Pubs have long been a favoured meeting place and centre of social activity for Australians. They're popular for food, entertainment and just getting together with friends.
In recent years, the self-confessed beer buffs of Western Australia have also gained a reputation for their hand-crafted brews. So, you won't have to look far to find a world-class brewery.
Find a pub or brewery
To find pubs and breweries search for attractions and choose 'Brewery' or 'Pubs' from the type of attraction drop down list.
The Western Australian Country Pub Experience
In Western Australia's regional areas, you're likely to find a hotel right in the heart of town. Often spacious double-story buildings with wide verandahs, hotels attract locals who stop by for a game of darts, a hearty meal and a chat.
Country hotels were among the first to develop the classic pub menu, featuring bistro-style meals known colloquially as 'counter meals'. Steaks and salads, chips, club sandwiches and a ploughman's lunch are usually on offer
Boutique breweries of Western Australia
First up is
Little Creatures at
Fishing Boat Harbour, Fremantle. It's home to an award-winning brewery, a funky bar, a restaurant and an art gallery. There are no frills, but the beer's fantastic. The true star of the show is their famous golden live beer, christened Pale Ale - it's won a truckload of international awards. The food's also top-notch, the vibe is relaxed and the view is worth a million bucks.
Also in Fremantle, you’ll find The Monk, matching its award-winning and seasonal brews with delicious beery breads and bites, pizzas and hearty mains.
At
the
Old Swan Brewery in
Perth, original
recipe beers are still produced
onsite by a master brewer. What makes the Old Swan Brewery so unique is its integral place in local history - first established in 1877. Today, it's a hub of activity with world-class restaurants that attract socilaites and famous patrons. Tours of the microbrewery are also available.
The Swan Valley is the heart of beer country. Here, you'll find an array of hearty brews on offer.
Follow the scent of sizzling schnitzel and the melodic strains of Edelwiess to
Duckstein Brewery. This homage to Germany perfectly captures the country's essence - you actually feel like you're in a Bavarian beer garden. A tankard of your favourite brew can be enjoyed with your favourite German cuisine, from sauerkraut to apple strudel.
At
Feral Brewery, the crowds are a testament to the award-winning beer and first-rate grub served at this brewery. In true Aussie style, staff are more likely to call you 'mate' than 'sir' or 'madam', and that's fine by Feral's fans. Of the six beers in its stable, the most famous is the Belgium White, even non-beer drinkers swear by this miracle brew.
Margaret River may be more famous for its wine, but the locally-brewed beer is just as delectable.
Bootleg Brewery has become something of an institution in the area, revered for its delicious lunches, picturesque grounds and gourmet beers.
Colonial Brewing Company was quick to gain a good reputation and scoop awards for its range of excellent ales, matched with suitably hearty meals.
The family-run and family-friendly boutique brewery in
Eagle Bay shares its award-winning brews and its passion for wine making and local produce from 11 till 7 every day of the week.
Matso’s is the Kimberley’s award winning microbrewery – a true Broome treasure whose award winning beers include their famous alcoholic ginger beer and the curiously named Hit the Toad premium lager.
The best of Perth’s pub culture
Many hotels include a wide range of international beers and wines, as well as local favourites and boutique brews. When in Perth, you won't have to look far to find one of these pubs where brands from your home state or country may even be on offer.
Take time out to experience a Sunday session at one of the local hotels around Perth or Fremantle. A local institution on the entertainment scene, these sessions offer a glimpse of regular Australian life. The crowd usually arrives in the early afternoon for a late lunch in the beer gardens and stays for a few drinks as the sun sets and the sea breezes roll in. Bands often fire up in the early evening and patrons party through until closing time.
In
Northbridge, enjoy cool jazz and blues at the Universal Bar or bop along to live tunes over a handcrafted beer at the
Brass Monkey, nearby.
At the ever-lively Belgian Beer Cafe in
Perth, indulge in a pint of beer and a colossal pot of mussels. Or soak up some classic colonial style at
The Melbourne.
Head for The Vic in Subiaco and drink in iconic modern-Australian pub culture by the glass-full. Or rub shoulders with Perth’s beautiful people at the seriously stylish
Subiaco Hotel.
In
Fremantle, the Sail and Anchor and The Norfolk Hotel are mega-popular watering holes where partygoers flock to for a relaxing beer and a bite to eat.
Over on bustling Beaufort Street in
Mount Lawley, The Queens Hotel and
The Brisbane Hotel attract the crowds with their gourmet pub grub, funky vibe and extensive wine and beer lists.
A new breed of small bars is also making a big impression on connoisseurs and culture vultures in the city. Take a look at the best of Perth’s small bar scene.