Australia
127
Cities
232
Breweries
1227
Beers
Cities in Australia
Brunswick
🇦🇺11
Breweries
41
Beers
Marrickville
🇦🇺10
Breweries
33
Beers
Brookvale
🇦🇺6
Breweries
14
Beers
Abbotsford
🇦🇺5
Breweries
10
Beers
Burleigh Heads
🇦🇺5
Breweries
63
Beers
Cowes
🇦🇺5
Breweries
32
Beers
Preston
🇦🇺5
Breweries
16
Beers
Botany
🇦🇺4
Breweries
56
Beers
Collingwood
🇦🇺4
Breweries
26
Beers
Fyshwick
🇦🇺4
Breweries
24
Beers
Port Melbourne
🇦🇺4
Breweries
36
Beers
Rowville
🇦🇺4
Breweries
9
Beers
South Murwillumbah
🇦🇺4
Breweries
23
Beers
Clifton Hill
🇦🇺3
Breweries
11
Beers
Dromana
🇦🇺3
Breweries
18
Beers
Mordialloc
🇦🇺3
Breweries
9
Beers
Newtown
🇦🇺3
Breweries
24
Beers
Saint Peters
🇦🇺3
Breweries
11
Beers
Yeerongpilly
🇦🇺3
Breweries
30
Beers
Bathurst
🇦🇺2
Breweries
12
Beers
About Australia's Beer Scene
Australia has evolved from a land of ice-cold lager served in stubbies to one of the world's most dynamic craft beer nations. With nearly 700 breweries spread across a vast continent, Australian craft brewing combines influences from Britain, America, and Continental Europe with distinctive local ingredients and an unmistakable Australian character.
Brewing History
Australian brewing began with early colonial production, developing through the 19th and 20th centuries into an industry dominated by large regional breweries producing lagers suited to the warm climate. The "six o'clock swill"—when pubs closed early, prompting rapid drinking—shaped mid-century beer culture. Consolidation created a duopoly of Foster's and Lion that limited variety. The craft revolution began in the 1990s with microbreweries like Little Creatures and Mountain Goat, accelerating dramatically after 2010.
Signature Beer Styles
While mainstream Australian brewing focuses on refreshing lagers, craft brewers have embraced remarkable diversity. Australian Pale Ale, using distinctive Australian hops like Galaxy and Nelson Sauvin, offers tropical, passionfruit-forward character unique to Australian brewing. IPAs of all substyles thrive in the Australian craft scene. Stouts and porters provide counterpoint to pale beers. Some breweries explore historical Australian styles, including Sparkling Ale from Adelaide. Australian summers have inspired extensive development of sessionable, flavorful beers that refresh while delivering craft quality.
Brewing Traditions
Australian brewing traditions emphasize freshness and drinkability in the country's warm climate. The development of distinctive Australian hop varieties—Galaxy, Vic Secret, Ella—has given Australian brewing unique ingredients now sought worldwide. Australian malt, particularly from regions like Western Australia, provides foundation for domestic production. Water quality varies dramatically across the continent, influencing regional brewing character. Many Australian craft breweries maintain strong environmental commitments, reflecting the country's relationship with its unique landscape.
Beer Culture
Australian beer culture has transformed from the stereotypical "cold one after work" to sophisticated appreciation. Brewery taprooms and beer gardens serve as community gathering places, particularly in craft brewing centers like Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane. The beach and outdoor culture integrates naturally with brewery visits and beer-focused activities. Good Beer Week in Melbourne has become one of the world's significant beer festivals. Australian beer enthusiasts are passionate and increasingly knowledgeable, with active trading communities seeking domestic and international releases. The "drink local" movement resonates strongly in Australia's regional brewery culture.