6 Distilleries You Need to Visit on Your Next Trip to Melbourne
Melbourne
Melbourne's reputation may be built on its craft breweries, but an exciting beverage development is underway. Tucked between the iconic laneways and repurposed industrial spaces that are transforming from old mechanic workshops and historic red brick buildings into innovative distilleries.
The best part? You don't have to venture far to experience them—these distilleries are within city limits, making it easy to dive into Melbourne's flourishing distillation scene.
Bar at Starwood Distillery photo courtesy Starward Distillery
In Melbourne's whisky world, Starward Distillery is the dazzling crown jewel, recognized as the most-awarded distillery in the city. Located in Port Melbourne, a waterfront suburb alive with pubs and live music, it's the ideal spot for whisky enthusiasts to immerse themselves in local culture.
Insider tip: Join a distillery tour and tasting to learn the secrets behind their young whisky's irresistible drinkability—hint: Melbourne's capricious climate plays a key role. Afterward, make your way to the bar to fill and label your very own bottle or elevate your experience with a three-course meal thoughtfully paired with a whisky flight.
The Gin Bar at Little Lon Distilling Co credit Little Lon Distilling Co
Occupying the city's last remaining single-story red brick building—a heritage-listed site that once served as the heart of the red-light district—Little Lon Distillery has swapped shady dealings for spirits.
Inside, the cocktail bar is a cozy place to sip on an enticing range of gins and vodkas. If the weather permits, don't miss the chance to grab a seat outside for some people-watching.
The selection may be small, but you can expect to sip limited edition gins infused with exotic lychees and spicy ginger, as well as the popular, Dutchy Thomas, a Dutch-style genever gin aged in bourbon barrels for 100 days.
Brogan's Way photo credit Brogan's Way
Navigating Melbourne's public transport might seem daunting, but it's absolutely worth the effort to visit Brogan's Way, one of the city's newest distilleries. Hidden in the back streets of Richmond, Brogan's Way is renowned for its imaginative approach to gin-making, which includes native Australian botanicals.
Insider tip: Be sure to try the Hearts a Fire, a contemporary Australian gin featuring a delightful blend of aniseed myrtle, sweet orange peel, lilli pilli, and cassia. Tastings are available for gin flights, vodka flights, mini G&T flights, negronis, and barrel-aged spirits. Or get hands-on with a cocktail-making masterclass.
Bar at Patient Wolf credit Patient Wolf Distillery
From the outside, Patient Wolf Distilling Co. appears to be just another red-brick warehouse in Southbank, but inside, it's a hub for some of Melbourne's most beloved gins. The name, inspired by a cheeky quote from Hollywood's Lana Turner—"a gentleman is simply a patient wolf"—captures the excitement of gin lovers eagerly awaiting the opening of this tasting bar.
Insider tip: Book a gin masterclass for a tasting flight, complete with a G&T spritz on arrival and a 30-minute overview of all things gin. While tours aren't available, you can catch a glimpse of their original Müller copper still alongside a new German addition with five times the capacity.
Bathtub Gin still credit Mandy Couzens Photography
Don't be fooled by the name. Bathtub Gin is a cheeky homage to the prohibition days when questionable spirits were all the rage. This micro-distillery in Williamstown is one of Melbourne's best-kept secrets. The standout gins include the juniper-forward Angry Duck, the cherry-infused Best Day Ever, or the robust, barrel-aged Mighty Apollo.
Insider tip: Surrounded by gleaming copper stills and reclaimed wood from a demolished city pub, taste their artisan Australian gins and snack on charcuterie from La' Deli at the Vic Market.
Four Pillars tasting room credit Four Pillars
While Four Pillars Gin Distillery isn't technically in Melbourne, it's worth the hour's drive to Healesville, a fairytale-like small town in wine country. The distillery itself is a showcase of architecture and design. Choosing which gin to try can be challenging; the Olive Leaf Gin is a must, but the cult-favorite Bloody Shiraz is hard to resist—especially when paired with the Bloody Shiraz Gin Caviar from the Tuck Shop menu, alongside other classic snacks.
Insider tip: Join a guided tour to explore the gin-making process and learn about the company's pivotal role in elevating Australian gin. Afterward, sample a variety of gins and cocktails at the bar.