The Best Breweries You Can Visit In And Around Sydney

The craft beer scene in Sydney, Australia, is expanding, from traditional brews to artisanal beers. Here are some of the best local and independent breweries and microbreweries every beer-loving Sydneysider and visitor should know about.

1. Young Henrys

Craft Ale Bar, Street Food

Nothing beats hanging out at the Young Henrys brewery in the afternoon, drinking artisanal beers served by hipsters. This institution is located in the alternative suburb of Newtown, and Young Henrys fits right in with its community vibe, food trucks and local musicians. Order the Newtowner, a famous Aussie pale ale named in homage to the suburb the brewery calls home.

2. Wayward Brewing Co

Bar, Craft Ale Bar, Australian

Wayward Brewing is hidden in a laneway in Camperdown. Thanks to its moody lighting and hard-to-find location, this brewery is perfect for colder days or when you don’t feel like being seen. The bar offers an impressive beer list, boasting classic IPAs as well as gluten-reduced beers, and limited releases such as the Coffee and Donuts Milk Stout.

3. The Grifter Brewing Co

Bar, Pub Grub, Gluten-free, Vegan, Vegetarian

Introducing one of Marrickville’s favourite local hangouts. Set in an industrial warehouse, this brewery is no frills until it comes to the beer. Order a Serpent’s Kiss, a fresh, watermelon pilsner – or the bar’s favourite, the Pink Galah, a pink-lemonade sour beer. Bottoms up!

4. Riverside Brewing Company

Craft Ale Bar, Beer

Visitors to Parramatta can rejoice – situated in an industrial location approximately forty-five from Sydney, this venue may seem basic from the outside, but its craft beer list suggests everything but. Try the Sixty Nine Summer Ale, which is brewed with Australian barley and hops.

5. The Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel

Pub, Pub Grub

The exterior of the Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel © The Lord

This is Sydney’s oldest continually licensed hotel, established in 1831. Located in the historic precinct, The Rocks, you’ll find yourself soaking up the charm, as well as some of their famous brews. Sandstone bricks and uneven windows adorn this corner pub. You’ll be hard pressed to find a more appealing venue for a pint.

6. Atomic Beer Project

Craft Ale Bar, Australian

Some of the most popular beers in Western Australia are brewed by Gage Roads Brewery. Its new Sydney venue and hotly anticipated brewery, Atomic Beer Project, is set to open in the happening suburb of Redfern. This small-batch brewery will brew a limited number of new release beers on site, and showcase Western Australia’s finest brews.

7. 4 Pines Manly

Pub, Australian, Beer

Samplers of (left to right) Stout, ESB, Pale Ale, Kolsch and Hefewiezen at the 4 Pine Brewing Company, Manly, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

4 Pines Manly is a a surfer’s dream. The easy-to-find brewery is a few steps off the ferry on the Manly wharf. With a famous surf break located nearby, stop in for a cold pilsner after you’ve caught a few waves. Soak up the relaxed vibe on the balcony with a well-earned pint of Pacific Ale.