Melbourne’s reputation as Australia’s craft beer capital isn’t just talk. Its thriving scene is packed with innovative breweries, quirky bars, and neighborhood pubs that most visitors overlook. For those eager to taste Melbourne’s local brews beyond the usual tourist spots, craft beer tours offer a fantastic way to go behind the scenes and discover what makes this city’s beer scene so special. We especially love the Melbourne Craft Beer Tour: Hidden Breweries with a Local Guide because it takes you off the main drag and into the heart of Collingwood, a neighborhood brimming with character and some of the best-kept beer secrets in town. Plus, with a small group, you get a more personal experience, which is often missing from larger tours. For more details, check out Melbourne’s craft beer scene with beer tastings.
If you’re after a more exclusive experience, the Evening in Melbourne: 3 Hour Private Craft Beer Lovers Experience offers customization and personalized attention, ideal for groups wanting a tailored beer adventure. For a full-day escape combining wine, cider, and craft beer on the Bellarine Peninsula, the Discover Bellarine Wine, Cider and Craft Beer with Private Bus provides a comprehensive tasting journey — but be prepared for a long day and an investment of around $792 per group. Below, we’ll explore all three options in detail so you can pick the perfect Melbourne craft beer tour for your style and budget.
1. Melbourne Craft Beer Tour: Hidden Breweries with a Local Guide
Priced at $79.72 per person, this 3-hour small-group tour offers a deep dive into Melbourne’s lesser-known beer scene. The tour kicks off with a meet-up at the Sir William John Clarke Memorial before hopping on public transport with your guide to explore Collingwood, one of Melbourne’s most dynamic neighborhoods. The core of the tour is visits to three local breweries, such as the Fixation Brewing Co, where you get a behind-the-scenes look at beer production and taste a variety of craft brews.
What sets this tour apart is its focus on local favorites rather than tourist hotspots. Your guide, an expert in craft beer, shares stories and insights about Melbourne’s beer history, making the experience both educational and fun. The tour wraps up with a chance to try some of the best beer-drinking food, pairing well with the beers sampled earlier. Reviews consistently praise the knowledgeable guide Tristan, who makes the experience lively and personal — “We really enjoyed the beers we tried and learned a lot about Melbourne’s craft scene.”
Bottom line: This tour offers outstanding value for those wanting to explore Collingwood’s hidden breweries with a personal touch, making it perfect for beer enthusiasts who enjoy a mix of history, community vibe, and great beers.
2. Evening in Melbourne: 3 Hour Private Craft Beer Lovers Experience
At $123.61 per person, this private, customizable tour is ideal if you prefer a tailored experience. The private setting means your guide focuses solely on your group’s preferences, whether you want to focus on new microbreweries, classic pubs, or specialty beers. The tour lasts around three hours and includes visits to three venues, such as Collingwood’s popular beer bars and breweries like Fixation Brewing Co.
What makes this experience shine is the flexibility. Your guide can tailor the stops, suggest beers from a wide range—think from wietbier to pilsners to bocks—and provide expert tips on where to continue drinking after your tour ends. The reviews from previous clients give this tour a perfect 5.0 rating, highlighting the personalized attention and insider knowledge. One reviewer mentioned, “The guide was fantastic at explaining the beer styles and making recommendations based on our tastes.”
Bottom line: This private tour is best suited for groups wanting a customized experience, especially if you have specific interests within the craft beer universe or prefer an intimate setting. It’s a good choice if you’re willing to invest more for exclusivity and tailored service.
3. Discover Bellarine Wine, Cider and Craft Beer with Private Bus
This full-day tour for up to 13 people costs $792.55 per group, making it a significant investment but ideal for serious lovers of wine, cider, and craft beer. Departing early from Melbourne, the trip includes a premium wine tasting at Scotchmans Hill Winery, where you can sample 5-6 wines, from Chardonnay to Pinot Noir, all paired with cheese. The tour continues to Jack Rabbit Vineyard for a two-course seasonal lunch with panoramic vineyard views.
In addition, you’ll visit Flying Brick Cider House for crisp, fresh ciders and craft beers, and finish with a relaxed stop at Queenscliff Brewhouse for local gins, wines, or beers. The itinerary offers a comprehensive taste of the Bellarine Peninsula, combining premium tastings with scenic views and local delicacies. While the reviews are nonexistent, the inclusion of multiple renowned venues makes this a top pick for those interested in a broader tasting experience.
Bottom line: Best suited for wine, cider, and beer lovers who want to spend a day exploring multiple types of local beverages in a comfortable, guided setting. It’s perfect for groups seeking a luxurious, all-in-one tasting adventure.
How to Choose the Best Craft Beer Tour in Melbourne
Picking the right craft beer experience depends on your priorities. If you’re after an affordable, personalized tour with a local guide exploring lesser-known breweries, the Melbourne Craft Beer Tour is a smart pick. For those wanting a more exclusive, tailored experience, the private evening tour offers customization and undivided attention. If you’re combining your passion for craft beer with wine and cider, and don’t mind spending a bit more, the full-day Bellarine trip provides a comprehensive tasting experience in scenic surrounds.
Consider your budget, time constraints, and level of interest in a specific beverage type. Early booking is advisable, especially for private or full-day tours, as spaces fill quickly. For instance, the private experience is perfect for a special celebration or a dedicated beer pilgrimage, while the small-group tour suits casual explorers wanting a fun, authentic taste of Melbourne’s beer scene.
Final Thoughts
From intimate small-group outings to exclusive private tours and full-day excursions, Melbourne offers a variety of craft beer experiences that suit different tastes and budgets. For a laid-back, personal introduction to Collingwood’s breweries, the Melbourne Craft Beer Tour: Hidden Breweries with a Local Guide combines authenticity with value. If you prefer a more tailored, private experience, the Evening in Melbourne: 3 Hour Private Craft Beer Lovers Experience provides flexibility and expert guidance. For those seeking an all-encompassing day of tastings—wine, cider, and beer—the Bellarine full-day trip is an excellent choice.
Whichever you pick, remember that booking early ensures you won’t miss out on these popular experiences. Cheers to discovering Melbourne’s vibrant craft beer scene—you’re in for some memorable sips and stories.