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Join in the fun with us this Fe-brew-ery

Visit one of our featured breweries in Fe-brew-ery and you could go in the draw to win prizes. Here's how;

1. Visit one of our featured breweries during Fe-brew-ery, "check in" on Facebook and upload a photo of you drinking beer there
2. Tag @southcoastaletrail
3. Include the hashtags #beentheredrankthat and #febrewery

It's that easy!  At the end of the month we will draw one lucky person who will win a South Coast Ale Trail merchandise pack valued at $80

With the continued interest in craft beer around Australia, beer lovers are seeking a standout experience, and the South Coast Ale Trail is the undisputed gem. Stretching over 370kms from Wollongong to Pambula near the Victorian border, the South Coast Ale Trail delivers a diverse range of Craft Breweries as it winds its way along some of the country's most beautiful Coast line. Since its inception two years ago the trail has morphed into a beer lover's haven, boasting an impressive lineup of 23 breweries. Let's take a journey through the South Coast Ale Trail and uncover why it's stealing the spotlight as a premier beer tourism destination in Australia.

Picture this: a patchwork of breweries, each with its distinct personality, weaving together a vibrant tapestry of craft brewing styles and flavors. From cozy microbreweries to established craft beer giants, the South Coast Ale Trail caters to every taste bud whim. It's a sensory adventure, where hop-forward IPAs, robust stouts, and crisp lagers are crafted against the backdrop of local culture and scenic surroundings.

But it's not just about the beer; it's about the experience. As you hop from one brewery to the next, you'll find yourself taking in the magical landscapes and features of the coastline. Think coastal vistas, lush greenery, and charming seaside towns, all providing the perfect backdrop for your beer-sipping escapades. It's not merely a trail; it's an intoxicating journey that fuses the love of craft beer with the natural beauty of the Aussie shoreline.

What elevates the South Coast Ale Trail is the palpable sense of community and camaraderie among the breweries. These establishments aren't just places to drink; they're woven into the fabric of local life. Ingredients are sourced locally, and breweries actively participate in regional events, creating a lively tapestry that extends beyond the beer taps. Local artisans, musicians, and food vendors come together, turning the trail into a dynamic community hub that welcomes visitors with open arms.

With 23 breweries now calling the South Coast Ale Trail home, it has solidified its status as a top-tier destination for beer tourism in Australia. Beer lovers from around the country are flocking to the area savour a diverse array of high-quality, locally brewed beers. The warmth of hospitality exuded by brewery owners and staff adds an extra layer to the experience, as they eagerly share their passion for brewing and local culture.

For those planning to embark on a South Coast Ale Trail adventure, here are some practical tips:

1. Start by visiting the South Coast Ale Trail website and downloading the map. It has exclusive  offers at all of the featured breweries along the way including special deals and prices on beer, food and merchandise
2. Plan you trip. Check the opening times of the breweries on the website before you go. Allow at least a couple of hours at each venue and allow travel time in between.
3. You will need a designated a driver or join one of the brewery tours along the way.
4. Consider doing a few short itineraries in one area. For instance make a visit to Wollongong where you can visit 8 breweries over a few days, then move on to Ulladulla or one of the other areas
5. Plan your accommodation. The Ale Trail work with a number of partners that provide accommodation on the South Coast along the way.
6. Make the use of the mornings. Most breweries don’t open until after lunch so that means you have the mornings to recover and explore. Check out the “journey page” for a long list of activities and attractions on the coast, located near each of the breweries.
7. Remember The South Coast is more than just a beer lover's playground; it's a journey of discover and exploration beyond the taprooms.

In essence, the South Coast Ale Trail isn't just a journey for beer enthusiasts; it's a celebration of community, culture, and the quintessential Australian way of life. With 23 breweries offering a tantalizing array of craft beers against the backdrop of breathtaking coastal landscapes, it has become a must-visit destination for those seeking a beer-infused adventure. So, whether you're a seasoned beer connoisseur or a casual sipper, the South Coast Ale Trail invites you to savour the flavours of its thriving craft beer culture.

Finally, remember the South Coast Ale Trail is not a destination, it’s a journey, so take your time and enjoy it!

Nestled along the picturesque South Coast of New South Wales a growing craft beer movement is gaining recognition for its unique ability to brew using local ingredients. Breweries that are part of the South Coast Ale Trail are harnessing the flavours of local suppliers of the 3 key ingredients in beer Malt, Hops and Yeast.  Ryefield Hops, Mogwai Labs, and Voyager Craft Malt have managed to create a unique tapestry of tastes that encapsulates the very essence of the region.

