Melbourne's craft beer scene boasts pints priced from AUD $10 to $16, making it one of the world's most exciting, and our top recommendation is Carwyn Cellars due to its outstanding bottle shop. This unfiltered guide explores the best places to drink craft beer in Melbourne, backed by Reddit reviews and real beer drinkers. Melbourne didn't just adopt craft beer — it made it a way of life.
Melbourne's craft beer scene is one of the world's most exciting, with pints priced from AUD $10 to $16 and a concentration of independent breweries that rivals Portland, San Diego, and Brussels. This unfiltered guide explores the best places to drink craft beer in Melbourne, backed by Reddit reviews and real beer drinkers.
Melbourne didn't just adopt craft beer — it made it a way of life. The city's inner-north suburbs (Collingwood, Abbotsford, Thornbury, Brunswick, Preston) have transformed old warehouses and industrial sites into a brewery belt that stretches from Johnston Street to High Street. On any given Saturday, you can hit five world-class breweries on foot.
We combed through Reddit threads on r/AusBeer, r/melbourne, r/CraftBeer, and r/australia to find where actual Melbourne residents and serious beer travelers drink. From massive beer halls to intimate taprooms run by passionate brewers, these are the venues that Melbourne's craft beer community actually recommends.
What to order: Stomping Ground Brewing Co., a craft beer hall located at 100 Gipps St, Collingwood, offers pints for $12–16 and boasts a 4.5-star rating from 1929 reviews. Start with the tasting paddle ($22 for 6 beers) to sample their range — the Gipps St Pale Ale is the flagship, but the seasonal releases and limited-run collabs are where Stomping Ground really shines. The bar food is genuinely excellent, particularly the fried chicken and the beer-battered fish and chips.
"Stomping Ground is a good shout. Bodriggy isn't far from there either — I think 10 minute walk, and is opposite a train station."
— r/melbourne · What are some good breweries to visit in Melbourne?, 2024
tabiji verdict: Melbourne's best all-round brewery experience. The massive Collingwood beer hall has 40+ taps, a beer garden that fills every sunny day, excellent bar food, and enough space that you never feel cramped. At 1,929 Google reviews and 4.5 stars, it's the brewery that both locals and visitors agree on. The ideal starting point for a Collingwood brewery crawl — Bodriggy and Molly Rose are both within walking distance.
What to order: Carwyn Cellars, a 28-tap beer bar at 877 High St, Thornbury, offers pints for $10–16 and holds a 4.7-star rating from 1123 reviews. Whatever's freshest on the 28 taps — the staff are genuinely knowledgeable and will guide you to the best pours. After your tasting, browse the bottle shop — it's the best in Melbourne for rare and imported craft beers, with an impressive selection of Belgian, American, and Australian sours and stouts.
"Def Carwyn cellars as hands down the best craft beer bar in town."
— r/AusBeer · Beer recommendations in Melbourne for a tourist, 2024
"Bars: Carwyn, Mr West, Benchwarmer, Hopheads, Bar Josephine."
— r/AusBeer · Best craft beer pub in Melbourne, 2024
tabiji verdict: The serious beer drinker's pilgrimage in Melbourne. Carwyn Cellars isn't a brewery — it's a 28-tap craft beer bar with arguably the best bottle shop in Australia attached. The Thornbury beer garden is where Melbourne's craft beer community gathers, and the tap list rotates with the best of Australian and international craft. At 4.7 stars with 1,123 reviews, it's the highest-rated dedicated beer bar in Melbourne. Pair with a visit to 3 Ravens, a 15-minute walk away.
What to order: Moon Dog World, a mega brewery theme park at 32 Chifley Dr, Preston, offers pints for $10–15 and has a 4.2-star rating from 1158 reviews. Moon Dog's beers are deliberately wild and experimental — expect flavors like fairy floss sour, tropical milkshake IPA, and chocolate peanut butter stout. Try a tasting paddle to sample the range. Their Lager and Pale Ale are solid entry points if you're not feeling adventurous.
