Melbourne on Tap

While the sprawling Carlton & United Breweries is proudly located in inner Melbourne, now’s the time to expand your brewing horizons and take a tasty trip to the suburbs.

West

Two Birds Brewing + 136 Hall Street, Spotswood

You’ll find Two Birds Brewing, Australia’s first female-owned brewing company, just south of the West Gate Bridge, making it the perfect pit stop on your way into Melbourne. Pick up a six pack or simply settle in for an afternoon of thirst-quenching beer and bite to eat.

Best beer: Golden Ale, but indulge in a tasting paddle and you won’t be disappointed!

South

2 Brothers Brewery + 4 Joyner Street, Moorabbin

Moorabbin might be a little farther from the city than the other suggestions here, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth the trip.

Live musicians perform Thursdays and Fridays at 2 Brothers Brewery, $10 pizzas add to the destination, and there are plenty of well-priced non-beer options available.

Best cider: Gypsy Pear Cider

North

Temple Brewing Company + 122 Weston Street, Brunswick East
Stomping Ground Brewing Co + 100 Gipps Street, Collingwood

Melbourne’s inner north has, over the years, been the home of everything from the Fitzroy Lions to the hipster. More recently, it’s played host to a resurgence in craft breweries. One of the leaders is Temple Brewing Company in Brunswick East. Hang outat the bar inside the brewery or accompany your ale with a burger.

Another local establishment brewing up trouble is Stomping Ground Brewing Co in Collingwood. With its own bar, restaurant and beer garden, it’s made for summer, and as the sun sets over the industrial skyline you’ll probably start planning your next trip to Melbourne.

Best beer: Temple’s Bicycle Beer or Grandstand Australian Ale at Stomping Ground.

East

Moon Dog Craft Brewery + 17 Duke Street, Abbotsford

While Abbotsford is the home of the Carlton & United Breweries, it also houses a couple of craft breweries as well. Moon Dog Craft Brewery is one, and the folks behind the bar serve up quality brews and pizzas from the adjacent vintage caravan. An afternoon at Moon Dog is a rustic experience, but a great place to knock back a few with good friends.

Best beer: Old Mate Pale Ale

Take a tour

Carlton Brewhouse + 24 Thompson Street, Abbotsford

The Carlton Brewhouse (CUB) is home to the biggest beer expedition you’re likely to encounter in Australia. You’ll follow the same pathway that 150,000 litres of Victoria Bitter, Carlton Draught and other CUB beverages take each day. Brewing has taken place here for more than 100 years, so you’ll explore the history of the industry along the way.

No brewery tour is complete without a tasting session at the end, and you’ll have the chance to sample some of CUB’s finest beers in the Brewhouse, where you can settle in for the afternoon or head out to test your new-found love of beer at one of Melbourne’s many pubs.