale, draught, and more. When you're popping up a tinnie, food trucks roll up with various options for you to select from.

Stomping Ground Brewery.

They believe that everyone can find the perfect beer. They've made it their mission to demonstrate this with the opening of The Local Taphouse in St. Kilda and the continuation of their annual Great Australian Beer SpecTAPular (both since sold to other parties).

Stomping Ground, a converted warehouse with ex-Taphouse manager Justin Joiner, is precisely the same. Hence, Stamping Ground serves not only authentic "craft" beers, but also well-crafted, easily drinkable brews.

A black, coffee-like drink with a smoother texture, Beargrass's milky stout is brewed with lactose. Included in the "Easier Drinking" section of the menu alongside a German-style lager and two pale ales, it is an excellent choice for a light meal. A funky, yeast-driven citrus Saison, a bitter, hop-heavy IPA, and a monstrous 11.4% barley wine that tastes like liquid toffee can all be found under the "Moderately Difficult" and "More Challenging" sections, respectively.

The area is heated by two large braziers and features a retractable canopy over one-fourth of the space, as well as a cubby house for children that is secured with a lockable gate. Stomping Ground looks nothing like a typical brewery because of its abundance of potted plants, climbing vines, as well as other flora. The 250-guest capacity venue is designed in the style of a Victorian-era factory or train station, complete with brass, wood, and black iron.

Two Birds

Two adventurous "birds" were determined to bring the craft beer revolution down under and open a brewery in Melbourne's western suburbs. When their road trip across America left them hopelessly smitten with unique tastebuds, The Nest was born!

Here visitors can find an assortment of eclectic brews like Taco Beer or Sunset Ale (brewed with Mexican cuisine & coriander for extra flavour). While visiting, be sure you try some delectable snacks that pair black pepper beef jerky, smoked chipotle potato gems, and perfectly-sour and salty pork crackling; and if your appetite is super hungry, there's even BBQ pork with a Cuban twist, on ciabatta!

Bonehead

Bonehead Brewery is known for its unique beer names and edgy can designs. These brewers are pros at making a wide variety of beers with unique flavours, such as the Jumanji (a truly tasty Tropical IPA) and the Nimbus (an Oat Cream IPA that will entice your tastes). You may check out their beers and jaffles in a chill atmosphere at their public taproom in Kensington.

Temple Brewery

Heart of Brunswick East, Temple Brewing Company, a nearby establishment, is known for producing high-quality beer. Pale ale, India pale ale, pilsner, and American stout are some options.

That fine beer may now be enjoyed in the Brewhouse bar's cozy indoor space, dog-friendly outside beer garden, and on the menu's many tasty offerings. Indulge in burgers, chicken, and pig belly. The brewery offers tours for a nominal fee an as well fun bit of education before things get moderately untidy.

Boatrocker Barrels

While several other breweries in the area dabble in sour beer, none have gone as far as Boatrocker, launched in Braeside at the beginning of 2013 by husband-and-wife team Matt and Andrea Houghton.

It has roughly 100,000 litres of beer stored in 300 repurposed wine, bourbon, and whiskey barrels and is located directly across the street from the original brewery. Oak aging smoothes out the product's edges and imparts flavours like vanilla and molasses.

There are fifteen beer taps available, so you can try any of the rare varieties you can find in there. There's the tangy, fruity, and slightly sour Miss Pinky, a medium-strength raspberry ale; the earthy Saison; and the stout, Ramjet. Thankfully, Beer Snobs aren't the only ones who can enjoy Boatrocker. Pilsner, India Pale Ale, and Pale Ale are some of the more universally appealing beers on tap.

MountainGoat Brewery

In 1997, two friends decided that beer may benefit from a more refined flavour. Thus they brewed up the tasty Mountain Goat, influenced by their travels around the United States and Canada. As word spread, the bustling brewery moved to Crown Street in Richmond, where once a month, Melburnians would go to sample the city's new cult drink.

Goat is still regarded as a forerunner in the Australian craft beer sector, with its weekly servings of deliciously refreshing liquid gold. Beer drinkers of all stripes will find something they like at Mountain Goat, from the fruity Summer Ale to the sharp Billy the Kid.

