There’s something irresistibly authentic about drinking a spirit or beer just metres from where it was made. Whether it’s a slow-sipping gin infused with botanicals grown on-site or a freshly poured lager that hasn’t travelled further than the tap line, in-house breweries and distilleries offer a unique connection to craftsmanship.
These venues bring a full-sensory experience - great drinks, bold menus and settings that elevate every pour. Here's your guide to the best in-house brewers and distillers changing the game, one small batch at a time.
Maria River Distillery – Crescent Head, NSW
Tucked into the lush landscape of Crescent Head on the Mid-North Coast, Maria River Distillery is a story of family, passion and a little old dairy shed turned into something truly special. This boutique distillery sits quietly along the riverbank, where generations of the same family have worked the land for more than a century. Today, they’re cultivating juniper, citrus, coriander and native botanicals to handcraft some of the country’s most innovative spirits.
The standout? The signature Ginello - a world-first blend of
gin and limoncello, best served over ice with mint, soda and tonic. It’s zesty,
balanced and brilliantly unconventional. For something more classic, the MRD
Gin delivers floral and herbaceous depth, with a whisper of strawberry
sweetness and a peppery finish. Whether you’re sampling the Dry Gin,
Mandarincello or the latest seasonal batch, every drop tells a story of
sustainable distilling and homegrown pride.
Plan a visit and taste the botanicals of the Maria River firsthand.
Two Doors Brewing – Ashburton, Vic
In a suburb once known as a dry zone, Two Doors Brewing is a trailblazer. Ashburton’s first microbrewery, wine bar and restaurant is the result of a lockdown dream realised by locals Andy and Rach. Located on High Street, this neighbourhood gem is built around community, creativity and damn good beer. The vibe is friendly, the interiors warm and textured with exposed brick, timber accents and soft lighting that says 'stay a while'.
Here, the beer is small-batch, ever-changing and always
poured with pride. Think seasonal pale ales, gluten-free stunners and Sunday
roasts with a side of craft. It’s the kind of place where locals gather for
trivia nights, birthdays or just a midweek pint and a plate. The food menu
offers a modern pub twist, with share platters and comfort classics designed to
go hand-in-hand with your drink of choice.
Drop by and see what’s brewing - your new local is waiting.
Vale Restaurant & Bar – McLaren Flat, SA
Perched atop the hills of Blewitt Springs with views across the vineyards of McLaren Vale, Vale Restaurant & Bar blends craft beer with high-end dining in spectacular fashion. Housed within Vale Brewing, this sleek, pavilion-style venue offers an immersive experience where award-winning beers meet refined Modern Australian fare in a space that’s as scenic as it is stylish.
Start with delicate small plates like cured swordfish or
scallop-studded quail before diving into mains like dry-aged duck breast or a
Wagyu rump cap with foie gras butter and beef fat chips. Each dish is built to
pair with Vale’s craft beers or regional wines and every seat offers a
front-row view to the vine-wrapped landscape below. It’s as much a feast for
the eyes as it is for the palate.
Book now and taste McLaren Vale from the top.
Six-Tricks Distilling Co. – Mermaid Beach, Qld
Forget everything you think you know about distilleries. Six-Tricks Distilling Co. on the Gold Coast is rewriting the rules, one rebellious bottle at a time. Set in an industrial-chic space that hums with energy and invention, this Mermaid Beach hotspot is part lab, part lounge and all about pushing boundaries. Copper stills line the walls, cocktail glasses clink and a buzzing crowd leans in for the next bold flavour drop.
From rum aged to perfection to vodkas and gins with
unexpected twists, each spirit here is crafted to surprise. Behind the bar,
mixologists play with texture and temperature, delivering drinks that defy
convention. Add a menu of flavour-packed bites, live music and exclusive
tastings and you’ve got a destination that’s as much about the atmosphere as
the alcohol.
Come for the cocktails, stay for the chaos - book your next night at Six-Tricks.
Whether you’re chasing the fresh pour of a coastal gin or sipping a farmhouse-style lager in a historic wine region, these in-house breweries and distilleries offer more than just drinks - they deliver an experience. Pour yourself something special and make a date with the makers.
