Once home to over 500 pubs during the gold rush, Ballarat knows its beer.
Today, the city is also pumping out some seriously talented craft brewers and local hop growers.
There’s one way to fully experience the region’s booming craft beer scene and that’s to drink your way around Ballarat’s beer halls and breweries.
From small-batch brewers to a multi-storey brewpub, here's five of the best spots to sample the city's liquid gold...
Aunty Jacks
This CBD brewpub combines quality craft beer and deliciously snackable food with hands-on workshops which teach you about all things beer.
Around 100,000 litres of beer – including lager, pale ale, stout and seasonal specials – is produced on site each year, and you have the chance to see all this first-hand.
You’ll find Aunty Jacks at 315-317 Mair St, Ballarat.
Hop Temple
Mosey on down Hop Lane to popular laneway hangout Hop Temple.
There's more than 220 craft beers and ciders on the menu (one of the largest ranges in Victoria), including the award-winning gluten-free O’Brien Beer, craft-brewed by the local team at Rebellion Brewing.
Set within converted stables, you’ll find yourself mesmerized by the recycled creations that adorn the venue as you sip away on your next favourite craft beer.
From lights made from old hot water systems to the bar handcrafted from old doors, it’s got all of those laid-back Sunday afternoon vibes.
You'll find Hop Temple at the rear of 24-28 Armstrong St Sth, Ballarat.
Red Duck Brewery
This small micro-brewery has a tradition of being at the forefront of craft beer innovation and is known for exploring the history of forgotten styles and tastes.
From inventing new brewing techniques to re-inventing long forgotten ones, Red Duck is all about all-natural, unfiltered, traditionally-brewed drops.
The latest addition to the family is Red Duck Distillery and its premium gin, vodka and whisky.
You'll find the Red Duck cellar door at 11A Michaels Dr, Alfredton.
Cubby Haus Brewing
Whether you’re looking for a cold brew after a cycle around the city with mates or you’re up for a yarn over a pizza, you’ll find Cubby Haus Brewing at 884 Humffray St Sth, Mount Pleasant.
Brewer Malcolm Sachs is always up for a chat about his hand-built 500-litre brew house and natural beers, which are based on traditional styles from around the world.
Join him for beer tastings, pizza and some classic tunes from his vinyl and CD collection.
Bankhouse Brewery
Located on the outskirts of Ballarat in Dean, this microbrewery and cellar door might just be Australia’s smallest brewery.
But, as they say, good things come in small packages.
The team here also experiment with hops from nearby farm AC Hops, so you know you're getting something made in the region direct from paddock to pint.
You'll find this former bankhouse at 1360 Ballarat-Daylesford Rd, Dean.