Thunderroad Brewery

Thunder Road Brewery is home to expert brewers who create one-of-a-kind artisan beers for people who like beverages with personality. There's a good chance that these foams will transport you to another world, and the 'Beers Without Borders' ethos will see to that. When the doors open on Friday afternoon, you can sit smack in the heart of Brunswick's massive fermentation tanks and see the brewing process unfold before your own eyes.

You won't know what hit you with the fantastic selection of beers at this brewery! Get ready for a whirlwind tour through eight different series, all packed full of flavour and sure to satisfy every beer-lover. From floral and yeasty to light as air hoppy notes - it's enough brews here to cause your head (and taste buds!) to spin in delight!

Thunder Road Brewery's expert brewers in Melbourne serve some unique and complex beers. Examples include the dark and rich Coconut Porter, which is brewed with chocolate nibs, coconut, and vanilla essence, and the light and citrusy Agave & Yuzu Saison. The bar is located in the brewery's heart, so customers can enjoy their drinks while taking in all the action.

Molly Rose Brewery

Is it just us, or does Collingwood seem to be Melbourne's epicentre of beer production? Molly Rose Brewing Co. is where Collingwood beer lovers flock for their fix of seriously delicious brews! Indulge your vegan side with the creamy and comforting Vegan Dessert Stout, take a sip back in time with Mr Fox's Red Session IPA or treat yourself to the Skylight IPA.

Make sure you check out their bar & cellar, too; they guarantee satisfaction no matter what tickles your fancy!

Westside AleWork

Not for the weak of stomach, as Westside Ale Works puts it, their brews are. Nonetheless, Melburnians have a brewpub to which they can relax in peace and choose the finest quality beers in the world. 

The West Coast brewing environment in the United States served as inspiration for the wide variety of beers that make up Westside Ale Works' core range, which includes IPAs, Pale Ales, Double IPAs, and seasonal offerings.

The beers there are West Coast inspired, and they've gone all out in sourcing top-notch ingredients for each and every brew. Pale ale, India pale ale, India strong ale, and imperial beer make up their core selection; all may be sampled in the brewery's tasting room and purchased in 750ml to-go bottles.

Willows Wolf

Wolf of the Willows, one of Melbourne's most popular and reliable breweries, finally opened its own brewery and taproom in 2021, after operating out of temporary accommodations for the previous six years.

Single-engine planes, on their route to adjacent Moorabbin Airport, fly dangerously close to the headquarters. The brewery, like so much else in the world of The Wolf in the Willows, was established via a strong sense of mutual aid and support.

The salvaged fence palings and Gippsland snow gum used to construct the bar, taproom tables, and entryway were all donated by friends. The huge mural greeting visitors at the entryway was created by one of the guys, and it features beer drinkers, brewery dogs, and the ubiquitous small planes.

In the bar, you can order from one of eighteen different Wolf of the Willows beers, two different types of hard seltzers, or a cold brew coffee that has been infused with nitrogen.

Fixation Brewing

You have an open invitation for anyone who enjoys IPAs. The founder of Fixation, Tommy Delmont, is passionate about India Pale Ale, and you're in for a real treat if you share his enthusiasm. After ten years of researching the international IPA market, a new and innovative IPA was finally ready to be released to the streets of Melbourne. Fixations' cozy tasting area, the Incubator, with a new hopped-up experience on tap every week. Relax with your pals by taking advantage of a BYO (bring your own) food policy, or try the vegan pizza at the nearby brewery.

Crafty Squire

The location of the popular Melbourne Brewhouse and Brewery can count among the best of its kind. Pilsners, porters, ales and many more are some handcrafted beers on tap at The Crafty Squire. Not only is this microbrewery included in a few of those that offer complete pub meals, but the cuisine is excellent to boot.

A golden lager with a tropical fruit scent and a subtle bitterness, The Chancer, and a black layered with espresso and malt cocoa, the Jack of Spades porter, are just two examples of the limited-release and seasonal beers that are available on tap in addition to the regular lineup. You will have a nice time tonight no matter what you do.

Mill Brewery

The Mill is a typical beer hall, nestled in the heart of Smith St's charming little side street. Chill in comfort at one of their thick red timber tables while sipping your favourite cold drink, and relax in front of the fireplace and take in the elegant exposed brick and crackling flames. If you've come for the beer (because this is, after all, a brewery), you'll be happy to know that they keep a rotating selection of craft beers.

