There is no better way to explore the Mornington Peninsula than discovering the makers and producers along the Beer Cider + Spirits Trail. From industrial chic to rustic charm, the Trail offers flavours unique to each stop.
Take a day or make it a week - there are plenty of ways to fill your time - indulge in a long lunch with a beer paddle, test run a whisky, take a gin flight or explore a sip of a creative cocktail (or two!)
Meet the brewers, cider-makers and distillers behind the mastery.
Craft Beer
Recently celebrating a birthday is Hasting's Smart Brothers Brewing. Their brewery is the realisation of a dream for the local brothers. With a passion for all things craft beer, the boys are now producing small-batch, handcrafted beers. From delicate lagers to big, dark porters, the Somerville taproom showcases a true spectrum of styles.
Industrial estates on the Peninsula are home to some of the best brews on offer. In Mornington, discover TAR BARREL Brewery & Distillery, producers of award-winning craft beers who have made the recent of a gin added distilling to the line-up of tipples, widening their ability to offer more crafted taste experiences. Dromana Industrial Estate serves up Jetty Road Brewery, local boys, with a passion for all things craft beer. The boys wanted to brew hop-driven American Pale Ale, Amber Ale and IPA plus a range of craft beers combined with industrial surround – they certainly do this. TWØBAYS Brewing Co is just around the corner, Australia's first dedicated gluten-free brewery and taproom located in Dromana. Their passion is creating modern beer using ancient grains so that everybody can explore a new world of flavour and enjoy a beer with friends – safe in the knowledge it is always gluten-free. Hickinbotham of Dromana offers internationally acclaimed beers on tap by its very own HIX brewery. A family run business, beers are made by son Jake with an incredible array of styles, including pilsener, pale ale, brown ale, Irish stout, double choc porter, a lovely summer ale and occasional seasonal beers.
Heading into the Hinterland, discover Red Hill Brewery. Mornington Peninsula's original craft brewery is surrounded by their very own hop garden and brew all their beers in the barn, using Red Hill rain, malt, yeast, and hops. They craft brews that are both enjoyable and sessionable. St Andrews Beach Brewery serves up freshly brewed characterful beers, something to eat and even better conversations in a truly unique outdoor space. Once a working racehorse training facility, the outdoor stables have been converted into chic sitting areas for groups. The team brew on site using the finest aroma hops and heirloom variety malt to ensure each beer is full of flavour and character.
Cider more your style?
Find your flavour at Hart's Farm, where cider is produced from their heritage cider apples and made onsite in their beautiful Shoreham location. In Red Hill, discover Mock Red Hill, a fifth-generation, family-owned and operated apple orchard located in the lush Hinterland of the Mornington Peninsula. Well-known for its ciders, the youngest generation of Mocks invite you to join them in their cider and tapas lounge, a converted 1940's wooden coolstore onsite. In Red Hill South, enjoy a cider at Tuck's. A pup-friendly space with scenic views, you won't be disappointed when you share a sip with friends, furry or otherwise, at this special place.
Drinks with spirit
A visit to the Dromana based cellar door will let you see first-hand how Bass and Flinders Distillery produce their vine to bottle products. Participate in a tasting, sample a gin flight, or order a cocktail at the Distillery's bar. The distillery also offers a gin masterclass where guests can create their very own bespoke gin. A hop, skip and jump away is JimmyRum Distillery, a craft rum distillery with an audacious goal to change the way Australians think about rum. Uncomplicated, unpretentious, and unruly, JimmyRum's are distinctive and downright delicious.
In Somerville, known for its big, bold and unique styles of award-winning single malt whisky, Chief's Son Distillery is one of the largest family-owned and operated distilleries in Australia and the only whisky distillery on the Mornington Peninsula. Enjoy a tasting, or book a guided tour, where you'll taste whisky direct from the barrel and take home a 100ml sample. Add a perfectly paired cheese platter from Boatshed cheese if you'd prefer!
With so much to discover, check out the Beer Cider + Spirits Trail to map the home-grown flavours of the Mornington Peninsula and find your way to the perfect sip.
Looking for more ways to explore? Find all the information you need here:
Looking for more Mornington Peninsula flavours? Discover food sensations like a local: