Australia’s craft spirits scene has grown rapidly over the past decade, with distilleries appearing in cities, regional towns and remote corners of the country. Producing everything from traditional whisky and gin to innovative small-batch spirits using native ingredients, Australian distillers are gaining international recognition. Whatever your tastes, you’re sure to sip on something unique at these distilleries worth visiting around Australia. Or start planning your own Australian distilleries road trip with inspiration below.
In recent years, Sydney has become a hotspot for urban distilling. Located in Sydney’s Banksmeadow, Archie Rose Distilling Co. is one of Australia’s most recognised craft distilleries. Head to the bar to taste the full range of gin, whisky and vodka, along with limited releases and experimental spirits produced on site.
Set atop a mountain overlooking the Gold Coast hinterland, Tamborine Mountain Distillery serves up boutique spirits made with native ingredients and botanicals. Here you’ll find everything from apricot schnapps to eucalyptus gum leaf vodka. Try a sampling of the extensive range in the tasting room and enjoy a memorable introduction to this long-running Queensland distillery.
Kangaroo Island is known for its abundant wildlife and incredible seafood, but it’s also home to one of South Australia’s best distilleries. Kangaroo Island Spirits creates small-batch, handcrafted gin, vodka and liqueurs. Stop by the rustic cellar door or relax in the tranquil Gin Garden while sampling award-winning spirits with a side of island hospitality.
Located in the rugged wilderness of the Tasman Peninsula, McHenry Distillery is Australia’s southernmost whisky distillery. The crisp coastal air and fresh spring water sourced from the property contribute to the distillery’s distinctive whiskies and gins. Visitors can stop by the cellar door for tastings and tours while enjoying views across the surrounding Tasmanian landscape.
Lark Distillery, based in Hobart, is widely credited with helping revive Tasmania’s modern whisky industry. Today the distillery produces a range of premium single malt whiskies and spirits, with visitors able to sample their award-winning creations at the cellar door.
Bass & Flinders was the first distillery established on the Mornington Peninsula, just over an hour’s drive from Melbourne. Surrounded by the vineyards of the region, Bass & Flinders takes a vine-to-bottle approach, crafting their spirits from locally grown grapes. This dedication to regional produce gives a unique character to the brandy, gin and liqueurs on offer. Visitors can also book a Gin Masterclass to create their own custom blend.
Whipper Snapper may have started with just a dream and an old shed, but the Perth distillery has grown to become one of Western Australia’s best-known craft whisky producers. Whipper Snapper’s whiskies are handcrafted using 100 per cent local grains. Visitors can enjoy tastings, private whisky experiences and masterclasses, or simply relax at the on-site Whisky & Coffee Bar.
For more unique Australian road trips and experiences, visit our blog.
Categories:
Tags:
Key Industry Partners
