australian beer
Photo courtesy of Sponner via Shutterstock.

As an Australian who travels constantly, I am always amused when people abroad assume we mostly drink Foster’s at home. While Aussie Rules footy fans may be partial to the odd VB (a cheap and bitter historic Melbourne brew), such big-name brands donā€™t really dominate the local beer scene. Instead, Australia is home to a wide and wonderful range of independent craft brewers, hailing from such disparate regions as the eastā€™s Snowy Mountains (Razorback), the southern Victorian rainforest (Prickly Moses) andĀ the remote west coast (Little Creatures). Even a traditional Aussie BBQ is more likely to feature beers from small producers than a case of Fosters, despite what the international ads may have you believe.

Here are ten of the top craft and independent beers from Australia:

australian beer
Photo courtesy of Little Creatures.

1. Little Creatures Pale Ale

Western Australian favorite Little Creatures has become one of the most popular beer makers in the country over the last ten years or so. Many prefer their famed Pale Ale, but in my opinion, the fruitier Bright Ale is a more unique and complex drink. Melbournians also flock to Little Creaturesā€™ welcoming ā€œDining Hallā€ on Brunswick Street in hip Fitzroy, to scoff down excellent bar food and sample ponies, or smallĀ glasses, of Creaturesā€™ various brews.

australian beer
Photo courtesy of 4 Pines Brewing.

2. 4 Pines Kolsch

This smooth, straw-colored ale from Sydney maker 4 Pines Brewing is crisp, citrusy and all-roundĀ delightful. Located in the stunningly beautiful beach town Manly just north of the city, visitors to Sydney can enjoy 4 Pines’Ā beersĀ at their onsite brewpub. All of theirĀ offerings are delectable, but their Kolsch is the perfect beer to relax with on a hot Australian summerā€™s day.

australian beer
Photo courtesy of Prickly Moses.

3. Prickly Moses Otway Light

Small-scaleĀ producer Prickly Moses offers up a number of delicious beers, including their eco-friendlyĀ Organic Pilsner. Operating out of the picturesque Victorian Otway National Park region, their Otway Light, emblazoned with local resident, the prickly echidna, is their refreshing signature product. In fact, in a world of big-brand beers and multi-nationals, Prickly Moses is refreshing in more than one way.

australian beer
Photo courtesy of Red Hill Brewery.

4. Red Hill Imperial Stout

Rich, dark and intense, Red Hill Breweryā€™s Imperial Stout appeals in particular toĀ IrishĀ visitorsĀ (and to ourĀ many Irish-descendedĀ Australians [myself included]). While Pale Ales and IPAs may beĀ more popular go-to beers in Australia, there is also a burgeoning stout scene, and Red Hillā€™s offering is one of the best. However,Ā during the holiday season, you canā€™t go past their festive Christmas Ale.

australian beer
Photo courtesy of Matilda Bay Brewing Company.

5. Fat Yak Pale Ale

Wonderfully (or terribly, depending on your perspective)-named Fat Yak is one of the most widely-available craft beers in Oz. Simple, smooth and easy to drink, their classic Pale Ale is an all-round favorite. Clean and fruity with a touch of hoppiness, itā€™s the ideal beer to pair with a traditional Australian meal.

australian beer
Photo courtesy of The Little Brewing Company.

6. Mad Abbot Tripel

For Belgian-style beer lovers, thereā€™s no need to look beyond Australian shores. The Little Brewing Companyā€™s Mad Abbot Tripel stands up toĀ those malty, fruity ales the famed European beer country does so well. Medium-bodied and aromatic, this is the perfect beer for a wintry afternoon (not that afternoonsĀ get all that wintry in most parts of Australia).

australian beer
Photo courtesy of Mountain Goat.

7. Mountain Goat Hightail Ale

Fast becoming a good pub staple, Mountain Goatā€™s Hightail Ale is a rich, floral amber ale. Though Mountain Goatā€™s IPA and Summer Ales are also beloved Australian brews, the Hightail is the one winning awards left, right and center- and for good reason.

australian beer
Photo courtesy of Matilda Bay Brewing Company.

8. Ā Beez Neez

While this beer may not be for everyone, Matilda Bay Brewing Companyā€™s honey-infused Beez Neez wheat ale is a welcome novelty in a rather serious craft beer scene. Tapping into the American fascination with flavored beers (think Hardywoodā€™s Blackberry Beer or Blue Moonā€™s Gingerbread Spiced Ale), Beez Neez is a little bit odd and a whole lot delicious.

australian beer
Photo courtesy of Coopers Brewery.

9. Coopers Original Pale Ale

Established in 1862, historic Coopers is not as fancy or as exciting as the other beers on this list, but an article on Australian beer achievements could not leave it aside. Slightly bitter, refreshingĀ and easy to drink, Coopers dominates the traditional Australian pub scene, and its round, vintage-style signage adorns many a city and country establishment alike.

australian beer
Photo courtesy of Holgate Brewhouse.

10. Hopinator

From quaint historic country town Woodend, only an hourā€™s drive outside of Melbourne, Holgate Brewhouse is a fabulous artisanal brewery that suppliesĀ a number of local and Australia-wide pubs, as well as their own onsite country pub. IPA lovers will be drawn to their Hopinator, but fans of lighter flavors will love their Mt Macedon Pale Ale, named after the beautiful mountain that rises up right behind the town.

Did we include your favorite Australian beer? Do you have another suggestion to make? Please share in the comments below!

Also Check Out:

Sustainable Sips: Worldā€™s Best Eco-Friendly Breweries [Blog Inspiration]

The Beer Bible by Jeff Alworth [Must Reads]

Mr. Beer Premium Gold Edition Home Brewing Craft Beer Kit [Fun Finds]

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Jessica Festa

Jessica Festa is the editor of Epicure & Culture as well as Jessie on a Journey. She enjoys getting lost in new cities and having experiences you donā€™t read about in guidebooks. Some of her favorite travel experiences have been teaching English in Thailand, trekking her way through South America, backpacking Europe solo, road tripping through Australia, agritouring through Tuscany, and volunteering in Ghana.

Jessica Festa

Jessica Festa is the editor of Epicure & Culture as well as Jessie on a Journey. She enjoys getting lost in new cities and having experiences you donā€™t read about in guidebooks. Some of her favorite travel experiences have been teaching English in Thailand, trekking her way through South America, backpacking Europe solo, road tripping through Australia, agritouring through Tuscany, and volunteering in Ghana.

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1 Comment

  1. Very interesting list of top 10 Australian craft beers, Gemma. I’m including these beers on my must-try list when I go to Australia. Thanks!

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