From micro-breweries and father and son teams, to mates who started a beer biz because they just love craft beer, here’s an awesome list of kickarse breweries in the Illawarra for you to put on your must-visit list.
Five Barrel Brewing, Wollongong
A popular independent brewery and brewpub in Bulli, these self-proclaimed beer geeks, renovated and set up shop in the historic Bulli Railway Guest House to create the awesome space we now know as a family-friendly, contemporary spot to catch up with friends, drink some of their delicious small-batch brew and grab something to eat. You had us at Smoked Pork Ribs.
Opens at 12 pm seven days a week. Closes at 9 pm Sundays to Wednesdays, 10 pm on Thursdays and 11 pm Fridays and Saturdays.
Stoic Brewing, Gerringong
Founded in 2018 by a father and son team (love!), these guys brew craft beer and cider at their microbrewery in Gerringong. They are all about brewing the best beer that they possibly can and it totes shows. With a most excellent core range as well as loads of fun new releases, the good times just keep rolling here. They put on live music pretty regularly and serve up some mighty tasty burgers to boot.
Stoic is open 7 days a week, 11:30am to 8:30 pm.
Darkes Brewing, Darkes Forest
And of course, it’s not just all about beer! There is a crackin’ brewery in Darkes Forest whipping up some super-delicious alcoholic and non-alcoholic apple cider using the apples grown on this family-run (fourth generation, people!) orchard. Cool, hey? An awesome event space too with some pretty cool events being held throughout the year. In the right season, you can even try your hand at apple picking and all year round the Appleshack is open to taste test (and buy!) some crisp apple cider from Darkes Brewing at Glenbernie Orchard.
Open 7 days 10 am-430pm.
Dusty Lizard Brewing
Serving up a nice selection of their own brews alongside guest beers from our Illawarra brew community (we just love locals supporting locals.) They’ve got a pretty darn decent happy hour from 4-6 on Thursdays and Fridays and a nice selection of rotating food trucks to keep your tummy smiling. Oooh, and they’ve got merch…..we’re such suckers for merch!
Open Thursdays 3 pm- 7 pm, Fridays 3 pm to 10pm, Saturdays 12 pm to 10pm and Sundays 12pm to 8pm.
Principle Brewing
All of Principle’s beers are handcrafted with care and the best possible ingredients. The brewpub also boasts cool, industrial vibes making it an excellent location for a frothy glass or two. J.Winfield burgers are in the food truck just out the front of the venue to keep you fed and their Hazy Pale Ale or Pilsner will defo keep you happily watered.
Open Wednesdays and Thursdays 12- 9 pm, Fridays and Saturdays 12- 10 pm and Sundays 12-8 pm.
The Barrell Shepherd, Bellambi
These guys are doing somethin’ proper unique. Their beers are fermented in ex-wine barrels sourced from all over. This gives each brew a unique flavour and their ageing process can run anywhere from four months to four years, woah! The level of care, dedication and science-ness that goes into each bottle is truly incredible and we haven’t really tasted anything like it. The Barrel Shepherd Bar + Cellar Door is located in the old King Gee warehouse and they also serve tasty natural wines and host food vendors most weekends.
Open Fridays 3 pm to 8 pm and Saturdays 12 pm to 7pm.
Bass Point Brewing
Dreamt up by two brothers from Shellharbour who love nothing more than brewing (and sipping) top-notch beers, they’ve been perfecting their recipes for over 20 years. Now, they’re finally sharing their liquid gold with the fantastic folks of the Illawarra Region and beyond and we’re loving it.
And in extra exciting news, they’ve officially opened their new brewery and taproom in Barrack Heights. With regular food trucks and top-notch brewskis on tap we can defo see this becoming a regular haunt for us.
Open Thursdays and Fridays 5-8pm, Saturdays and Sundays 12pm – 8pm.
