What Are The Best Brewery Tours In Sydney? Our Top 6 Picks

Sydney stands out as a brewing hub because of its innovative craft beer scene and the city’s proximity to top-notch regional breweries. It’s a place where local breweries thrive, often hidden behind unassuming facades, making a guided tour the best way to uncover their secrets. Whether you’re after a quick tasting or a full-day adventure, Sydney offers a range of brewery tours that cater to all tastes and schedules.

One favorite among visitors is the Sydney Beer and Brewery Tour, thanks to its small-group approach and insider access. It takes you behind the scenes at working breweries, away from tourist traps, and offers a personal, local perspective on Sydney’s craft beer scene. The emphasis on seeing the brewing process up close, combined with tasting some of the best local beers, makes it a standout experience.

Below is a quick overview of the top brewery tours in Sydney, each offering something unique—from intimate inner-city walks to expansive regional excursions.

1. Sydney Beer and Brewery Tour

This small-group tour is ideal for those who want a personal experience with a focus on Sydney’s working breweries. Over roughly 3 to 3.5 hours, you’ll visit several top spots favored by locals, leaving the driving to your guide. The tour emphasizes seeing the brewing process firsthand, making it perfect for anyone curious about how their favorite beers are made.

The tour starts at Sydney Brewery, a popular local spot where you’ll enjoy a 45-minute visit and free tastings. The guide, Matt, is praised for his enthusiasm and deep knowledge, which makes the tour engaging and educational. Reviewers mention the vibe as lively and authentic, especially noting that even non-beer drinkers can enjoy the atmosphere and ciders.

What makes this tour particularly valuable is its intimate size, which ensures personalized attention and a relaxed pace. It’s well-suited for those interested in craft beer culture or seeking a local experience. The downside? It’s a three-hour tour, so it’s not for those wanting a full day of brewery hopping.

Bottom Line: If you want a fun, personal introduction to Sydney’s brewing scene with a knowledgeable guide, this tour delivers excellent value and an authentic experience.

2. Sydney: 3-Hour Craft Beer and Breweries Tour

For around 3.5 hours, this Sydney craft beer tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at some of the city’s top independent breweries. It’s an excellent choice if you want a more interactive experience with plenty of tastings, including craft beers and ciders. The tour includes complimentary snacks and water, ensuring you stay refreshed as you explore.

The tour visits three local breweries, providing insights into each one’s unique approach to brewing. Guests get to touch, smell, and hear about every part of the beer-making process, which is perfect for those who like a sensory experience. The guide’s storytelling adds context to each brewery’s history and techniques.

This tour is particularly suited for beer enthusiasts eager to go behind the scenes at Sydney’s best craft breweries. The reviews highlight the engaging guides and the quality of the beer tastings, making it a good value for the 3.5-hour duration. The main drawback is the limited number of breweries, but the focus on quality and education compensates.

Bottom Line: If you want an immersive, educational experience with plenty of tastings, this tour hits the mark. It’s especially ideal for those interested in craft beer.

3. Sydney: Marrickville Breweries Walking Tour

This 3-hour walking tour explores Sydney’s inner-west brewing scene, specifically in Marrickville. It stands out for its focus on innovative and independent breweries, giving a glimpse into the creative side of Sydney’s craft beer movement. You’ll visit three breweries—each with a chance to taste their offerings and take a behind-the-scenes look.

Led by a local expert, the tour includes visits to well-known spots like Batch Brewing Co. and others, where you’ll learn about their brewing philosophy and see the production process firsthand. Guests consistently praise the small-group setting, which fosters a more personal experience and allows for in-depth conversations.

The highlight is the tastings at each brewery, coupled with the opportunity to see the brewing process up close. This tour is best suited for urban explorers who enjoy walking and want to discover Sydney’s inner-city craft scene. The reviews note the passion and knowledge of guides as a real plus.

Bottom Line: Perfect for city-based beer lovers who want a relaxed, intimate look at Marrickville’s brewing innovation without leaving Sydney.

