Adventure brief
Brewery Tours
Step inside Australia’s oldest beer maker with Cascade Brewery Co’s exclusive one-hour tours. Delve into historic brewing techniques and finish with a tasting paddle of four unique Cascade beers.
Located in South Hobart, Tasmania, Cascade Brewery Co stands as Australia’s oldest operating brewery, offering visitors a chance to step back into the country’s brewing heritage. The brewery tours here aren’t your typical tasting session; they weave history, craft, and sensory discovery into a concise one-hour journey through the heart of a proud, still-functioning facility. Set on 140 Cascade Road, this tour unfolds inside a living piece of Tasmanian history, where the brewing process is both tradition and art.
Participants move through exclusive, seldom-seen parts of the brewery, gaining insight into the production of one of Australia’s longest-standing beer recipes. While the tour involves several flights of stairs and moderate walking, the layout reveals equipment and brewing techniques rarely accessible to the public. What sets this experience apart is the culmination: a tasting paddle featuring four distinctive Cascade beers.
These samples connect the visitor directly to the craft and history they’ve witnessed, showcasing regional flavors and brewing styles developed through decades. The brewery’s location underscores its role in Tasmania’s outdoor-adventure landscape. South Hobart’s natural beauty provides a refreshing contrast to the industrial interiors, and the rich history of Cascade Brewery offers a cultural anchor amidst the island’s wild coastlines and rugged trails.
For those staying nearby, a visit here enriches the full Tasmanian experience. With a no-alcohol policy before the tour and a requirement for enclosed, flat footwear, Cascade Brewery Co ensures visitors’ safety alongside their drinking pleasure. This distinctive behind-the-scenes look adds a compelling chapter to any adventure itinerary, blending exploration with craftsmanship in Australia’s picturesque island state.
Adventure tips
Plan your experience.
Curated tips for an optimal adventure.
- 01Wear the Right Footwearessential
Enclosed, flat shoes are mandatory to navigate the brewery safely; avoid sandals or heels.
- 02Arrive Early for Check-Ininfo
Plan to be at the brewery 15 minutes before your tour to complete check-in and get briefed.
- 03Zero Alcohol Before Touressential
Tour participants must not have consumed alcohol prior, ensuring safety and full engagement.
- 04Expect Moderate Walking and Stairswarning
The tour includes several flights of stairs; be prepared for moderate physical activity.
Recommended gear
What to bring.
Enclosed Flat Shoes
Required for safe navigation through the brewery’s stairs and production areas.
EssentialLight Jacket
Useful for Tasmania’s crisp fall weather when arriving or departing the brewery.
fallWater Bottle
Stay hydrated before and after the tasting paddle to keep your palate fresh.
Camera or Smartphone
Capture unique brewery details and Tasmanian surroundings, but avoid flash in production areas.
Local insights
Context for the journey.
Nearby secrets
Cascade Gardens nearby offer tranquil walks with native flora., Lookout points on nearby Mount Wellington reveal panoramic views over Hobart.
Local fauna
Tasmanian pademelons, Wedge-tailed eagles
Historic heritage
Cascade Brewery opened in 1824 and is Australia's oldest continuously operating brewery, integral to Tasmania’s cultural identity.
Mindful exploration
Cascade Brewery Co incorporates sustainable brewing practices including water conservation and energy efficiency to reduce environmental impact.
Photography tips
Capture the moments
- Viewpoints
- Inside historic brewing halls, At the tasting bar, Nearby Cascade Gardens
- Subjects
- Vintage brewing equipment, Glassware and beer paddles, Tasmanian natural landscapes
- Best times
- Golden hour, Mid-morning, Late afternoon
Frequently asked questions
Before you go.
Are all ages allowed on the tour?
No, attendees must be 18 years or older due to alcohol tasting and legal regulations.
Can I bring my dog on the tour?
Guide dogs and registered assistance dogs are not permitted inside designated food preparation areas.
Is prior alcohol consumption allowed before the tour?
No, a zero alcohol policy applies before the tour for safety and compliance reasons.
Are wheelchairs or walking frames accessible on this tour?
Unfortunately, the building’s layout and stairs make this tour inaccessible for wheelchairs and walking frames.
What type of beers are included in the tasting paddle?
The tasting paddle features four distinctive Cascade beers, showcasing both traditional and unique local styles.
Is the brewery active during the tour?
Due to production schedules, some areas may not be visibly active while you walk through.