More and more breweries are popping up in the Illawarra. Here are a few top spots to try. Photo: Supplied.
The Illawarra’s got a lot going for it – beaches, bushwalks, and, as it turns out, a pretty impressive line-up of breweries.
Whether you’re keen to explore craft beer or just want a nice spot to unwind, there’s something here for everyone.
We’ve rounded up a few standout places for a brewery tour, each with its own vibe and local charm.
Darkes
387-405 Darkes Road, Darkes Forest
This one’s not strictly a brewery, but Darkes deserves a mention. It’s a family-run orchard that makes some seriously good cider using fruit grown on-site. You can stroll through the trees, grab a drink to sip there or take home, and enjoy flavours such as fruit and honey cider. They also open up for fruit picking from November to April, which pairs nicely with a tasting. It’s a chilled, family-friendly spot that’s worth the trip.
Resin Brewing
8 Station Street, Bulli
Resin Brewing is tucked into the old Bulli Railway Guest House, built in 1887. You’ve got the choice of hanging out inside near the kegs or sitting in the alfresco area. They’re a microbrewery doing small-batch beers, with a mix of classics like IPAs and some fun ones like Ginger Sandon Lager or Elderflower and Lychee Sour, all listed on the bar wall. Run by two locals from Stanwell Park, it’s got a laid-back, family-friendly feel. The food’s great too – think olives and arancini for snacks, or BBQ ribs and tacos if you’re hungrier.
Dusty Lizard Brewing
102 Smith Street, Wollongong
Dusty Lizard Brewing is a nano-brewery right near Wollongong’s CBD, perfect for a post-work drink. They keep it small-scale with a selection of their own brews, plus some local ciders and wines on tap. It’s easy on the wallet too, with $6 tap beers and white wines during happy hours (Thursday to Saturday 4 to 6 pm, Sunday 1 to 3 pm). Food trucks such as Texas BBQ or pho pop by regularly, making it a simple, relaxed spot to catch up with friends.
Five Barrel Brewing is growing a reputation for creative concoctions. Photo: Keeli Royle.
Five Barrel Brewing
318 Keira Street, Wollongong
Five Barrel Brewing is an independent brewery and proud of it. Its taproom’s open every day, serving fresh, unfiltered beers made with quality ingredients. The outdoor area is a highlight in summer, and food trucks roll in from Thursday to Sunday. It’s straightforward and well done, a solid choice for a casual beer.
Illawarra Brewery
Eastern Terrace, WIN Entertainment Centre, corner Crown and Harbour streets, Wollongong
Illawarra Brewery holds the title of the area’s first brewery, and it’s still a go-to. Right on the beachfront near the WIN Entertainment Centre, it’s got 24 taps pouring beers from top Australian breweries – something for every taste. It’s a busy place with good food and a lively atmosphere, especially if you’re heading to a game or event nearby. Great location, great range.
Seeker Brewing
Unit 4, 1 Industrial Road, Unanderra
Seeker Brewing is a craft brewery with a taproom and music venue rolled into one. It’s set in an old warehouse with a garage-door feel, complete with a pool table and comfy lounges inside. They do wood-fired pizzas from their on-site truck, and there’s often live music to round out the night. The beers are reliably good and it’s hard to pick a dud here.
Jeffrey Argent from Seeker Brewery, based in a former Unanderra warehouse. Photo: Keeli Royle.
Bass Point Brewing
Unit 4, 7 Sunset Ave, Barrack Heights
Brothers Daniel and Brendon James opened a Barrack Heights taphouse for their popular Bass Point Brewing brand just a few months ago. Each of their beers are named after an area around Bass Point, including The Shallows, Bushrangers Bay and Beaky Cove. The boys have since expanded to bringing in food vans every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, often running beer specials to pair with the food on offer.
Stoic Brewing
2/3 Angus Avenue, Gerringong
Head south to Gerringong and you’ll find Stoic Brewing, started by a father and son in 2018. It’s a microbrewery where you can drink among the vats, which gives it a cool, authentic edge. They’ve got indoor and outdoor spaces, plus regular events such as live music and pop-up pizza. The food menu’s got brewery staples such as loaded fries, cheeseburgers, and brisket, and they do deals like happy hour (4 to 6 pm weekdays) or $25 pint-and-burger Fridays. A nice community spot.
That’s the rundown – some of the best brewery experiences around the Illawarra. They’re all different, but each one’s got that local touch that makes any of them worth a visit. Pick one, grab a drink, and enjoy what our area has to offer. Cheers!