Ryefield Hops, situated in the idyllic Bemboka countryside, plays a pivotal role in the creation of beers that boast distinct flavours. The region's microclimate, characterised by cool nights and warm days, provides an ideal environment for hop cultivation. Local brewers have seized the opportunity to infuse their beers with unique floral, citrus, and resinous notes by sourcing their hops directly from Ryefield. This commitment to using fresh, high-quality hops not only supports local farmers but also imparts a sense of terroir, reflecting the specific characteristics of the South Coast.

Karen Taylor from Ryefield Hops says “Our philosophy is to focus on the experience from garden to glass, fostering regionality, terrior and beers made where the consumer can taste the story and know where the ingredients were grown. We grow a range of popular hop varieties with sustainability at its core, using organic practices and regenerative agriculture principles.”

The foundation of any exceptional beer lies in its malts, and Voyager Craft Malt, situated in the nearby Riverina region, provides the building blocks for outstanding brews on the South Coast. Known for its dedication to quality and sustainability, Voyager Craft Malt produces malt from locally grown barley, showcasing the rich agricultural heritage of the area.

South Coast brewers turn to Voyager Craft Malt for its diverse range of malt varieties, from pale malts forming the backbone of many beers to specialty malts that add colour, sweetness, and complexity. The use of locally malted grains not only supports Australian agriculture but also imparts a unique regional character to the beers, creating a connection between the land and the pint glass.

In the intricate dance of brewing, yeast plays a crucial role in transforming sugars into alcohol while contributing a myriad of flavours and aromas. Along the South Coast, brewers turn to Mogwai Yeast, a local yeast supplier from Wollongong, to unlock the full potential of their creations. Mogwai Yeast offers an array of yeast strains, each bringing its unique profile to the brewing process. From fruity and estery to spicy and phenolic, the yeast varieties from Mogwai Yeast add complexity and depth to South Coast brews. Using locally sourced yeast not only supports a regional business but also allows brewers to experiment with innovative fermentation profiles, capturing the spirit of the South Coast in every sip.

Mogwai Labs is the brainchild of Joshua Allen, experienced scientist and brewer. Josh brings his expertise in fermentation solutions and yeast production through university qualifications and over 10 years of experience in the field. Josh says “We have actively worked in the Australian craft beer scene for years. We have accumulated knowledge of beer, its heritage and its relationship to a region, including the foraging and use of wild yeast and spontaneous fermentation practices. Through these experiences we found a better understanding and appreciation for yeast, and its importance in producing quality, unique products.”

The South Coast of NSW serves as a testament to a thriving craft beer culture taking root in Australia. Breweries along this picturesque stretch of coastline have embraced the essence of their surroundings by incorporating local ingredients like Ryefield Hops, Mogwai Yeast, and Voyager Craft Malt into their brewing processes.

This commitment to regional flavours not only produces beers of exceptional quality but also fosters a sense of community and sustainability that resonates with both locals and visitors alike.

So, the next time you savour a pint from the South Coast, remember that you're not just tasting beer; you're experiencing the unique terroir and craftsmanship, that define this vibrant and distinctive brewing region.

South Coast Bevfest is coming to Merimbula in March 2023. The event is updated format of the Merimbula Craft Beer Festival which is back after a year off due to Covid. Bevfest will bring together the area’s best producers including Craft Breweries from the South Coast Ale Trail, local wineries, distilleries and foodies.

Festival organiser Nigel Ayling said, “We wanted to expand the offerings to include other craft beverage providers and make the event more inclusive. We have so many great producers on the South Coast and we really wanted to showcase them.”

The new Kitty’s Bar at Club Sapphire will play host to the event and offer something for everyone with three different zones.  Kitty’s corner will be the place to chill out with local Distilleries such as North Eden and Nine Circles Distilleries and Breakfast Creek Winery. There will also be Gourmet Food offerings, live entertainment and Kitty's signature cocktails.

The main green will feature 8 Craft Breweries from the South Coast including Reub Goldberg, Seeker, South Yeast, Jervis Bay Brewing, Broulee Brewhouse, Camel Rock, Long Stocking and new kids on the block Frogs Hollow Brewing. There will also be a few old favourites from surrounding areas like Jindabyne Brewing, Tumut River Brewing and Bentspoke. The main green will also feature live entertainment and games including bocce and jenga.

This year for the first time, serious beer lovers can chose to by VIP tickets which will see them treated to private tastings with the brewers and beer education events.

The family zone which borders both zones will feature a kids playground, children's entertainment and bare foot bowls.  Mr Ayling says “Entry for under 18's is free with adult ticket purchase so there really is no excuse not to bring the family and enjoy a great day out.”

South Coast Bevfest is on Saturday 4th of March from 12pm. For more information and ticket sales go to Club Sapphire. The event is a joint initiative between Kitty’s and the South Coast Ale Trail, with the support of the Bega Valley Shire Council.

