The Best Craft Breweries in Margaret River, Western Australia

What do you get when you stuff a refitted hay shed on a large Western Australia paddock with pinball machines, finely crafted beer and grass-fed local cattle? Answer: the Beerfarm. Promising “beer for all”, this Margaret River institution attracts locals and tourists with its seasonal blends and small-batch brews. But beer is not the only thing that’s on the menu here; with fresh vegetables sourced from neighbouring farms and Black Angus beef from resident grass-fed cattle, the Beerfarm offers a modern menu of pub grub that puts the counter meal to shame.

With camel rides and an expansive playground for the kids as well as a massive lawn near the water, this Margaret River fave ticks all the family-friendly boxes, including plenty of beer and wine options for mum and dad. Clean, modern and airy surroundings make it a great place to cool down with one of their esteemed original elixirs such as the Cheeky Ginger (alcoholic ginger beer) or the Cheeky Salty Peaches (a clean and tart sour beer). Their award-winning restaurant serves up quick eats such as beer bread, pan-fried octopus and a kids’ menu, as well as more robust offerings of beer-braised brisket and jerk-steak sandwiches.

Contrary to its moniker, Bootleg Brewery in not an underground distiller of illicit moonshine: this lakeside haven produces some of the region’s most admirable lagers and ales. The woody cabin is surrounded by vast green lawns, which you can take in from outdoor picnic tables or the second-storey brewery museum while sipping a Session Ale or a robust Raging Bull. Round out your visit with some grub from an eclectic menu of sharing plates, burgers and mains, and enjoy some of the live entertainment that’s on offer.

The big brother of the Margaret River craft breweries, Bush Shack was established in 1998 under the name Wicked Ale Brewery. A decade later, with a name and location change, this stalwart watering hole is entrenched in the minds of locals and tourists alike. Lounging on the tiered deck overlooking the Ferguson Valley, patrons can watch their youngsters in the playground while savouring diverse fare and unique craft brews. Complement a batch of crunchy Korean chicken wings with a twisted lemon lager, or match a five-spice duck in yellow curry sauce with an amber chilli beer. Whatever you’re hankering for, Bush Shack Brewery is sure to deliver.

For a genuine Aussie craft brew experience under a minty eucalyptus canopy, you can’t beat the Margaret River Brewhouse. This bustling gem has an energy manifested by its natural surroundings, beautiful gardens, live outdoor music, fantastic food and, of course, beer. A core range of beer varieties is topped up with seasonal and unique one-offs such as 3 Sours of Power and Persimmon Gose. Let the kids run amok in the sandbox cum playground while parents get the royal treatment on the covered deck. Always packed, with guaranteed great service and cuisine, Margaret River Brewhouse has something for everyone.

A brewery, a distillery, a restaurant, a cellar door and an events and wedding venue – Black Brewing Company has it all. With stunning waterfront views and a massive architectural structure, Black Brewing Company is your upper-echelon Margaret River venue. A rotating core range of lagers and ales sit aside their partner Dune Distillery’s signature gin made from local and imported quality botanicals. For a special wedding or corporate function, the vast, open-planned space seats 250 guests or 400 standing, while executive chef Hayden Vink concocts innovative cuisine inspired by local produce.