BROOKVALE DISTILLERY FIELD GUIDE
Foraging at Dawn: Seaweed, Story and Non‑Alcoholic Spirits on Brookvale’s Shoreline
A 3-hour sunrise outing that pairs guided seaweed foraging with Aboriginal elder Clarence Bruinsma and a behind-the-scenes tour and tasting at Seadrift Distillery.
Foraging at Dawn: Seaweed, Story and Non‑Alcoholic Spirits on Brookvale’s Shoreline.
At first light along Freshwater Beach the air is salt-sweet and the shore is mapped in low, slow tide lines. Foraging at Dawn threads that coastline to Brookvale’s Seadrift Distillery: a compact, immersive program that introduces participants to native sea botanicals, Gadigal foraging traditions and the craft of non-alcoholic distillation.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Walks with Clarence Bruinsma (Yaegl)
The experience is led by Aboriginal elder Clarence Bruinsma, who shares knowledge of local country and the sea botanicals harvested along Australia’s Northern Beaches.
Sustainable Seaweed Foraging at Sunrise
Participants forage sustainably along the shoreline and in the shallows, learning to identify native botanicals and local kelps that have been part of Gadigal practice for millennia.
Seadrift’s Non‑Alcoholic Distillation & Tasting
Back at Seadrift Distillery, the group meets the Master Distiller to explore how sea kelp and local ingredients are used in Seadrift’s award‑winning zero‑alcohol spirits, followed by a tasting and a bottle to take home.
What the day feels like
What the morning feels like
The itinerary unfolds at a measured pace: arrival at Freshwater Beach at sunrise, a welcome coffee and pastry, an Acknowledgement of Country and an on‑shore walk guided by Clarence Bruinsma. Guests forage for sea botanicals and kelp in the shallows, then move to Seadrift Distillery for a tour led by the Master Distiller, a tasting of all three Seadrift non‑alcoholic spirits and the option to select a bottle to take home.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this outing suits — and why.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The experience runs three hours and takes place at sunrise; sunrise times vary by season and you will receive an email two days before the tour confirming the meet-up time.
Tour inclusions include a welcome coffee and pastry on arrival, an Acknowledgement of Country, a beach foraging tour, a Seadrift Distillery tour, a tasting of all three Seadrift spirits and a bottle of Seadrift non‑alcoholic spirit to take home.
Guests will receive an email two days prior to the tour confirming the exact meet-up time and any final details.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The tour duration is three hours.
Where and when do we meet?
The group meets at Freshwater Beach at sunrise; you will receive an email two days before the tour confirming the exact meet-up time.
Who leads the foraging walk?
The foraging is led by Aboriginal elder Clarence Bruinsma (Yaegl), who shares insights into local area and sea botanicals.
What does the tour include?
Inclusions are a welcome coffee and pastry, an Acknowledgement of Country, a beach foraging tour, a tour of Seadrift Distillery, tasting of all three Seadrift spirits and a bottle of Seadrift non‑alcoholic spirit to take home.
Is this experience suitable for children or non‑drinkers?
Yes — the experience is described as for all ages and centres on non‑alcoholic spirits, making it suitable for children and those who are sober curious.