Wander Australia's craft beer mecca to find pots of gold at boutique breweries and bars.
Home to the Australian Craft Beer Centre of Excellence, Ballarat is true-brew about its craft beer. The city's rich history of craft beer production has given rise to an ever-expanding stable of boutique breweries and beer events well worth a wander for beer lovers.
Chase pots of gold at breweries Hop Temple, Cubby Haus Brewing and Red Duck Beer, set aside time for the annual Ballarat Beer Festival in January, and keep an eye out for local events – something's always brewing.
We've dug up the best places for the perfect pot (or pint). Gold diggers, get on your way.
1. Hop Temple
Give thanks for hops at this temple featuring more than 200 craft beers and ciders, the largest range in Victoria.
2. Cubby Haus Brewing
Sampling quality hand crafted beer is child's play at this family run brewery dedicated to beer and building.
3. Red Duck Beer
Visit the vanguard of Ballarat's craft beer revolution, carefully crafting small batch beers since 2005.
4. Ballarat Beer Festival (summer)
The gold standard in local brew festivals, Ballarat Beer Festival celebrates the amber nectar in the summertime with craft beer and live music.
5. Mitchell Harris Wine Bar
Compare grape and grain at this wine bar with an impressive range of beers on tap from Victoria, interstate and overseas, as well as its own wine.
6. Aunty Jacks
Try locally made craft beers or hop on to brewing masterclasses at the brewpub's beer school.
