Drink Like A Local: The Best Breweries In Byron Bay

There’s nothing better than a cold beer on a hot Aussie day, especially if you’re in Byron Bay. So, take a break from surfing and sunbathing to sample the area’s tastiest lagers and ales at one of these breweries and craft beer bars.

1. Byron Bay Brewery

Bar, Pub, Pub Grub, Australian

Byron Bay beer brewery, Byron Bay, Australia

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.

2. Stone and Wood Brewery

Pub, Beer, Snacks

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.

3. The Railway Friendly Bar

Bar, Pub, Pub Grub

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.

5. The Sticky Wicket

Bar, Beer, Cocktails, Australian

Byron bay town centre and high street shops and stores, New South Wales,Australia

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.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.