Cascade Brewery

Set against the dramatic backdrop of Mount Wellington, Cascade Brewery is Australia’s oldest operating brewery, founded in 1824. This historic site in Hobart’s leafy southern foothills offers a fascinating glimpse into Tasmanian brewing heritage, with its distinctive sandstone buildings, lush beer garden, and the crisp, pure water from the Cascade Rivulet that has defined its beers for nearly two centuries. A visit here is as much about the setting and history as it is about the beer itself.

Highlights & What to See

• Heritage Tour & Tasting: The guided tour takes you through the original brewhouse, copper vats, and cellars, explaining the brewery’s evolution and the art of brewing. It ends with a generous tasting paddle of Cascade’s core range and seasonal specials.
• Historic Grounds: Wander the picturesque grounds, including the award-winning gardens, the old hop kilns, and the original sandstone buildings that date back to the 1820s.
• Cascade Brewery Bar & Beer Garden: Relax in the convivial bar or the sprawling beer garden with views of the brewery and mountain. The menu features pub classics and local produce, perfectly paired with a fresh pale ale or stout.
• Visitor Centre & Museum: Browse the small museum showcasing brewing memorabilia, old bottles, and the story of the brewery’s survival through fires, floods, and economic shifts.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allocate around 2–3 hours for a tour and a leisurely drink or meal in the beer garden. The tour itself runs about 75 minutes; add extra time to explore the grounds and enjoy the bar. If you’re a keen beer enthusiast or want to soak up the atmosphere, a half-day visit is ideal. Morning tours are popular as the light is lovely for photos, and the beer garden is sun-drenched.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Mount Wellington (kunanyi): Drive or take a tour up the mountain for panoramic views over Hobart and the Derwent Estuary – just a 20-minute drive from the brewery.
• Hobart City & Salamanca Place: Explore the historic waterfront, Salamanca Market (Saturdays), and the city’s excellent cafes and galleries, only 10 minutes away.
• Mona (Museum of Old and New Art): A world-class museum on the Derwent River, combining art, architecture, and a winery – a 15-minute drive north.
• Huon Valley & Tahune AirWalk: Head south into the lush Huon Valley for apple orchards, cideries, and the Tahune Forest AirWalk among towering eucalypts, about 40 minutes’ drive.
• Richmond: A charming historic village with Australia’s oldest bridge and convict-built buildings, 25 minutes east, perfect for a lunch stop.

Please check official sources for current details.