As the sun starts to bear down on our waterfront town and thirsts begin to thicken, craft beer and cider are the only source of a satisfying quenching.
Thankfully our region is stacked with selections in the brewing domain within the city centre, around the Surf Coast and across the Bellarine.
From the humble family-owned establishments, and dedicated microbreweries, to the flagship fathers of the brew industry, Geelong boasts award-winning entries in the craft beer and cider world. Whether you’re into the crisp lager or you want to expand your flavour palette with an experimental sour, our tap houses and breweries are flowing with options.
Keep up with the latest food and booze news across the region here.
Here are some of the best spots to grab a craft beer or cider this summer.
FarmDog Brewing
Where: 225 Swan Bay Road, Wallington
Covering weekend trading from Friday through Sunday, the family-operated FarmDog Brewing is a microbrewery located at McGlashan’s Estate cellar door. Their flagship four craft beers range is likened to man’s best friend, offering playfulness with their pale ale through to fierceness with their trusty IPA. Their range of gin is an added bonus for the bold.
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Brewicolo
Where: 32 Marine Parade, Ocean Grove
Another weekend warrior, Brewicolo is a Bellarine brewery from locals Kay Godfrey and Chilla Tuicolo. Their brewery and tap house boasts eleven craft beers including Fijian-influenced Wai-Koula Golden Lager, Kofe Brown Ale, Maqo Wiwi Mango Sour and Bogi Oatmeal Stout.
Blackman’s Brewery Geelong
Where: 29/8 Lewalan Street, Grovedale 3216
The Blackman’s Brewery brand is no stranger to the Geelong and Surf Coast beer and cider community. They made a home at Torquay’s main drag of Bell Street with Mexican Cantina, working their way along the shore to Ocean Grove and have since expanded to another grove, Grovedale. This new Geelong location is an industrial bar with a vibrant atmosphere and 16 crisp beers on tap. Partnering with Il Capo Wood Fire Pizza Truck, this family-friendly brewery is open Thursday through Sunday.
Flying Brick Cider Co
Where: 1251/1269 Bellarine Hwy, Wallington
Quenching thirst seven days a week, Flying Brick Cider Co is the staple cider of the region with one of the best locations on the Bellarine. Situated directly across from the family affair of Adventure Park, the rolling hill of Flying Brick has a picturesque view overlooking the lake of the theme park, perfect for a warm summer’s day.
With retro-inspired venue with a restaurant on site offering a tasting paddle of ciders, exceptional food, Bellarine wines, and live music, their ciders are traditionally crafted from 100% fresh fruit and free from added sugars, colours or concentrates, setting them apart from mainstream alternatives.
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Little Creatures
Where: 221 Swanston Street, Geelong
Little Creatures exploded in Geelong over the course of the last decade, bringing their self-proclaimed Willy Wonka-style beer factory to life through brewery tours, dining, functions, markets and festivals. While the flagship Little Creatures brew is a national name founded from their Fremantle barrels, the frosty Furphy proudly calls this brewery location home.
White Rabbit
Where: 221 Swanston Street, Geelong
Tucked into the same industrial labyrinth of Little Creatures, White Rabbit Brewery and Barrel Hall boasts a wall of aging ales and open fermenters upon entry. White Rabbit is for the beer aficionado keen to learn about the brewing process whilst also tasting speciality selections of experimental proportions that are only available on-site. It’s also a stunning location for a function or wedding.
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Valhalla Taproom
Where: 12 – 14 Union Street, Geelong
The brainchild of Scott Hunt, Valhalla Taproom is the edgy beer brother of the region. This microbrewery offers 12 award-winning varieties including their standout Obsidian Black Ale. Made with a slice of rock ‘n’ roll attitude and a Viking philosophy, these beers are paired with live music nights and BYO record events.
Valhalla Brewhall
Where: E17/13 Mackey St, North Geelong
If you liked the sound of Valhalla Taproom, you’ll be seriously impressed with Valhalla’s newest venue. Expanding into the Federal Mills Precinct, the Valhalla Brewhall offers a spacious setting, live music, and an extensive selection of meticulously crafted beers. With a diverse range from crisp lagers to rich stouts, complemented by fresh pizza and live tunes, Valhalla Brewhall creates an unforgettable experience for beer enthusiasts and music lovers alike.
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Mt Pleasant Road Brewers
Where: 110 Mt Pleasant Road, Belmont
A teacher and a paramedic partnership, Mt Pleasant Road Brewers was a passion project to create quality craft beers from local ingredients. Fast forward, the company has set up shop at the top of town with a ten-tap Taproom, with seven dedicated to the brand. From Friday through to Sunday, this is a solid spot to grab a cold one and a bite, especially when their food trucks are on site.
With plenty of options, there is no excuse not to wet the whistle this summer.
This article is written in partnership with Visit Geelong Bellarine
