Thursday, March 3, 2022

Cheers to that! Craft breweries along Geographe Bay, Busselton-Eagle Bay

Enjoying good company and beer outdoors

While WA’s South West has been celebrated for decades as a wine mecca (deservedly so), craft breweries have been quietly making their mark. Now, breweries are considered ‘must visit’ destinations as much as their winery counterparts.

There’s nothing quite like sitting outdoors on a sunny day, a gourmet platter of food on the tabletop, and a menu full of interesting craft beers to mull over. The following four craft breweries in the Geographe Bay area are well-worthy of a visit.

Shelter Brewing Co

A relatively new kid on the block, Shelter is a game changer. There’s a warm and welcoming vibe at this business which is right on the Busselton Foreshore, with incredible views of Geographe Bay and the jetty. It’s a big open venue so there’s plenty of space for informal dining (definitely try the melt-in-your-mouth brisket) and sipping beers. The beer paddle is a great option as you get to choose your own adventure. You can opt for malty, tropical, bready, and more, while you learn about your selection. There’s a playground on premises and your furry pals are welcome too. Also swing past for a coffee and bagel from 7am.

Rocky Ridge Brewing

Enjoy some of the best-rated beer in the entire South West. And in even better news, you’ll barely be able to keep up with all the new brews being showcased by this talented team. Located in Busselton, Rocky Ridge Brewing is committed to local produce and sustainable practices. For starters, the brewery is carbon neutral, and their water recycling plant will reuse around five million litres of water per year. Visit the tap house (a refurbished 1930s home), near Busselton Jetty to sample more than two dozen inventive and near-perfection beers on tap, and have a bite to eat from the small but delicious menu. PS – bring your growler for takeaway!

Eagle Bay Brewing Co

One of the most popular establishments in the region, Eagle Bay Brewing Co is a microbrewery, restaurant, and vineyard – and does all three exceptionally well. With sweeping views across the rolling rural landscape all the way to the glimmering coast, you can see why visitors come back time and time again. The beer is brewed in small batches and made with just four ingredients: freshly-harvested rainwater, malted barley, yeast, and hops. And not a preservative in sight. There’s an extensive menu if you decide to kick back and enjoy the afternoon in the sun, strolling the open lawns with the kids darting happily back and forth to the playground.

The Sophisticated Beast

This funky micro-brewery is a nice change of pace from the usual experience. For one thing, it’s Western Australia’s smallest brewery; literally a hole in the wall business where you can chat all things beer to the brewer, Ryan. Visit The Sophisticated Beast cellar door in Vasse or at the Margaret River markets on a Saturday for a dose of unconventional flavours and products: lager, kölsch, cold brew coffee, and even seltzer cocktails. Try a paddle or take home a ‘Karl’, ‘Margot’, ‘Neil’, or ‘Hugh’.

If you thought this was all for breweries in the South West, you’re in for a real treat. We’ve covered Geographe in this article, but check back for more excellent breweries across the region. Next time we focus on the warm and woody wintertime locations around Yallingup, followed by summer brewery fun in Margaret River.

Enjoy a relaxed visit to WA’s South West with family and friends. Explore more than 50 luxury holiday homes across the stunning Geographe Bay coastline, from Busselton to Eagle Bay.