Photo: Barrylb / Public domain
Perched at the foot of Mount Wellington, Cascade Brewery is Australia’s oldest operating brewery, established in 1824. The historic sandstone buildings and manicured gardens set the scene for a taste of Tasmanian brewing heritage. The on-site bar and restaurant offer a range of award-winning beers, including the iconic Cascade Pale Ale and seasonal specials, best enjoyed with a wood-fired pizza overlooking the hop fields.
Highlights & What to See
- Brewery Tour: A guided walk through the historic brewery, from the mash tuns to the bottling line, finishing with a tasting paddle in the grand bar.
- Heritage Gardens: Stroll through the 4.5-hectare grounds, featuring century-old trees, a fernery, and a stream where you can picnic with a takeaway beer.
- Beer & Cider Tastings: Sample the full range, from crisp lagers to rich stouts, plus the popular apple cider made from Tasmanian fruit.
- Cascade Museum: A small free museum inside the brewery shop tracing the site’s history through old bottles, labels, and brewing equipment.
Suggested Time to Spend
Allow around 1.5 hours for a brewery tour and tasting, plus another hour to explore the gardens and enjoy a meal at the beer garden. Half a day is ideal if you combine it with a visit to nearby Mount Wellington or the Cascade Female Factory.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Salamanca Market – Hobart’s vibrant weekend market, just a 10-minute drive away, perfect for local crafts and street food.
- Mount Wellington – Drive to the summit for panoramic views over Hobart and the Derwent River; the brewery’s gardens are a great post-hike reward.
- Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) – A 15-minute drive north, this world-class gallery offers a striking contrast to Cascade’s historic charm.
- Cascade Female Factory – A UNESCO-listed convict site adjacent to the brewery, providing deep insight into Tasmania’s colonial past.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
Explore more
Image credits
- Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) — Rob Taylor / CC BY 2.0
- Salamanca Market — Owen Allen / CC BY 2.0
- Mount Wellington — tubagooba / CC BY 2.0