The Hoochery Distillery Cafe, Kununurra, Western Australia © Tourism Western Australia
The best distilleries in Australia
From botanical-infused gin to oak-aged rum, get a taste of Australian spirits at some of the country’s best distilleries.
The oldest continuously operating distillery in Western Australia is also one of its most remote. Located in Kununurra in the Kimberley region, Hoochery is well worth the breathtaking journey, offering no-fuss Australian spirits within stunning surrounds. Head to Hoochery to taste their range of rum made with sugar cane grown right outside.
Kangaroo Island is known for its abundant wildlife and incredible seafood, but it’s also home to one of South Australia’s best distilleries. Kangaroo Island Spirits creates small-batch, handcrafted Australian gin, vodka and liqueurs. Stop by the rustic cellar door or the tranquil Gin Garden to taste the award-winning spirits with a side of island hospitality.
Whimsical cocktails in a sophisticated, barrel-lined space make Archie Rose one of Sydney’s chicest spots for a tipple. Book a seat at the bar to sample famous gins with delicate hints of herbs and florals, take a tour to hear the history behind each sip, or learn to blend your very own dream drink.
Located in the rugged wilderness of the Tasman Peninsula, McHenry Distillery is Australia’s southernmost whisky distillery. The crisp air of the region combined with the property’s fresh water spring produces a range of smooth, uniquely Australian spirits. Visit the cellar door for pure Tasmanian gin, whisky and hospitality.
Applewood Distillery, tucked within the picturesque Adelaide Hills, is a distillery with a difference. Applewood describes their range of spirits as ‘hyper-creative,’ embracing local ingredients to create gin and liqueur that’s anything but ordinary. Don’t miss the Okar, an Australian take on an Italian liqueur that’s infused with rare native riberries and strawberry gum leaf.
Set atop a mountain overlooking the Gold Coast hinterland, Tambourine Mountain Distillery serves up boutique spirits made with native ingredients and flora. Here, you’ll find everything from apricot schnapps to eucalyptus gum leaf vodka. Join a Vino Bus Tour to sample neighbouring wineries before treating your taste buds to a memorable journey in the distillery tasting room.
Tucked among the vineyards of the Mornington Peninsula, Bass & Flinders is a distillery with a difference. From oyster shell gin to heartbreak pinot noir gin, each creative concoction is made by distilling wine into spirit. Pop into the distillery door to sample gins, brandies and liqueurs, or enjoy a gin high tea out on the lawn.
A Queensland establishment, Bundaberg Rum has a rich history dating back to 1888. Located about four hours north of Brisbane, in the town of Bundaberg, this distillery creates rum known all around the world. Using locally-sourced ingredients, Bundaberg creates bold rum that you can sip and savour on-site. True rum-lovers can even become a distiller for a day with a blend your own rum experience.
Everything about Manly Spirits Co captures the essence of the brand’s namesake (the Sydney beachside suburb of Manly), from the blue and yellow hues of the distillery décor, to the ultra-refreshing bursts of flavour in every crafted drink. Sign up for the whisky tour and tasting to explore the art of creating the aptly named Coastal Stone whisky.
Located in the Yarra Valley, Four Pillars Distillery began with the goal of creating a gin that represented modern Australia – achieved through their much-loved Rare Dry Gin. You’ll also find distinct drops like Spiced Negroni Gin and Bloody Shiraz Gin on the menu, showcasing a different side of Australian spirits. Stop by the distillery door for a taste.
Lark Distillery was founded in 1992 after its owner realised that Tasmania had all the ingredients for beautiful malt whisky, yet no one seemed to be producing it. The Hobart institution has since grown to be one of the top distillers in the country, creating premium spirits with time-honoured methods. There are over 150 malt whiskies on offer at the cellar door.
