From coastal microbreweries to award-winning mountain beers, taste the best brews in NSW. Whether you want inventive flavours, local ingredients or community‑driven brewing, these stand-out breweries will have you raising a glass.
- 5 min read
Stone & Wood Brewery, Byron Bay
In Byron Bay, taste Stone & Wood’s legendary Pacific Pale Ale in their leafy beer garden. See brewers honing their craft over 31 tanks as you munch on tacos and shared plates from Romie’s Kitchen. From an independent brewery housed in a former soft drink production site to part of the Lions Group Beverages with several large breweries, the values of Stone & Wood Brewery have remained strong. B-Corp certified, this brew group also gives back to the Northern Rivers community and local charities through their Ingrained Foundation.
More breweries in the Byron Bay area: Byron Bay Brewery and Seven Miles Brewing Co
Stone & Wood Brewery, Byron Bay
Sanctus Brewing Co, Clarence Valley
A proudly independent brewery and distillery in the heart of the Clarence Valley, Sanctus Brewing Co’s red ale and ginger beer with extra bite are renowned. Crafting award-winning drinks with character and soul, this brewery does things a little differently, starting their tour with a beer so you can sip as you chat with the brewers. Enjoy pizza or a smoky rack of ribs while you’re there. Four-legged friends are welcome in the outdoor area.
More breweries on the North Coast: Wobbly Chook Brewing, B Farm by Murray’s and Woopi Brewing Co
Sanctus Brewing Co., Clarence Valley
The Coastal Brewing Company, Forster
Embracing the concept of LIFE – local, independent, fresh, every time – The Coastal Brewing Company in Forster takes the inspiration for its beer names from local landmarks, parks and beaches. Try the Sugarloaf lemon sour, Diamond Beach pilsner and Treachery XPA. Alcohol-free beer (brewed on site), local cider and gluten-free beer are also available.
More breweries in the Forster area: Pacific Ocean Brewing
The Coastal Brewing Company, Forster
Foghorn Brewery, Newcastle
Housed in a historic, previously abandoned building in Newcastle’s King Street, Foghorn Brewery has an 1800-litre brewery, bar and restaurant. With 16 beers on tap, including one traditional English hand pump, their Dads with Prams Light Ale is popular. Learn about the beer-making process, grain-to-glass, on their weekly tour before tasting the goods and a side serving of buffalo wings. Take home a growler of your favourite brew.
More breweries in Newcastle: Shout Brewing Islington, Good Folk Brewing, Grainfed Brewing Co, Modus Brewing and The Rogue Scholar Brewery. Link them together on the Brewcastle Brewery Trail.
Foghorn Brewery, Newcastle
Husky Brewing, Nowra
A family-owned and operated microbrewery, the people pouring the beer at Husky Brewing are also the people making the beer and the owners of the husky dogs that gave the brewery its name. Co-located in Nowra, the Hungry Husky Food Truck serves up pizzas Thursday to Saturday, with lots of vegetarian options available.
More breweries in the Shoalhaven: Flamin Galah Brewing Co, Dangerous Ales Brewery, South Yeast Brewing, Swordfish Brewing, Broulee Brewhouse and Jervis Bay Brewing Co
Husky Brewing, South Nowra - Credit: Husky Brewing South Nowra
Longstocking Brewery, Pambula
Dubbed the ‘biggest little brewery’ on the Sapphire Coast, Longstocking Brewery has a rotating beer menu so you can sample a fresh pint of liquid gold on every visit – on its own, or as part of a tasting paddle. Specialties are chalked up on the board and may include an espresso porter, Irish stout or a Vienna draught lager. Time your trip with their trivia night or live music performances.
More Sapphire Coast breweries: Camel Rock Brewhouse and Humpback Brewery. Discover more on the South Coast Ale Trail.
Longstocking Brewery, Pambula
Mountain Culture Beer Co, Blue Mountains
The first brewing company to win the GABS Hottest 100 four times in a row, Mountain Culture Beer Co in the Blue Mountains is a must-visit for all craft beer aficionados. The award-winning team in Katoomba brews drinks with quirky names like the Pillow Talk IPA and Kitten Mittens Session Ale. The cans they come in are just as eye-opening. Try the ever-popular Status Quo, a juicy New England IPA voted Australia's best beer in 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025.
More Blue Mountains breweries: Katoomba Brewing Co and Brew Mountains Brewery
Mountain Culture Beer Co, Katoomba
Small Batch Brewery, Mudgee
A leader in the 'brewvolution', Small Batch Brewery in Mudgee is the passion project of a group of home brewers. With 20 years of experience tinkering with flavours and brewing processes, you can taste the fruits of their experimentation at their farm brewery, which is open Friday to Sunday. Pick up tips and tricks from their team, with at-home brew kits available for you to start your own journey.
More Mudgee breweries: Mudgee Brewing Co and Three Tails Brewery
Small Batch Brewery, Mudgee
Badlands Brewery, Orange
Made in Orange, all Badlands Brewery’s core beers are unfiltered, and free of preservatives and additives. The Last Leg Lager is a crowd favourite. Join the brewers for a 45-minute behind-the-scenes tour, which includes two complimentary beers, or visit during a live music night. Dogs are welcome in the outdoor areas.
More breweries in the Orange area: Beekeepers Inn
Badlands Brewery, Orange
Thirsty Crow Brewing, Wagga Wagga
Since its first batch of Sporting Ale in 2010, Thirsty Crow Brewing has become a beloved part of Wagga Wagga. Now it is run under the Stryda Brewing banner, but its popular brews remain. Order the Little Crow to enjoy a hoppy, hazy, mid-strength ale with wafts of passionfruit, pineapple and papaya.
More Country NSW breweries: Bulla Creek Brewery and Ladbroken Distillery Brewhouse
Thirsty Crow Brewing, Wagga Wagga
Tumut River Brewing Co, Tumut
Originally started by two mates who traded tyres for hops, changing their local tyre service into a brewery, Tumut River Brewing Co has seen many changes over the years. Closing its doors in 2024, former staff legends stepped in and brought the business back to rehire old friends and make Tumut’s favourite brews. Over a pint of their Bad MOFO IPA, settle back to live music or a comedy show.
More Snowy Mountains breweries: Dalgety Brewing Company, Jindabyne Brewing and Snowy Way Brewing Co
Tumut River Brewing Co, Tumut
Visit the best beer and wine festivals in NSW
Visit the best beer and wine festivals in NSW
