June 2023

Brewery Radar serves the brewing industry by keeping it up to date with the progress of planned breweries, expansions, and tap rooms in Australia. We aim to track where they are in their development process from concept to opening.

This month, the most significant activity has taken place in Queensland and News South Wales. We have updates from 26 breweries or brands with:

4 brewery openings;
3 new venues;
1 new contract brand;
1 closure; and
another 16 in various stages of planning and development.

All QLD VIC NSW SA WA

QLD

New brewery and distillery Hoppers Brewing opened in Albion, Brisbane, earlier this month, after the three co-owners got through a lengthy development approval process.

In May, Range Brewing officially opened their wedding and events venue called The Benthal next door to the existing brewery and tap room.

This month, Range Brewing also opened their new Patio neighbourhood bar in Rosalie Village featuring a pub like feel and of course a big patio.

Boxer Brewing Co. officially canned its first brew, a Mexican-style lager called “Cerveza,” in early May but the venue is not yet open to the public.

The owners of Hodfellow’s Brewing Co. announced that they started brewing at the end of May with their newly delivered and installed equipment. They are working on their first dark lager brew and do not yet have a date for opening their tap room.

Goanna Brewing plans to move their brewery into a new facility in Mackay CBD complete with tap room, brewery, and restaurant overlooking the Pioneer River. Anticipated opening for stage one of the venue is October 2023 with the full restaurant to open in 2024. This will be the third brewery for the Mackay CBD and is opposite Red Dog Brewing Co who have also announced a new venue.

Red Dog Brewing Co announced on social media that they have secured the tenancy of a council owned building and will open a second venue with restaurant, bar and micro-brewery. The official opening of Red Dog Riverfront will be on Saturday 1 July 2023.

Carl, the owner of Yeppoon-based Crimson Finch Brewery, gave a tour of the venue to show its progress. The brewhouse, fermenters and kegs have arrived but are yet to be properly installed.

Steven Keating, the owner of Chinchilla-based brewery-in-construction Charleys Creek, said they “are still working away” and are “aiming for an October opening.”

“It is a greenfield site and the entire project will be net zero and operated off grid.”

“Also, as we are beer producers, we are taking our beef and smoker down to Hiker Brewing in Salisbury on Saturday July 1. It is aimed at being a promotion of Charleys Creek – the beef, the brewery and the tourist park.”

Located in Burleigh Heads, Sobah Beverages’ “new HQ is in its final stages and will be ready for the public very soon.”

Perentie Brewing Co on the Gold Coast recently had their new brewkit commissioned by the team at the Criveller Group

VIC

Devilbend Farm Beer Co, based in the rural town of Tuerong, opened the doors to its brewery and taproom on June 3rd.

Fox Friday’s new Melbourne venue in Richmond is coming together, with brewery operations due to begin in July and the taproom expected to open in October.

Moon Dog’s application for a brewery in the former Franco Cozz0 has been rejected by council and the brewery is working on a revised proposal in the hopes of a resolution without needing to appeal the decision.

NSW

Grafton Brewing Co is continuing its progress as it looks to open as part of the Brewhouse Group’s new retail and commercial precinct at the home of the old Grafton Brewery that was shut down by Toohey’s in 1997. There is no update on anticipated opening dates as the development application process has continued to be a challenge.

Spangled Drongo Brewing updated its followers in June, announcing that the first batch beer brewed at its new facility was available. However, no announcement has been made about the tap room.

Pacific Ocean Brewing Co is set to open in Tuncurry. Founder, David Gander told brews news “We have finally received approval for our brewery, tap house, and restaurant project in the breathtaking Mid North Coast NSW after a long process with the council. We’re absolutely thrilled and can’t wait for people to experience our unique offerings.” No dates have been given for when the brewery will be open.

Heaps Normal have lodged plans for a new venue in Marrickville featuring a 300-person venue, brewery and and ’emphasis on non-alcoholic products’.

The relocation of Oak Haven Brewery, which is owned and operated by the Gosford RSL Club, is on track for the new year. Having won gold and bronze at the International Beer Awards this year, Oak Haven Brewery will expand as part of the Gosford RSL development, with the new location set to open in January 2024.

The owners of Wicked Elf Brewing co in Port Macquarie announced the brewery would close.

SA

Stump Brewing Co has launched at the Magpie and Stump Hotel with the owner Paul dreaming of a range of house brands. Stump Brewing Co is a contract brand with the beer produced in the Clare Valley, according to a company post on Facebook.

Yellow Matter Brewing, a new brewery and casual dining venue located in an old council depot building in Adelaide, will open on June 24th. It aims to give opportunities to women and gender minorities to bring greater balance to the male-dominated brewing industry. Tristan Barlow, former header brewer at Bodriggy Brewing Co, is Yellow Matter’s brewer.

WA

Blasta Brewing Co opened its new venue Blasta HQ & Departure Lounge just in time for visitors for the WA Brewers Conference.

Bassendean Council has rejected Co Lab Brewery’s plans to construct a microbrewery on Old Perth Road. Despite locals’ support of the development, which included a bar, lounge, 330 sqm microbrewery, staff office and two food truck parking bays in lieu of a kitchen, many councillors voted against the proposal. One reason for this was due to insufficient parking. Brad Hill, the director of Co Lab, is considering whether he will appeal the decision.

South Fremantle Brewing announced the end of its “summer residency” at Fremantle’s FOMO building, with its Alley Bar closing in May.