Needing some weekend plans? Let us be your guide!
Whether you’re looking for a beer garden to relax in, quirky locations in regional South Australia, or a craft beer brewery close to Adelaide’s CBD, our guide will have all of this covered and more.
Clear your schedule, team up some friends and get ready to explore the best craft beer breweries in South Australia of 2023!
Image supplied.
Big Shed Brewing Concern
Renowned as one of South Australia’s best microbreweries, from a rental property’s shed in the Barossa Valley, to a large warehouse in Royal Park, Big Shed Brewing Concern has certainly come a long way. Creating an array of weird yet wonderfully named tasty craft beers, you can expect everything from the F-Yeah American Pale Ale, Californiacator West Coast IPA and Frankenbrown American Brown Ale amongst many more. For your visit we’d recommend partaking in the Ultimate Brewday Experience where you can get down and dirty lugging hoses, taking samples and understanding the hands-on nature of the job. Big Shed Brewing Concern really has it all!
Photographed by Brendan Homan.
Image supplied via South Australian Tourism Commission.
Coopers Brewery
Coopers Brewery in Regency Park is a family-operated brewery that dates back to 1862. Their “naturally conditioned” ale, which Thomas Cooper intended to be a tonic for his sick wife, yet grew to be popular amongst his friends and neighbours, is what distinguishes Coopers beers from others. The natural conditioning helps to retain their ale’s distinctive flavours as it eliminates the need for pasteurisation and extends its shelf life, hence there’s no need for additives or preservatives. You can learn all about Coopers’ unique techniques in their brewery tour, as well as enjoy their delicious beers.
Photographed by Josie Withers Photography.
Image supplied via South Australian Tourism Commission.
Lady Burra Brewhouse
One of the best craft breweries in Adelaide, Lady Burra Brewhouse stands out from the pack by being the only microbrewery, bar and kitchen located in Adelaide’s CBD. With a vast range of craft beers including their own specialties the Lady Burra Pilsner, Nitro Irish Red Ale, India Pale Ale and Pale Ale, it’s a craft beer lovers dream. Lady Burra Brewhouse is full of passionate people who are great at what they do. A must visit in 2023!
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Little Bang Brewing
From the legends who brought us eccentric beer can illustrations, the Pinkening and Schwang Black, this quirky South Australian brewery and tap room also makes for a fun night out with friends. With plenty of brews to choose from, guests can enjoy a few glasses, a growler (sharing jug) or a tasting paddle from their taps of Little Bang beer. With an outdoor beer garden where you can relax and enjoy a freshly poured craft beer, you can also take your pick from some of Adelaide’s best food trucks that are on regular rotation. Titled as South Australia’s Favourite Craft Beer Venue by Beer Cartel, this is one brewery you must visit in 2023.
Photographed by Adam Bruzzone.
Image supplied via South Australian Tourism Commission.
Lobethal Bierhaus
This Belgian-style malt house, brewery, cellar door and restaurant in South Australia’s south-west town of Lobethal is a crowd favourite in the area. Another regional South Australian brewery making headlines, they’re known for their legendary spicy Buffalo Wings ($14). But, if you’d rather keep your lunch or dinnertime visit more traditional, you can’t wrong with Lobethal’s Spiced Birdwood Venison and Prosciutto Sausage Rolls ($15) or the Local Cheese Plate ($23.50). Family- and dog-friendly, Lobethal Bierhaus features a welcoming atmosphere thanks to their expansive interior and relaxing outdoor beer garden. Just book before you visit, they can get quite busy!
Photographed by Danny Howe.
Image supplied via South Australian Tourism Commission.
Pirate Life Brewing
Looking for treasure? Forget diamonds and jewels, we’re talking about liquid gold offered at Pirate Life Brewing. Situated in historic Port Adelaide, the Pirate Life Brewery is home to a stunning outdoor area and one of Adelaide’s greatest range of beers on tap with 24 varieties on offer. Behind a long-spanning polished concrete bar is Pirate Life’s monstrous brewery with gleaming stainless steel tanks to adore. So grab a bounty at Pirate Life Brewing in Adelaide!
Photographed by Adam Wilson. Image via Unsplash.
Prancing Pony Brewery
Prancing Pony Brewery is owned by a group of friends who are very community-oriented and pride themselves on providing a homely experience for their customers. Found under a 45-minute drive south-west of Adelaide’s CBD, Prancing Pony takes the title as one of the best regional South Australian breweries. The venue is fitted with rustic furniture, is family friendly and has a beer garden where well-behaved furry friends are welcome. Prancing Pony Brewery supports emerging performers and visual artists and feature live music performances and various brewery events throughout the year. Add this one to your list!
Photographed by Meaghan Coles.
Image supplied via South Australian Tourism Commission.
Smiling Samoyed Brewery
Do you love dogs? Who doesn’t! Well, if you love dogs as much as we do, then you’ll fall in love with the husband, wife and samoyed dog team of this award-winning brewery that has earned a reputation for its craft beers, delicious food and pleasant atmosphere. Meet Smiling Samoyed – a regional South Australian brewery you need to visit. Overlooking Myponga Reservoir, here they have a range of beers for every palate to enjoy, a large indoor space and, of course their spectacular beer garden that overlooks down onto the water. And, if you’re lucky, you might even meet the samoyeds behind the story!
Photographed by Drew Beamer. Image via Unsplash.
Sweet Amber Beer + Pizza
A 100% independent craft brewery in Semaphore, South Australia, Sweet Amber Beer + Pizza is an award-winning brewery that serves some of the tastiest craft beers in Australia. Semaphore Session Ale, IPA Portside, and the delectable cider Punk Angel blends highly skilled craftsmanship with a unique twist on a classic formula. You can expect a sophisticated yet homely aesthetic interior, which then carries through to the beer garden outside, for visitors to then find picnic tables. So bring some friends along for one of the best craft brewery experiences in South Australia!
Photographed by Jonathan van der Knaap.
Image supplied via South Australian Tourism Commission
Woolshed Brewery
The once famous sheep and wheat station was bought by the Freeman family more than 30 years ago and now the 100-year-old wool shed exists as one of the best regional South Australian breweries. Woolshed provides a unique, relaxing, outdoor experience with mesmerising views of the Murray River, proving to be a great lunch day with family and friends. Guests can enjoy a range of beers and wines that are available for tasting, as well as local food platters, bar snacks or freshly brewed Arrosto coffee. If you’re looking for a unique brewery experience in South Australia, then get cosy with a visit to Woolshed Brewery.
Do you live in Adelaide and love beer? Then treat your tastebuds with a visit to one of the Top 10 Places to Drink Craft Beer in Adelaide. Or, for some grub, round up your mates and visit the Top 5 Best Pubs in Adelaide of 2023.
Grab your mates and get ready to drink your way through the best microbreweries and craft breweries in South Australia.