"There's 2 annual craft beer festivals in Melbourne, beerfest which is coming up this Saturday and GABS which is in April I believe. I'd also check out Moon Dog World."
— r/melbourne · Best craft breweries/beer spots in Melbourne?, 2024
tabiji verdict: Moon Dog World is less a brewery and more a beer-themed amusement park. Water slides, mini golf, a massive warehouse beer hall, food trucks, and 30+ taps of Moon Dog's characteristically unhinged beers. It's the most fun you'll have at a brewery in Melbourne — possibly in Australia. The 4.2-star rating reflects some mixed feelings about the food-court vibe, but for a day out with mates, nothing else comes close. Book ahead on weekends.
What to order: Mr West Bar & Bottle Shop, a 24-tap beer bar at 106 Nicholson Street Mall, Footscray, offers pints for $10–15 and has a 4.7-star rating from 819 reviews. Mr West rotates its 24 taps frequently — ask the staff what's fresh and what they'd drink themselves. The cocktail selection is also excellent if you want to mix it up. The bottle shop attached has a strong selection of specialty spirits and craft beers for takeaway.
"Bars: Carwyn, Mr West, Benchwarmer, Hopheads, Bar Josephine. Pubs: Royston, Park Hotel Abbotsford, Great Northern."
— r/AusBeer · Best craft beer pub in Melbourne, 2024
tabiji verdict: Mr West is Footscray's crown jewel — a 24-tap beer bar with seasonal cocktails and a bottle shop in Melbourne's most multicultural suburb. It's the kind of bar where the staff know every beer on tap and will passionately explain why you should try the sour from a small Victorian brewery you've never heard of. At 4.7 stars with 819 reviews, it consistently ranks alongside Carwyn as Melbourne's best dedicated craft beer bar. Combine with Hop Nation (10 min drive) for a Footscray double.
What to order: Bodriggy Brewing Co., an inner-north brewpub at 245 Johnston St, Abbotsford, offers pints for $10–14 and has a 4.5-star rating from 640 reviews. Bodriggy's core range is solid — the Cosmic Microwave IPA and the Public Holiday Session Ale are Melbourne favorites. Pair with their excellent Vietnamese-inspired bar food menu (banh mi, pho, rice paper rolls) which sets Bodriggy apart from the standard brewery pizza-and-burger fare.
"Bodriggy in Abbotsford; Stomping Ground in Collingwood"
— r/CraftBeer · Melbourne Craft Breweries Community List, 2024
tabiji verdict: Bodriggy is the brewery that perfectly captures Melbourne's craft beer vibe — industrial warehouse conversion, quality house-brewed beers, and a Vietnamese-fusion food menu that's as good as the beer. Located on Johnston Street in Abbotsford, right opposite Victoria Park station, it's perfectly positioned for a Collingwood brewery crawl. The 4.5-star rating and 640 reviews speak for themselves. A 10-minute walk from Stomping Ground.
What to order: Hop Nation Brewing Co., a hidden taproom gem at Unit 6/107-109 Whitehall St, Footscray, offers pints for $10–15 and boasts a 4.8-star rating from 277 reviews. Hop Nation's The Chop IPA is one of Melbourne's best IPAs — a West Coast-style hop bomb that consistently wins awards. Their seasonal releases, particularly the hazy IPAs and fruited sours, are worth seeking out. The taproom pours the freshest possible version of everything they brew.
tabiji verdict: Hop Nation is the brewer's brewery — tucked away in a Footscray industrial unit, the taproom has a 4.8-star rating (the highest on this list, tied with Molly Rose and Westside). The beers are technically excellent, hop-forward, and consistently award-winning. The Footscray location means it's less touristy than the inner-north breweries, which is part of the appeal. Open Thursday to Sunday — check their website for hours before visiting.
