Drink Like a Local: The Best Breweries in Byron Bay

Byron’s most famous brewery is perfectly positioned at the Old Arts Factory, a popular live music venue that’s been hosting artists from across the world for over 35 years. Catch a band perform, drop in on the weekly open-mic night and enjoy a range of craft beers at this atmospheric brewery, which has a large beer garden and a distinctly eclectic, Byron Bay feel. Six signature in-house brews include a refreshing premium lager, a tropical pale ale and a dark lager, which has a mild chocolate flavour. There’s enough to keep you tasting all evening, alongside a choice of wines, ciders and spirits. If you get peckish, order from a comforting pub menu that features burgers, tacos, fries and chicken wings.

Set up in 2008 by three Byron locals, Stone & Wood Brewery is an independent company that prides itself on having a friendly, village feel. In fact, it’s been so successful that the owners have opened a second branch a few hours north in Murwillumbah. Come to Stone & Wood to taste staples such as the Pacific Ale and the light golden Green Coast Lager, as well as exciting pilot batches and limited releases. Beer fans will love the brewery tours, which take place every day except for Tuesdays and include a drink on arrival and tastings. Even better, the Stone & Wood Brewing Experience takes you through a day in the life of a brewer, with hands-on activities, lunch, beers and a merch pack. If you’re just dropping by for a drink, time your visit to order some food between 12pm and 3pm, when there’s a rotating snack menu.

This Byron Bay bar has been around for over 30 years and is set in the town’s former railway station. It’s the ideal place to sit outside in the garden and soak up that east coast sunshine with a cold pint. There are over 20 on-tap beers to choose from, with craft varieties from Stone & Wood, Coopers Brewery and Tooheys. The Rails, as it’s known to locals, also regularly hosts live music and serves a pub grub menu of burgers, pasta, seafood and snacks to keep your belly full on a night out.

The Seven Mile Brewing Co. lies just 25 minutes from central Byron Bay in nearby Ballina. The family-owned business focuses on producing drinks using ingredients sourced from the community. Try its three core beers in the airy, warehouse-style bar with views of the brewing vats, or settle on a table outside in the sunshine. Its American pale ale offers a caramel sweetness, while the Cali Cream is a light, thirst-quenching option and the West Coast IPA has an exotic flavour. Seven Mile aims to release seasonal beers every six to eight weeks, with varieties like the fruity Pulp Thiction returning due to popular demand. To keep things interesting, Seven Mile invites guest chefs in to cater and puts on regular events such as film nights and pizza and beer evenings.

The Sticky Wicket is where sports fans come to get their fix in Byron Bay. Located in the heart of town, this bar has comfy couches, big HD TVs showing games of the day and even an upstairs dance floor that hosts live music and DJ sets. As well as your usual wines, cocktails and spirits, The Sticky Wicket has an extensive craft beer selection, with on-tap options such as Mountain Goat Steam Ale, Asahi Super Dry and Cricketers Arms Spearhead Pale Ale.