Look at the drinks they have available. Light ales, pilsners, and a particular "deadly" little tipple are just some of the drinks available at the bar. If you happen to run out of your favourite, don't worry; classic wines like Noisy Ritual are always on hand.

Hop Nation

To avoid stepping on any toes, the winemakers of this company only looked at one potential brewery location. Justification is obvious. The soap, candle, and ammunition factory dates back to the 1880s when it was constructed with a high-pitched roof and ornate brick arches.

Before settling down here in the middle of 2016, the lads lived on a year's worth of contract brewing at the Hawkers in Reservoir and the Cavalier in Derrimut. Canadian friend Stephanie Moseley also has a stake and contributes to things like label creation and social media promotion.

To get a better look at the timber-clad brewhouse, which was rescued from New Zealand's Sawmill Brewery, grab a taster paddle and head up to the spacious mezzanine. The Damned, a simple Pilsner gently flavoured with New Zealand hops; The Fiend, an all-Australian India Pale Ale; and The Buzz, a red IPA filled with American florals, are the brewery's three primary beers.

There are also two seasonal beer taps available. The Kalash is a monstrous Imperial Russian Stout aged in Yering Station barrels; The Sturm is a remarkably crisp and refreshing harvest ale fermented with five per cent wild-fermented riesling juice from Victorian winery Jamsheed; and other such beers have been brewed and released in the past.

Three of the taps are set aside for unique guest beers, one of which will be a New Zealand import and the other two will be foreign imports. Regular visitors include food trucks, but only if they know to look for a small opening in the massive industrial complex's back wall.

Bodriggy Brewery

Bodriggy Brewing Co. was a long time in the making for the neighbours across the street. Clearly, that was not the case. In contrast to the typical cellar-door breweries frequented by Melburnians, where the food is usually an afterthought, this establishment has an ambience that is both unique and enjoyable. Bodriggy's menu, on the other hand, is known for its light, fresh, and zingy Areas in the middle and south American food.

This is recognizable in parts yet which also features novel elements. Smoked swordfish fillets are stuffed inside of jalapeno peppers.

In the same vein, anticuchos, which are similar to satay or shish kebab, are a common staple food in Peru. Nevertheless, this version is more like a sticky char-siu made with grilled beef heart and potatoes. Corn on the cob, large plates of pulled pork, and a spicy version of ceviche could also be popular. If nothing else, the menu is reason enough to dine here.

Bodriggy would have a good selection if you came for the beer. Pilsners and summer ales are among the more approachable selections, but more unusual brews like kettle sours and Lichtenwalner can be found for beer nerds (a low-alcohol wheat beer).

The fact that alcohol is just one of many things they sell is, nevertheless, a major plus. Following a pét-nat? Five wines are available at Bodriggy, four of which are served on tap. Tquila or mezcal, please. You bet; just take a look at the tall, gently lit shelves that sit behind the bar. Don't get what you always get; instead, try one of the three specials on tap. Mexican tepache, fermented from pineapple juice, has a potent stink tamed by a citrus garnish; a cascara (coffee cherry) number tastes much like chinotto.

Despite Bodriggy's permit for 424 guests, the space only accommodates about 200. A lot of thought went into creating diverse atmospheres throughout the enormous warehouse. There are both large, group-friendly trestle tables and smaller, stand-up tables, as well as a semi-restaurant area with plush banquettes, booths, and fancier finishes. A tall flame tree reaches up from a massive rusty-iron planter box in the room's focal point. There is also a little cocktail lounge reminiscent of the 1970s, complete with bright, fluorescent beverages, a spinning disco ball, and a buzzing "high-end Australiana" vibe.

Conclusion

Due to the abundance of independently owned breweries, Melbourne is fast becoming a mecca for craft beer enthusiasts. The demand for Australia's hand-crafted beers has led to the proliferation of new watering holes across the country. In Abbotsford, you'll find Moon Dog Brewery, a quaint tavern with an interesting assortment of experimental brews including Cold War Drip, designed specifically to simulate coffee AND cigars. Come to our tropical sanctuary, just a short drive from the city, and enjoy the great music, refreshing craft beers on tap, and delicious wines, ciders, and spirits. Some of the best breweries in Melbourne include the Fixation brewery and tasting room in Collingwood, the Colonial Brewery in Melbourne, and the Stomping Ground Brewery in St. Kilda.