4. From Sydney: Hunter Valley Multi-Brewery Tour with Lunch

Spanning a full 11.5 hours, this Hunter Valley tour offers the ultimate day trip for beer, cider, and regional scenery lovers. It takes you to four acclaimed breweries, all in the renowned Hunter Valley wine and craft beer region. This tour is unique in combining beer tasting, behind-the-scenes tours, and a relaxed lunch with cider or beer.

Starting early from Sydney, the tour includes a central pickup and drop-off, making logistics easy. The breweries visited are independent and award-winning, providing a broad taste of what Hunter Valley has to offer. Guests rave about the comprehensive experience, which includes learning about the brewing process and enjoying the scenic views of vineyards alongside your tastings.

This is a significant investment of time and money, but for serious enthusiasts, the full-day nature and quality of breweries justify it. The inclusion of a 1-course lunch adds to the value, especially for those who want a leisurely day exploring regional brewing.

Bottom Line: Best suited for dedicated craft beer fans who want to combine regional scenery with a full-day brewery experience. It’s perfect if you have the time and want a comprehensive taste of Hunter Valley’s craft scene.

5. Sydney: Brewery, Winery, and Distillery Tasting Tour

This 3.5-hour tour offers a broader taste of Australia’s beverage scene by combining visits to a brewery, winery, and distillery within Sydney. It’s a well-rounded option for those who want to experience different types of alcohol production in one trip.

The tour includes behind-the-scenes visits and tastings at each venue, giving insight into the craft and production processes. Guests appreciate the variety of drinks and the knowledgeable guides who can explain the differences between beer, wine, and spirits. The focus on local producers helps travelers appreciate Sydney’s diverse alcohol culture.

Ideal for curious drinkers who want a quick, varied experience, this tour balances education with tasting. The main limitation is the relatively short duration, which means it’s a quick overview rather than an in-depth exploration.

Bottom Line: If you want to sample a variety of local beverages in one tour, this is a smart choice. It’s especially good for those new to Sydney’s beverage scene.

6. Marrickville Brewery Tour

For those seeking a more personal, intimate experience, this Marrickville Brewery Tour offers a small-group experience with a maximum of 15 people. Over about 2.5 hours, you’ll visit three Inner West breweries, including Batch Brewing Co. and Sauce Brewing Co., both known for their inventive beers.

Your guide will take you behind the scenes at each brewery, explaining their philosophy and methods, while you sample their brews. The tour’s focus on local, independent breweries means you’ll discover some of Sydney’s most creative and well-regarded craft beers. Guests value the personalized attention and the chance to learn directly from the brewers.

The small size and focus on inside knowledge make this tour especially appealing for beer aficionados who enjoy more detailed insights. The tour also includes a small souvenir, making it a memorable keepsake.

Bottom Line: This is an excellent choice for beer lovers wanting an up-close, personal look at Sydney’s indie brewing scene in a relaxed setting.

How to Choose the Best Brewery Tour in Sydney

When selecting the right tour, consider your budget, the time available, and what kind of experience interests you most. For example, if you want a quick overview with diverse drinks, the Brewery, Winery, and Distillery Tasting Tour offers variety for a shorter trip. If you’re after a deep dive into craft brewing, the Sydney Beer and Brewery Tour and the Marrickville Breweries Walking Tour are excellent choices.

For those with more time and a love for regional scenery, the Hunter Valley multi-brewery tour provides a full-day adventure. Budget-wise, the Marrickville Brewery Tour is the most affordable, offering a personal experience in a compact timeframe.

Booking early is advisable, especially for tours with limited space or specific dates. Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the weather encourages outdoor tasting and walking.

Sydney’s beer scene is diverse and thriving, with options for every taste—whether you prefer small-batch experiments in Marrickville or a luxurious regional day in Hunter Valley. For a memorable trip, consider what kind of experience excites you most, and book your tour ahead of time. Cheers!