The South Coast Ale Trail only launched in December 2021 but one keen beer lover has already competed the trail from top to bottom. Nathan Leicht who lives nearly Wollongong had already visited a number of the breweries around him but he hadn't ventured to far South. When heard about the trail he was keen to make the journey and tick them all off, so he started planning his trip and managed to fit a few of them around a family holiday.

Below is Nathan's personal account of his visits and his assessment of each of the venues.

The catch phrase of the South Coast Ale Trail is that “It’s not a destination, it’s a journey” and this is entirely the truth. Whether you choose to visit these craft breweries as a one off, in a group of a few or as a larger collection over several days is not that important, what is important is that they all share similarities but have their own unique differences making visiting them all more and more enticing.

Resin Brewing
The furthest north geographically and being in Wollongong’s Northern suburbs and in the restored Bulli Railway Guest House this is probably what I consider the “fanciest” of the bunch. This place screams class with a great dining experience and good beers. Don’t be put off by the fanciness though, its still a great place to spend a few lazy hours on a weekend with some quality brews in a cool  atmosphere

Reub Goldberg Brewing
One of the more hidden spaces of the bunch, tucked away in downtown Tarrawanna (I will give you a moment to Google where Tarrawanna is) this place is just a great place to kick back, grab some food from one of the close by venues (the next door Tacos and  next to that Thai are legit next level) and sink some quality beers. Everything they do is good but as a core range beer their Kolsch is excellent and is getting more and more available with the addition of beers in cans to their repertoire.

Seeker Brewing
Seeker is both the new kid on the block and a Wollongong mainstay at the same time, having taken over the previous Bulli Brewing location the boys at Seeker have rebranded, renovated and reinvigorated the space in the industrial area of Unanderra. Fresh, vibrant and cool describes both the location and the beers and they nail the execution of everything from opposite ends of the scale from the ultra-low ABV Maxi Smalls at 1% ABV to the Triple Double IPA at 8.1% ABV.

South Yeast Brewing
Another of the “tucked away in the industrial area” variants of craft breweries this is a cool little space with the option to grab a good ale, play a game of darts, indulge in a local food truck option and let the kids run around in the car park under a moderate level of supervision. One that is close to me and will be on the list to put some more time into.

Jervis Bay Brewing
The Huskisson and Jervis Bay area is all about a chilled, relaxed, seaside atmosphere and despite being located in the industrial area on the edge of Husky, these guys deliver 100% on the coastal chill vibe with a large beer garden, great rotation of food trucks and most importantly excellent brews. If you are looking for somewhere to spend a sunny afternoon knocking back some high-quality  beers then this is the place for you.

Broulee Brewhouse
Relative newcomer to the Trail and to the South Coast, Broulee Brewhouse just screams “sit back and relax” With the location a couple of hundred metres from the beach, the smell of salt water in your nose, a retro beer garden, good beers and good food, this is the venue that every coastal town needs.

Tilba Brewing Co (Dromedary Hotel)
With the beer brewed by Stoic Brewing and the pub being a 120 year old location this was always going to be a winner. The best way I can describe the Dromedary Hotel in Central Tilba is that it is a classic country pub, public bar on one side, dining room on the other, rooms upstairs and the slatted tables and chairs on the balcony looking down the main street of Central Tilba. Don’t be too presumptuous though, the people are warm, the food is next level, the Palace Pale Ale is well worth the visit and they have an Amber Ale to be added to the lineup very soon.

Camelrock Brewery
For me as a coastal estuary fisherman, when looking for a family holiday location in a South Coast caravan park I have a few standard items, lakeside location, good cabins, a boat ramp and activities for the kids like tennis, minigolf etc. The Big4 at Wallaga Lake meets all of these, add the fact that it has Camel Rock Brewing inside the Caravan Park and its appeal goes through the roof. Add to this that the beer is good, the wings are excellent and the music bangs makes it a definite option for a caravan park holiday

Longstocking Brewery
Geographically the most southern and in this list last but definitely not least, Longstocking in Pambula hits home on so many levels, it’s a nice bunch of things to do on the one eclectic place. Oyster bar, woodfired pizza place, garden centre, art gallery, petting zoo, pony rides, backyard cricket all come together to ensure it has something for everyone. All this plus a hefty range of quality beer and ciders means that you will not leave disappointed.

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Thanks for sharing your story with us Nathan, we have sent you some fresh South Coast beers to enjoy while you remember your journey.

Win prizes: If you are visiting any of the South Coast Ale Trail venues, make sure you Check in via FB, upload a photo at the venue and tag @southcoastaletrail for your chance to win monthly prizes.