Colonial Brewery has plenty of delicious beer for a fun night out or a quiet afternoon beverage, while The Fixation offers a wide selection of canned brews, including ciders, IPAs, dark pale, draught, and more. Stamping Ground not only offers real "craft" beers, but also high-quality, approachable pints. Milky stout like Beargrass's is a great option for a quick lunch or dinner because lactose is included in the brewing process. Two enormous braziers provide warmth for the area, which also has a cubby house for kids and a retractable canopy over a quarter of the room. While Temple Brewing Company is well-known for its superior beer quality, Bonehead Brewery is renowned for its creative beer names and edgy can designs.

Located right across the street from the original brewery is Boatrocker Barrels, a brewery that stores its 100,000 litres of beer in 300 reconditioned wine, bourbon, and whisky barrels. There are fifteen taps in the bar, so you can sample all of the unique beers on offer. Among of the most well-liked styles include the Pilsner, India Pale Ale, and Pale Ale. Mountain Goat's weekly doses of fabulously refreshing liquid gold have made it a pioneer in Australia's burgeoning craft beer market. Expert brewers at Thunder Road Brewery produce one-of-a-kind artisan beers for beer connoisseurs. Collingwood is home to Molly Rose Brewing Co., the epicentre of beer production in Australia, and Westside Ale Works is a brewpub where Melburnians can go to unwind and sample some of the country's greatest brews.

In 2021, The Wolf of the Willows, one of Melbourne's best-known and most dependable breweries, launched its own production facility and bar. Founded on a foundation of mutual aid and support, the brewery's bar, taproom tables, and doorway were all built from reclaimed fence palings and Gippsland snow gum. The brewery's staple offerings are typically Pale Ale, India Pale Ale, India Strong Ale, and Imperial Beer. For those in search of an IPA, Fixation Brewery is always accepting new customers, while the Crafty Squire stocks a wide variety of brews for any taste. Vegan pizza and BYO cuisine are only two of the many meal options available at any of these breweries.

In a pleasant alley off Smith St. is where you'll find The Mill Brewery, a bar serving up beer. The Chancer, a golden lager with a tropical fruit aroma and a light bitterness, and Jack of Spades porter, a black brew rich with espresso and malt chocolate, are just two of the artisan brews on sale. The brewery's three main beers are the The Damned (a simple Pilsner subtly flavoured with New Zealand hops), The Fiend (an all-Australian India Pale Ale), and The Buzz (a red IPA packed with American florals). Grab a taster paddle and make your way up to the airy mezzanine to get a bird's-eye view of the timber-clad brewhouse. A couple of seasonal beer taps are also on hand.

In Melbourne, you'll find the one-of-a-kind Bodriggy Brewing Co., which features three taps dedicated to rotating guest beers and a fun, original atmosphere. Its dishes, such as the swordfish fillets packed with jalapeo peppers, anticuchos, corn on the cob, pulled pork, and a spicy version of ceviche, are recognised for being light, fresh, and zingy. Pilsner, summer ale, kettle sour, Lichtenwalner, and low-alcohol wheat beers are just some of the options available at Bodriggy. They have four wines available by the glass and three rotating tap specials. This venue has a permit for 424 people, but can only comfortably host 200.

There are trestle tables suitable for large gatherings as well as smaller, stand-up tables, and a semi-restaurant section with plush banquettes, booths, and nicer finishes. An '70s-style cocktail lounge is also available.

