Heading to the Central Coast? Add some time in your trip to check out the list of local craft beer breweries that have popped up along the coast. Whilst you’re there, make the most of your visit by delving into the region’s producers and stop into Distillery Botanica and Firescreek Winery.  

Bay Road Brewing 

The beer gods behind Bay Road Brewing continue to shine upon us granting us with their endless stream of ideas on how to make their beer more interesting.

As locations go, Gosford is understated and convenient all at the same time. In walking distance to the Stadium, Gosford Station, and an easier diversion off the main road, you really have no reason not to stop by. The repurposed warehouse space is brighter and lighter than you might expect.

The whole building interior is white, with hanging plants, lots of natural light, and as you spin around inside to take it all in, you’re graced with a Grant Maloney piece – the coolest octopus one has ever seen in the most unexpected location. This piece is perfectly unique to the venue and sets the tone for the creative flair of the venue.

It is good to remember that the bar is full service so if you’re not wanting a beer you have other options, but please do yourself a favour and at least try something these guys have on tap, some of these creations could sway the most opposed beer drinker.

Make sure you book on weekends as they do get very busy and understandably so too – they are another bright spot making Gosford a destination to explore.
Where: 89 Donnison St, Gosford

Block n’ Tackle Brewery

Tucked away in an industrial unit in Kincumber is Block n’ Tackle Brewery, home to 12 taps available plus a traditional English hand pump serving a variety of beer styles.
Where: 11/13 Cochrone St, Kincumber

Distillery Botanica

The award-winning Distillery Botanica on the Central Coast in Erina is home to a 144-square-metre cellar door, an expansive botanical garden, and a collection of experiences for visitors including gin-distilling workshops, cocktail-making, and tours.

Walking through the iron gates at the venue’s entry, visitors meander through beautifully tended gardens to arrive at the new cellar door.

Entering the building, guests are greeted with an impressive 2400-litre copper still, which rises some four metres high and was specifically created for distiller Phillip Moore and his team to distill all of Moore’s gins.

Stepping outside, the new botanical garden spans over 700 square metres and was inspired by the walled citrus gardens found across Spain and Persia. An incredible fountain, the exact replica of a martini glass, sits at the top of the garden.

Amongst the venue’s gardens and gin tastings, tours, and experiences, cocktail bar Bar Botanica is also onsite serving brunch, lunch, afternoon delights, and features live jazz from 1pm on weekends.
Where: 25 Portsmouth Rd, Erina

Hawkesbury Brewing Co.

Pull up to Hawkesbury Brewing Co. in Lisarow and you’ll be in awe of the gigantic warehouse space decked out in black and timber, that houses not only a functioning brewery and bar but a dining area, mammoth big screen TV, a performance space, outdoor courtyard, interactive games, and food trucks.

Started in Mount Kuring-gai as a small brewery, Hawkesbury Brewing Co. has become a pride of the Central Coast for its consistent and high-quality range of 12 beers. Outgrowing the original space, the team used COVID as an opportunity to dream up exactly what they wanted to be, and opening in November 2022 this is it.

Hawkesbury Brewing Co. is now a factory, brewery, and taphouse all on the same site for the enjoyment of bringing people together. 

The beer and food remain high quality and super tasty with everything behind the bar made on site including their soft drink, alcoholic ginger beer, vodka spritz, and margarita on tap.

Hawkesbury Brewing Co. is more than just beer, it’s a company giving Coasties things to do and fun to be had. 
Where: 900 Pacific Hwy, Lisarow 

Firescreek Winery

It is a true feeling of surprise and delight when you come across Firescreek Winery in Holgate. As with its location for a winery, this award-winning fruit-based plonk is unique and well worth a visit for a tasting or two.

Set over 2.5 acres of lush gardens with an idyllic creek, framed with rainforest and water lily ponds overflowing with flowers. You find yourself stretching your neck to find another corner of the property to discover, and there is plenty to find.

This unexpected find in the valley of Holgate is the perfect escape for an afternoon, a celebration, and a unique way to spend time with family and friends.
Where: 192 Wattle Tree Road, Holgate

Six String Brewing Company

With Six String craft beer being served on tap in around 500 pubs and bars across Australia, and its full range available in Australia’s largest bottle shop, not to mention the small ones too, you may be expecting a large flashy brewing headquarters.

Well, when you are standing in a non-descript carpark, next to a tile shop, and a martial arts studio; look for the large vacant wall with a door and small sign styled into an oversized guitar pick and you have arrived at Six Strings Brewing Company.

Owner, Chris’ passion for craft beer and music is evident from the brewery taking its name from his beloved Six String bass guitar to leaving his corporate city job to pursue his love of beer making. 

Six String Brewing Company is a true story of from little things big things grow, and with the love and passion they continue to feed this brewery, it will continue to deliver.
Where: 4/330 The Entrance Rd, Erina