Independent breweries have been popping up all over the country, but none more than in Sydney and its inner suburbs. Similar to the Top 5 Wineries You Must Visit in the Hunter Valley, this article is your guide to the best Sydney breweries, where to find them and what you can look forward to drinking.
Wayward Brewing Co
Wayward Brewing was making a statement when they decided to set up shop in an old winery that has now been repurposed into an underground taproom for beer-lovers to enjoy. Their range includes flavoursome beers with ingredients sourced from all over the world, and cans have adventure themes - hiking, beaches, road trips to encourage you to explore. Pop in and try a Raspberry Berliner Weisse or their flagship pale ale, the Everyday Ale or grab some mates for and head in on Monday night for trivia - with happy hour prices all night, even if you lose you'll still be winning.
Address: 1 Gehrig Ln, Camperdown NSW 2050
Hours: Mon-Wed 4pm-9pm, Thurs-Sat 12-10pm, Sun 12-8pm
Willie the Boatman
In brewing, you need to stand out, and that's exactly what Willie the Boatman strives towards with their small but tasty range that is full of character. The tasting bar is nautical-themed, which adds to the atmosphere you'll enjoy as you sample the Albo Corn Ale, Crazy Ivan IPA and more XPA's, New England IPA's (NEIPA's) even Hard Seltzers.
Address: Precinct 75 Suite 601, 75 Mary St, St Peters NSW 2044
Hours: Wed-Thur 12-8pm, Fri-Sat 12-9pm, Sun 12-7pm
One Drop Brewing Co
Credited as being South Sydney's first microbrewery, One Drop Brewing Co prides itself on being a place for the community to chill out, listen to reggae music and drink great beer. If you enjoy your experimental brews of different styles and tastes, such as an Oat Cream IPA or a Grape Sherbet Sour, then this is where you'll want to be. They even just introduced their beer soft serve that's perfect for a warmer day, or if you're the type who can never say no to ice cream.
Address: 5 Erith St, Botany NSW 2019
Hours: Wed-Thur 12-9pm, Fri-Sat 12-10pm, Sun 12-8pm
Nomad Brewing Co
Though you are travelling a little further outside the city, the range of beers and beachy atmosphere of Nomad Brewing makes it worth the drive to the Northern Beaches. You'll find everything from classic draughts, sour and hazy IPAs, double dry-hopped IPAs and even sour gose, using local and native ingredients. A true local's spot, dogs and families are welcome in the generous beer garden, to catch up over an innovative brew, try the Texas BBQ on offer and listen to live music.
Address: 5 Sydenham Road, Brookvale NSW 2100
Hours: Thurs 12-9pm, Fri 12-10pm, Sat 11-10pm, Sun 11-6pm
Batch Brewing Co
You'll find Batch Brewing at three locations - Marrickville, Petersham, and Darling Square - but you'll find buzzing atmosphere and friendly, passionate pourers behind the bar no matter where you go. Their core range includes the American Pale Ale and the West Coast IPA, but they are always coming up with creative and exciting new recipes, so expect something different each time you go.
Address: 44 Sydenham Road, Marrickville NSW 2204
292 Stanmore Rd, Petersham NSW 2049
Darling Square, 1 Little Pier St, Haymarket NSW 2000
Hours: Marrickville - Mon-Sun 10am-8pm
Petersham - Mon-Thur 2-8pm, Fri 2-10pm, Sat 12-10pm, Sun 12-8pm
Darling Square - Tue-Wed 12-9pm, Thur-Sat 12-10pm, Sun 12-6pm
Yulli's Brews
Yulli’s takes beer with a personality to the next level, which you'll notice it straight away with their uniquely designed cans that include a cast of colourful characters. You'll find everyone from tradies on their lunch break to mother's groups and a local creatives at the bar that prides itself on being open to all. This brewery is an extension of the Yulli's vegan restaurant in Surry Hills, so you can enjoy some fine dining with your farmhouse ale that showcases a leather-bound biker called Hans Groppo on the label.
Address: 75A Burrows Rd, Alexandria NSW 2015
Hours: Wed-Sat 12-12am, Sun 12-10pm
Grifter Brewing Co
Sometimes keeping things simple is the vibe you're after, and Grifter Brewing Co is there to provide a relaxing atmosphere with a range of beers that aren't overflowing with crazy combinations of flavours (though they have those too!). Boasting one of the largest sites in New South Wales, the space is dog-friendly and includes a pool table to enjoy with your Australian Pale Ale. Pick up some Mexican fare from Rico's Taco Truck on the weekends, and make sure to pat every happy pooch you come across - all are welcome.
Address: 1/391-397 Enmore Rd, Marrickville NSW 2204
Hours: Wed-Thur 4-9pm, Fri 2-10pm, Sat 12-10pm, Sun 12-9pm
Young Henry's
Young Henry’s has solidified its place in Sydney's (and Australia's) music culture with collaborations with bands such as Dune Rats, DZ Deathrays and even Rolling Stone magazine. Their Newtown brewery continues the rock'n'roll vibe and includes a range of easy-drinking beers that can wash down some great local bites from the food trucks. And if that wasn't enough, you can, with a booking, enjoy your Newtowner Pale Ale on a brewery tour and see how the magic is made.
Address: 76 Wilford St, Newtown NSW 2042
Hours: Mon-Sun 12-7pm
Wildflower Brewing
Wild fermentation is not common among breweries, but Wildflower Brewing has made it their mission to use wild yeasts and bacteria to ferment their beer. If mother nature were making craft beer, it would look like the St Phoebe Wild Ale tree-ripened Ebony Sun plums hand-picked from the orchard it came from. Pop into their Marrickville location and have a go at these complex, unique, but very drinkable beers and try their cellar door tours, which has an earthy, Australian vibe.
Address: 11-13 Brompton St, Marrickville NSW 2204
Hours: Fri-Sat 12-8pm, Sun 12-6pm
Staves Brewery
Described as being founded by a 'pommy immigrant with limited brewing or business experience', unsurpisingly Staves Brewery has the look and feel of a British pub. On tap, you will find IPAs, pale ales, saisons and even Belgian-style blond ales to go with a menu full of pizzas, burgers and sides supplied by their partners, Merchants of Ultimo. They are a huge support of the arts scene, with an open mic night, comedy, blues nights and bands playing upstairs weekly.
Address: 4/8 Grose St, Glebe NSW 2037
Hours: Thurs-Fri 4-11pm, Sat 12-10pm, Sun 2-6pm
Sydney Brewery
In the heart of the city that is its namesake sits Sydney Brewery. A hub for beer lovers in the CBD, Sydney Brewery is just minutes from Central Station, but feels like your friendly pub down the road. Take a brewery tour or try a tasting package to learn all about the brewery, or stop by after work for spruced pub classics from Executive Chef, Rick Fowden. Their loaded beef burger goes perfectly with their Lumberjack IPA.
Address: 28 Albion St, Surry Hills, NSW
Hours: Mon–Sat 12pm-12am, Sun 4pm-10pm
Sydney is an ever-expanding city, with great food and drink and new venues staking their claim on the city all the time. The breweries are just the beginning—take a tour of the breweries, distilleries and coffee roasters. If you're planning a trip to Sydney to visit some of these great locations, be sure to book your Sydney accommodation and start planning your city escape. And if you're keen to visit one or a few of these fantastic Sydney breweries, remember to always drink responsibly.