What to order: Moon Dog OG, the original brewery at 17 Duke St, Abbotsford, offers pints for $10–15 and has a 4.6-star rating from 413 reviews. Moon Dog OG features a funky bar in the original industrial brewery space, plus a vintage van serving pizza. The rotating taps here often have exclusive and experimental brews you won't find at Moon Dog World. Try their limited releases and collaborations.
tabiji verdict: While Moon Dog World in Preston gets the crowds, the OG Abbotsford brewery is the more intimate, authentic Moon Dog experience. A funky industrial space with a vintage pizza van, this is where Melbourne's most irreverent brewery started. At 4.6 stars, it's rated higher than the World venue. Located in Abbotsford near Bodriggy, it fits perfectly into a Johnston Street brewery crawl. More chill, more local, more Moon Dog.
What to order: Tallboy & Moose, a Preston brewpub at 270 Raglan St, Preston, offers pints for $10–15 and has a 4.6-star rating from 414 reviews. Tallboy & Moose specialize in bold, creative brews — think hazy double IPAs, pastry stouts, and fruited sours. Their limited-release cans sell out fast. In the taproom, ask for whatever's freshest — the staff are passionate and will steer you right.
tabiji verdict: Tallboy & Moose is Preston's craft beer darling — a small, passionate brewery producing bold, Instagram-worthy beers that punch well above their weight. The taproom vibe is friendly and neighborhood-focused, a world away from the mega-brewery experience at nearby Moon Dog World. At 4.6 stars with 414 reviews, it's exactly the kind of place Melbourne's craft beer scene does best: quality over hype.
What to order: Molly Rose Brewery, a Collingwood microbrewery at 279-285 Wellington St, Collingwood, offers pints for $10–15 and has a 4.8-star rating from 327 reviews. Molly Rose focuses on quality over quantity — their core range is tight and well-crafted. The lager and pale ale are excellent everyday drinking, while their seasonal releases and barrel-aged beers show real ambition. The taproom is small and inviting — grab a seat and take your time.
tabiji verdict: Molly Rose is the craft beer insider's pick in Collingwood. With a 4.8-star rating (tied for highest on this list), this small-batch microbrewery punches well above its weight. The Wellington Street taproom is intimate and personal — you're often drinking meters from where the beer was brewed. A 5-minute walk from Stomping Ground and Bodriggy, making it the perfect third stop on a Collingwood brewery crawl.
What to order: 3 Ravens Brewery, a Thornbury pioneer at 1 Theobald St, Thornbury, offers pints for $10–14 and has a 4.5-star rating from 131 reviews. 3 Ravens are known for their wild ales and sours — the Juicy NEIPA and Thornbury Lager are solid starting points, but seek out their wild ale and barrel-aged releases for something genuinely special. The tasting paddle is the best way to explore the range.
tabiji verdict: 3 Ravens is one of Australia's oldest independent craft breweries, established in 2003 long before craft beer was trendy. The Thornbury taproom is a no-frills, brewery-first space where quality beer is the only agenda. Their sour and wild ale program is among Australia's most respected. A 15-minute walk from Carwyn Cellars for a natural Thornbury double-header. Open Thursday to Sunday — check their website for hours.
What to order: Westside Ale Works, a South Melbourne microbrewery at 36 Alfred St, South Melbourne, offers pints for $10–15 and has a 4.8-star rating from 287 reviews. Westside Ale Works is known for American-inspired craft styles — their West Coast IPA and NEIPA are standouts. The South Melbourne location means it's more accessible from the CBD than the inner-north breweries, making it a solid option if you're staying in the city center.
tabiji verdict: Westside Ale Works is the South Melbourne surprise — tied for the highest Google rating on this list at 4.8 stars. While most of Melbourne's craft beer action is in the inner north, Westside proves the south side has serious brewing talent. The compact taproom is focused and unpretentious, and the American-style ales are technically excellent. A great option if you're near the CBD and want craft beer without the trek to Collingwood.
