- Local Drops
Perth’s best distilleries and breweries
Keen to scope out the best drinks from Western Australia? Easy – plan your visit to these breweries and distilleries within Perth’s city limits and beyond.
Perth has plenty to inspire you as a drinking destination, from fresh-tasting coastal craft beers to innovative gins inspired by Western Australian botanicals. Here’s our guide to the best places to explore in Perth, with a long weekend destination down in Margaret River, along with our favourite buys to take home from your local First Choice Liquor Market.
Spirit of Little Things: Subiaco
Housed in a hard-to-spot former warehouse, this urban micro-distillery and small bar switched on the lights in 2021 and has fast become a local favourite since. The major drawcard here is the artisan gin: a solid core range accented with native botanicals, as well as seasonal releases showcasing the likes of blood oranges or tempranillo grapes. From Thursday to Sunday, the relaxed industrial atmosphere sets the tone for carefree catch-ups over G&Ts and small plates, while bi-weekly masterclasses offer insights into the production process, along with tastings and the chance to create your own signature cocktail.
Distance from Perth CBD: 5km
Try this at home: The Australian Botanical Gin spotlights the best of the bush, from fragrant lemon myrtle and sweet strawberry gum to spicy pepperberry.
Spirit of Little Things: Subiaco
Housed in a hard-to-spot former warehouse, this urban micro-distillery and small bar switched on the lights in 2021 and has fast become a local favourite since. The major drawcard here is the artisan gin: a solid core range accented with native botanicals, as well as seasonal releases showcasing the likes of blood oranges or tempranillo grapes. From Thursday to Sunday, the relaxed industrial atmosphere sets the tone for carefree catch-ups over G&Ts and small plates, while bi-weekly masterclasses offer insights into the production process, along with tastings and the chance to create your own signature cocktail.
Distance from Perth CBD: 5km
Try this at home: The Australian Botanical Gin spotlights the best of the bush, from fragrant lemon myrtle and sweet strawberry gum to spicy pepperberry.
Little Creatures: Fremantle
Little Creatures has been a leading light in WA’s dynamic brewing landscape for more than 20 years – and there’s no better place to see why than its sprawling HQ on the Fremantle waterfront. The beer taps flow straight from the brewing tanks, offering drinkers an ultra-fresh look at the flagship Pale Ale and other favourites, all of which pair perfectly with the much loved woodfired pizzas. Brewery tours depart twice daily and include a tasting board, but if you prefer taking things at your own pace, the dog-friendly beer garden is the place to be.
Distance from Perth CBD: 19km
Try these at home: It’s hard to look past the hoppy American-style Pale Ale, but the summery, tropical Pacific Ale goes down a treat, too.
Gage Roads: Fremantle
If there’s a more picturesque spot to sink a beer in Freo than Gage Roads Brew Co, it must be a well-kept secret. Since opening in early 2022, this mammoth cargo-shed-turned-brewpub has levelled up the port city’s scene considerably, proving a magnet for young locals, families and tourists alike. The all-natural, dry-hopped and unfiltered beer line-up is just as easygoing as the whole experience, made all the better by harbour views and a table full of snacks from an expansive menu that’s sure to please all comers.
Distance from Perth CBD: 19km
Try these at home: In 2022, the light and bright Single Fin Summer Ale claimed the number 11 spot on the GABS Hottest 100 craft beers list, cementing itself as one of Australia’s most sought-after beers. The breezier Side Track All Day XPA, meanwhile, puts a more session-friendly spin on ale.
Old Young’s: Henley Brook
The Swan Valley may be commonly known as WA’s oldest wine region, but it’s also a hotbed for small-batch distilling. At Old Young’s, founder and distiller James Young has made a big name for himself with a lively suite of spirits – think smoked vodka or a gin inspired by the six seasons of the Noongar calendar. In the distillery’s airy restaurant, Old Young’s Kitchen, chef Rohan Park is also making waves thanks to adventurous dishes like kangaroo tartare and crocodile chorizo. Consider it a perfect daytrip from the hustle and bustle of the big smoke.
Distance from Perth CBD: 25km
Try this at home: No stranger to local or international awards, the 1829 Gin opens with a big burst of Tuscan juniper, closely followed by fragrant notes of lemon myrtle and locally grown citrus.
The West Winds Distillers: Cowaramup
Be sure to add the West Winds Tavern to your hit list if you’re heading down to Margaret River. Located just 12 kilometres north of town, the newly opened Cowaramup home to the pioneering distillery comprises a production facility, cellar door, restaurant and bar, with indoor and outdoor spaces as well as a children’s play area. Sample a flight of the benchmark gins, give the vodka and whisky a whirl, or grab a cocktail from the extensive list before settling in for the afternoon with a burger or shared platter of charcuterie and cheese.
Distance from Perth CBD: 258km – about 3 hours by car, or about 5.5 hours by train and/or bus from Perth via Bunbury and Busselton, or a 30-minute drive from Busselton Margaret River airport.
Try these at home: For a clean, zesty take on a London Dry gin, you can’t beat The Sabre, which packs a piney punch. Or, if you’re after a bit more colour, the berry-driven Pinque Rosé Gin, tinted with cabernet sauvignon, should do the trick.
- Also in Local Drops
- View More Post Local Drops
