The craft beer revolution has not spared Albany, and that’s a good thing. Over the past decade, this coastal town and the broader Great Southern region have seen a surge of microbreweries and brewpubs that bring creativity, community spirit and local ingredients to the pint glass. From hop-forward pale ales to malty porters, these beers tell stories of the place where they are brewed and the people who make them.
The best-known brewery in Albany is Wilson Brewing Company, founded by a family of fishermen who turned their passion for home brewing into a thriving enterprise. Their waterfront brewhouse is a relaxed place to taste flagship beers such as the Rough Seas Pale Ale, which balances citrus hops and caramel malt, and the Light House Session Ale, a low-alcohol beer perfect for warm afternoons. Seasonal releases often incorporate regional flavours like honey, native botanicals and fruits.
Beyond Albany, the Great Southern’s small towns host a handful of breweries worth seeking out. In the nearby village of Denmark, Boston Brewing Co. crafts beers such as the West Coast-inspired Boondie Rye Pale Ale and the fruit-driven Afterglose Raspberry Gose. Further north in the Porongurup Range, boutique brewerries like Plantagenet Wines’ brewlab experiment with barrel-aged stouts and farmhouse ales using local grains and yeast cultures. Many of these venues double as restaurants or cideries, offering wood-fired pizzas, charcuterie platters and views of vineyards.
The craft beer scene here thrives on collaboration. Brewers often team up with farmers to source barley and with winemakers for barrel swaps, creating limited-edition brews that reflect the region’s agricultural heritage. Annual events such as the Southern Beer Festival in Albany and the Denmark Festival of Voice’s beer garden showcase these partnerships. Tasting paddles at breweries allow visitors to sample a range of styles and learn about the brewing process directly from the makers.
For those who want to take beer knowledge home, many breweries sell growlers and cans to go, and a few offer tours where you can see the mash tuns and fermenters up close. Local bottle shops stock a rotating selection of regional brews, so you can continue exploring flavours long after your trip. Pair your beers with locally made cheeses, smoked meats or freshly shucked oysters to experience the full spectrum of Great Southern produce.
As you explore Albany’s craft beer breweries, remember that each glass represents not just a beverage but a conversation between the brewer, the land and the community. Enjoy responsibly, support small producers and toast to the vibrant creativity brewing on Western Australia’s south coast.