Content Summary

• Melbourne is the place to be if you want to experience the exciting world of artisan breweries.
• Here's to discovering new and interesting beers from Australia!
• In Australia, there has been a rise in the popularity of beers made with traditional methods.
• Melbourne is home to a wide variety of drinking establishments, from raucous beer halls located in renovated inner-city warehouses to endless brunches serving unique barrel-aged brews.
• Having a drink in Melbourne is never a problem.
• Just picture yourself entering a tavern in Abbotsford, full of character thanks to the piled bookcases, mismatched furniture, and table tennis.
• That's simply a prelude to what Moon Dog Brewery is best known for, though: its daring array of experimental brews.
• Stop by the Fixation brewery and tasting room in Collingwood for a pint of their award-winning India Pale Ale (IPA).
• Colonial Brewery produces a wide variety of high-quality beer, perfect for a night on the town or a quiet afternoon at home.
• One of Melbourne's best craft breweries, their beers are light and flavorful.
• You can locate the perfect beer, in their opinion.
• Because of all the flowers and plants that decorate Stomping Ground, it doesn't look like a regular brewery at all.
• Beers from Bonehead Bonehead Brewery are recognised for their creative names and can artwork.
• The Temple Brewing Company can be found in the middle of Brunswick East, and their beer is well-known throughout the region.
• Eat as much bacon, burgers, and fried pork belly as you can.
• Boatrocker, founded in Braeside at the start of 2013 by Matt and Andrea Houghton, is the only local brewery to focus only on sour beer.
• Goat's weekly doses of fabulously refreshing liquid gold have helped it maintain its position as an industry leader in Australia's craft beer scene.
• Mountain Goat has an extensive beer menu, with options ranging from the sweet Summer Ale to the sour Billy the Kid, satisfying the tastes of beer lovers of all stripes.
• Expert brewers at Thunder Road Brewery produce one-of-a-kind artisan beers for beer connoisseurs.
• The 'Beers Without Borders' philosophy guarantees that these foams will take you on an out-of-this-world adventure.
• Melbourne's Thunder Road Brewery is home to some of Australia's most innovative and complex brews, made by a team of highly trained brewing specialists.
• This beer was brewed at the Molly Rose Brewery.
• Unless we're mistaken, Collingwood appears to be the heart of Melbourne's brewing industry.
• Beer enthusiasts in Collingwood can satisfy their cravings at Molly Rose Brewing Co.
• The beers are West Coast-inspired, and great care has been taken to use only the highest quality ingredients in each one.
• Their primary offerings include pale ale, India pale ale, India strong ale, and imperial beer, all of which may be tried in the tasting area and bought in 750ml bottles to go.
• In 2021, after six years of operating out of temporary facilities, Wolf of the Willows, one of Melbourne's most popular and dependable breweries, built its own brewery and taproom.
• It was through a shared commitment to helping one another that the brewery in The Wolf in the Willows was founded.
• Those of you who are into IPAs are more than welcome to join us.
• The Melbourne Brewhouse and Brewery is one of the finest establishments of its sort in the world.
• The Mill is a standard beer hall, conveniently located on a quiet section of Smith St.
• There is a changing assortment of craft beers on tap for those who came specifically for the beer (because this is, after all, a brewery).
• Take a look at the drinks they provide.
• The winemakers at this company only considered one possible brewery location to avoid treading on any competitors' toes.
• Built with a steeply sloping roof and elaborate brick arches in the 1880s, the factory produced soap, candles, and ammunition.
• The fellas spent a year splitting their contract brewing between the Hawkers in Reservoir and the Cavalier in Derrimut before deciding to call this place home in the middle of 2016.
• Grab a sampling paddle and walk up to the large mezzanine for a closer look at the timber-clad brewhouse, salvaged from New Zealand's Sawmill Brewery.
• One of the three taps will be dedicated to a New Zealand import, and the other two will be reserved for international beers.
• In this enormous industrial complex, food trucks are regular visitors, but only if they know to hunt for a little doorway in the back wall.
• The next-door neighbours worked for a long time to establish the Bodriggy Brewing Co.
• In contrast to the mundane atmosphere of most cellar-door breweries visited by Melburnians (where food is frequently treated as an afterthought), this place is both interesting and delightful.
• The menu at Bodriggy, on the other hand, is renowned for its zesty, light dishes inspired by the cuisines of the middle and south Americas.
• Swordfish fillets that have been smoked are put into jalapeos.
• Like satay or shish kebab, anticuchos are a common Peruvian dish.
• The menu alone justifies a visit, if for no other reason.
• If beer is why you're in Bodriggy, you won't be disappointed.
• Nonetheless, the fact that alcoholic beverages are only one of many products they offer is a significant advantage.
• Four of the five wines offered at Bodriggy are available on tap.
• You should try one of the three rotating specials instead of your usual order.
• Even though Bodriggy has a licence for 424 people, there's really only room for roughly 200.
• The vast warehouse's various settings were given careful consideration.
• There are trestle tables suitable for large gatherings as well as smaller, stand-up tables, and a semi-restaurant section with plush banquettes, booths, and more excellent finishes.
• In addition, there is a small cocktail lounge with a "high-end Australiana" atmosphere and decor (think: a spinning disco ball, bright fluorescent drinks, and a lively crowd).