Since we’ve already determined that Ballarat is the emerging craft beer capital, now we can disclose exactly where you can get your craft beer (and, gin and cider) fix.

From the small-batch brewer to the best gastro-pub, here are six of the best stations in and around Ballarat to access premium liquid gold.

Red Duck Brewery 

This small and passionate micro-brewery has a tradition of being at the forefront of craft beer innovation.
Always striving to produce the highest-quality and most enjoyable beers, Red Duck is known for exploring the history of forgotten styles and tastes – inventing new brewing techniques or re-invent long forgotten ones.
They’re all about all-natural, unfiltered, traditionally-brewed brews. You’ll be able to taste the difference.

Hop Temple

This beer hall is located down one of Ballarat’s elusive laneways, and features a huge selection of local craft beers on-tap. A local favoutire, make sure to accompany your warming ales with some equally-warming brew food conjured up by one of the region’s best chefs. 

Cubby Haus Brewing 

A must-visit destination for beer lovers and beer dreamers, this family-run brewery is built on a passion for good living and fantastic beer. With its beers produced on-premises in the 500-litre brew house, Cubby Haus features a bar and play area for the little tykes. Afternoon solved!

Kilderkin Distillery

Walk into the Kilderkin Distillery cellar door in Ballarat and you’ll soon find out why the guided tours are so popular. Discover their signature Larrikin Gins, Scoundrel (London Dry Gin) and Original Larrikin (an Australian Gin that uses a range of carefully selected native botanicals) as you indulge in a cheese platter and hear from the team about the long history of licit (and illicit) distilling in the region.

O’Brien Beer from Rebellion Brewing 

With more than 40 local and international beer gongs under their belts, you can see why O’Brien beer is a fan favourite among beer enthusiasts. 
Craft-brewed with ancient grains, the team at Rebellion Brewing use adaptions of traditional brewing methods. And there is good news for those with gluten intolerance, the beer is 100% zero gluten.

Looking for more?

Now that you know Ballarat’s flourishing brewing scene is awash with some of the best handcrafted beer, cider, gin and whisky in the state, why not check it out in-person.

Discover an unforgettable experience of craft beer, gin and cider during our three-day itinerary.