Exploring Geelong & Bellarine’s Craft Beer Scene
The craft beer scene in Geelong, the Bellarine Peninsula, and the Surf Coast is thriving. Over the past decade, this region has seen a surge of innovative breweries producing everything from crisp, refreshing pale ales to bold, full-bodied stouts. For locals and visitors alike, exploring these breweries has become a must-do experience, offering a taste of the area’s creativity and community spirit.
Standout Breweries You Should Know
Standout Breweries You Should Know
Whether you’re a seasoned beer lover or just curious about local brews, the region boasts a range of breweries each with its own unique style and personality. Here’s a closer look at some of the standout breweries and what makes them special:
Bells Beach Brewing: Nestled near the world-famous surf break, Bells Beach Brewing captures the essence of the Surf Coast lifestyle. Their beers are coastal-inspired, easy-drinking, and designed for long, lazy afternoons. One of their signature beers, Endless Summer Lager, is a crisp, pale lager with a light malt sweetness balanced by subtle hop bitterness. With bright citrus aromas and a clean finish, it’s perfect for sipping on a sunny afternoon, whether at the beach or in a relaxed bar setting.
Farm Dog Brewing: Farm Dog is all about creativity and storytelling. Each batch is crafted in small quantities with an emphasis on innovation and bold flavor profiles. Paddock at the Disco, one of their standout releases, is a pale ale bursting with tropical fruit aromas. Expect juicy notes of pineapple and passionfruit with a smooth malt backbone and a gentle bitterness that lingers just enough to keep each sip refreshing. Farm Dog’s beers have personality, and this one is a playful example of their imaginative approach.
Blackman’s Brewery: A Bellarine institution, Blackman’s Brewery combines traditional brewing techniques with a modern approach. Known for consistently high-quality beers, their lineup includes award-winning ales, crisp lagers, and seasonal specialties. Juicy Banger is hopped like an IPA but has the body of a lager, offering a juicy, aromatic experience with the crisp, sharp finish of a classic lager. It pours a light golden color with 40 IBU bitterness, using pilsner malt and hops like Mosaic, Falconer’s Flight, and Amarillo. With an ABV of 5.8%, it’s a “banger” that’s bold in aroma and flavor but perfectly balanced.
Mt Pleasant Brewers: Their Taproom in Belmont is a must-visit destination for craft beer enthusiasts. Mt Pleasant Brewers blends classic brewing styles with experimental flavors that appeal to adventurous drinkers. Their Low Rider Hazy IPA is a hazy, golden beer with juicy aromas of stone fruit and citrus. On the palate, it delivers a soft, full-bodied mouthfeel with a rounded bitterness that complements the fruity hops. At a low ABV of 3.2%, it’s an easy-drinking, sessionable IPA that lets you enjoy more than one without feeling overwhelmed.
The Culture of Craft Beer in the Region
Craft beer in Geelong and the surrounding areas is about more than just the drinks. Breweries collaborate on events, host tastings, and experiment with flavors that showcase local ingredients. Seasonal releases, hop-forward ales, low-ABV options, and barrel-aged specials keep the scene fresh and exciting.
For visitors, the region’s craft beer culture is approachable, inclusive, and ideal for sharing with friends. Whether attending a brewery event or simply enjoying a pint with a view, there’s a sense of community that makes every visit memorable. Many breweries also encourage visitors to explore the stories behind each beer, highlighting local hops, malts, or collaborations with other regional producers.
Where to Sample the Best Beers
While visiting the breweries themselves is a must for any craft beer enthusiast, there are also excellent spots in Geelong where you can sample a variety of local brews in one convenient location. One such venue is WYM, a relaxed café and bar where locals and tourists can enjoy pints from these outstanding breweries.
At WYM, you can enjoy a rotating selection of beers from local breweries, as well as ciders and ginger beers crafted by the same makers. This makes it easy to explore the flavors of the region in a friendly, laid-back setting without having to travel from brewery to brewery. Whether you’re enjoying a post-work drink, catching up with friends, or just looking to try something new, WYM offers a casual way to experience the best of local craft beer.
Tips for Exploring Geelong and Bellarine Craft Beer
If you’re planning a craft beer adventure, here are a few tips to make the most of your experience:
Plan a Brewery Crawl: Map out a route between Geelong, the Bellarine Peninsula, and Belmont to visit multiple breweries in a day. Each brewery has its own vibe and specialties, so plan to try one or two signature beers at each.
Check Taproom Events: Many local breweries host events such as live music, trivia nights, and tasting sessions. These are great opportunities to try limited releases and meet the brewers behind your favorite beers.
Try Seasonal and Limited Releases: Breweries often rotate their beer selection, introducing new flavors and styles each season. Be on the lookout for these special editions for something truly unique.
Pair with Food: Many breweries have a small kitchen or collaborate with local food vendors. Pairing a craft beer with the right dish can enhance the flavors and provide a more rounded tasting experience.
Ask for Recommendations: Don’t hesitate to ask bar staff or brewery attendants for their personal favorites. Locals often know the hidden gems and seasonal releases that you might otherwise miss.
Plan Your Craft Beer Adventure
Exploring the craft beer scene across Geelong, Bellarine, and the Surf Coast is a journey worth taking. Hop between breweries, savor the unique flavors of each, and stop by local bars like WYM to enjoy them in a welcoming atmosphere.
Whether you’re a local looking to support your community or a visitor wanting a taste of the region, the area’s craft beer scene has something for everyone. From crisp lagers to juicy IPAs, there’s a beer to suit every palate, and the growing network of breweries ensures that there’s always something new to discover.
References
Bells Beach Brewing. (n.d.). Endless Summer Lager. Retrieved February 24, 2026, from https://bellsbeachbrewing.com.au
Farm Dog Brewing. (n.d.). Paddock at the Disco. Retrieved February 24, 2026, from https://farmdogbrewing.com.au
Blackman’s Brewery. (n.d.). Juicy Banger – Product details. Retrieved February 24, 2026, from https://www.blackmansbrewery.com.au
Mt Pleasant Brewers. (n.d.). Low Rider Hazy IPA. Retrieved February 24, 2026, from https://www.mtpleasantrdbrewers.com.au