With more than 500 pubs in the region during the gold rush, Ballarat has long been renowned as a pub town.

Now, with the emergence of some seriously talented local hop growers and craft brewers, the city’s reputation is shifting. And it’s certainly a shift we can get aboard. 

There’s one way to fully experience the region’s emerging craft beer scene and that’s to drink your way around Ballarat’s beer halls and breweries. 
 
From the small-batch brewer to Ballarat’s newest brewpub, here are five of the best stations to access premium liquid gold… 

Aunty Jacks 

This brewpub combines quality craft beer and deliciously snackable food with hands-on workshops run by Ballarat’s Dr Beer.  It’s the place you catch up with mates on the weekend or to learn about all things beer. 

Around 100,000 litres of beer – including lager, pale ale, stout and seasonal specials – are produced on site each year, and you have the chance to see all this first-hand. 
 
You’ll find Aunty Jacks at 315-317 Mair Street, Ballarat.

Hop Temple 

Mosey on down Hop Lane to popular laneway hangout Hop Temple and try one of more than 250 craft beers on the menu (one of the largest ranges in Victoria), including award-winning gluten-free beer O’Brien Beer, craft-brewed by the local team at Rebellion Brewing. 

Set up in old, converted stables, you’ll find yourself mesmerised by the recycled creations that adorn the venue as you sip away on your next favourite craft beer, from lights made from hot water systems to the bar that was made from old doors – it’s got all of those laid-back Sunday afternoon vibes. 

You can find Hop Temple at the rear of 24-28 Armstrong Street South, Ballarat.

Red Duck  

This small micro-brewery has a tradition of being at the forefront of craft beer innovation and is known for exploring the history of forgotten styles and tastes – inventing new brewing techniques or re-inventing long forgotten ones. They’re all about all-natural, unfiltered, traditionally-brewed brews. 

And as of March 2022, there’s a new addition to the family – Red Duck Distillery.

The inspired spirit range includes four contemporary gins plus a native vodka, with the production of rum and whisky not too far away.

You can visit the Red Duck cellar door on weekends between 11am-4pm at 11A Michaels Drive, Alfredton. 

Cubby Haus Brewing  

Whether you’re looking for a cold brew after a cycle around the city with mates or you’re up for a yarn over a pizza, you’ll find Cubby Haus Brewing at 884 Humffray Street South, Mount Pleasant. 

Brewer Malcolm Sachs is always up for a chat about his hand-built 500-litre brew house and his natural beers, which are based on traditional styles from around the world.

Join him for beer tastings and toasties by day or beer and pizza by night. 

Bankhouse Brewery

Located on the side of the main thoroughfare through Dean, this microbrewery and cellar door – which has been converted from an old bank house – might just be Australia’s smallest brewery.

But as they say, good things come in small packages.

The team here also experiment with hops from nearby farm AC Hops, so you know you’re getting something made in the region direct from paddock to pint.

Download our Ballarat Craft Beer Trail map