What to order: Co-Conspirators Brewpub, a Brunswick brewpub at 377 Victoria St, Brunswick, offers pints for $10–14 and has a 4.7-star rating from 154 reviews. Co-Conspirators' core range features crime-themed names and bold American-style ales. Their NEIPAs are particularly strong — hazy, tropical, and well-balanced. The Brunswick brewpub atmosphere is relaxed and neighborhood-focused, perfect for a long session.
tabiji verdict: Co-Conspirators rounds out Melbourne's craft beer map with Brunswick's best brewpub. The crime-themed branding (every beer is named after a criminal archetype) gives it character, and the beers back up the style with substance. At 4.7 stars, the Google reviews are enthusiastic. Brunswick is Melbourne's coolest inner suburb, and Co-Conspirators fits right in — relaxed, creative, and unapologetically independent.
FAQs
What is the best craft beer bar in Melbourne?
Carwyn Cellars in Thornbury is widely considered Melbourne's best craft beer bar, with 28 taps, an outstanding bottle shop, and a beer garden that draws serious beer drinkers from across the city. It holds a 4.7-star Google rating with over 1,100 reviews. Reddit's r/AusBeer and r/melbourne consistently name it the number one craft beer venue in Melbourne.
How much does craft beer cost in Melbourne?
Expect to pay AUD $10–$16 per pint at most Melbourne craft beer venues. Schooners (smaller pours) typically run $8–$12. Tasting paddles at breweries like Stomping Ground and 3 Ravens cost $18–$25 for 4-6 beers. Happy hour specials at some venues can bring prices down to $8–$10 per pint. Compared to London or New York, Melbourne craft beer is slightly cheaper.
What are Melbourne's best craft beer neighborhoods?
The inner north is Melbourne's craft beer heartland. Collingwood and Abbotsford have Stomping Ground, Bodriggy, and Molly Rose all within walking distance. Thornbury has Carwyn Cellars and 3 Ravens. Preston has Moon Dog World and Tallboy & Moose. Footscray in the west has Mr West and Hop Nation. For a brewery crawl, start in Collingwood and work north — you can hit 5-6 venues on foot or by tram.
What Australian craft beer brands should I try in Melbourne?
Top Melbourne and Victorian craft breweries to try: Moon Dog — wild, experimental beers with irreverent names and flavors. Stomping Ground — consistently excellent, approachable craft beers. Molly Rose — small-batch, quality-focused. Hop Nation — hop-forward ales and lagers. 3 Ravens — one of Australia's oldest craft breweries, known for wild ales and sours. Tallboy & Moose — bold, creative brews. Beyond Melbourne, look for Stone & Wood (Byron Bay), Balter (Gold Coast), and Pirate Life (Adelaide) on tap.
Can you do a craft beer brewery crawl in Melbourne?
Absolutely — Melbourne is one of the world's best cities for a brewery crawl. The Collingwood-Abbotsford route: Start at Stomping Ground (Collingwood) → walk to Bodriggy (10 min) → Molly Rose (5 min). That's 3 excellent breweries in under 20 minutes of walking. The Thornbury route: Carwyn Cellars → 3 Ravens (15 min walk). The Preston route: Moon Dog World → Tallboy & Moose (10 min drive). Or mix it up: tram from the CBD to Collingwood, then train north to Thornbury.
When is the best time to visit Melbourne for craft beer?
Melbourne's craft beer scene operates year-round, but two annual festivals are highlights: GABS (Great Australasian Beer Spectacular) in May draws 20,000+ attendees with one-off festival beers from 200+ breweries. Good Beer Week, also in May, features events across 100+ Melbourne venues. Australian summer (December–February) is ideal for beer garden sessions at Moon Dog World, Stomping Ground, and Brewmanity's rooftop. Winter (June–August) suits cozy taproom visits at Carwyn Cellars and Mr West.
Is Melbourne's craft beer scene good compared to other cities?
Melbourne is widely considered one of the top 10 craft beer cities in the world, alongside Portland, San Diego, London, Brussels, and Berlin. Australia's craft beer industry has grown rapidly since the 2010s, and Melbourne is its undisputed capital. The city has 100+ independent breweries and taprooms within the greater metro area, with a culture that prizes experimentation, quality, and community. Reddit's r/AusBeer consistently rates Melbourne as Australia's best city for craft beer.
