Hobart is a standout among Australian cities for its craft beer scene, with a mix of historic breweries and modern tasting experiences. The Cascade Brewery is a major draw, as it’s Australia’s oldest continuously operating brewery, offering a chance to explore both its storied past and its impressive brewing process. We particularly like the Hobart: Cascade Brewery Experience, which combines history, brewing insight, and a refreshing tasting paddle—all in just over an hour. Whether you’re a beer geek or just seeking a fun, informative outing, Hobart’s breweries are worth your time.
Quick Overview
The list below includes three top-rated brewery tours in Hobart, each with its own special appeal. From immersive historic visits to guided explorations with tastings, these tours balance education, scenery, and great beer. Read on to see which fits your travel style best.
1. Hobart: Cascade Brewery Experience
At number one, the Hobart: Cascade Brewery Experience offers a 75-minute journey into Australia’s oldest brewery. The tour includes a walk through the brewery’s historic premises, where you’ll learn how some of Australia’s most iconic beers are brewed, including the story behind Cascade’s recipes that have been crafted for over 200 years. The guide shares fascinating tales of the brewery’s past, which dates back to 1824, giving you a glimpse into Tasmania’s brewing legacy.
What makes this experience stand out is the combination of history and tasting. After your walk, you’ll enjoy a paddle of four Cascade beers at the Cascade Brewery Bar. It’s a relaxed, informal way to sample some of Tasmania’s best brews while soaking in the views of the surrounding gardens. The $26 price tag offers great value for such an intimate experience, especially considering the inclusion of the tasting paddle. This tour is perfect for visitors who want a brisk overview of the brewery’s history with a refreshing end.
Bottom Line: If you’re after an engaging introduction to Tasmania’s brewing traditions with a laid-back tasting session, this tour hits all the right notes.
2. Cascade Brewery Tour
Second on our list is the Cascade Brewery Tour, a 1.5-hour guided walk that dives deeper into the brewery’s operations. This tour explores areas of the brewery usually off-limits or unseen during casual visits, making it more comprehensive than the experience above. You’ll learn about the crafting process from start to finish and see how the brewery has evolved over nearly two centuries.
However, note that because it’s a working brewery, it’s not guaranteed that the areas visited will be actively brewing at your visit. Still, the guide’s detailed storytelling and the chance to see historic equipment make this a worthwhile option. Guests consistently praise the tour guide’s knowledge, with reviews highlighting friendly, well-informed hosts who keep the experience engaging. The tasting paddle is included, offering four Cascade beers, which is a good reward after the tour.
Pricing at $27.12 makes it slightly more expensive than the first option, but the added depth justifies the cost. It suits those curious about both the history and production of Cascade beers, especially if you enjoy understanding behind-the-scenes processes.
Bottom Line: Best for visitors wanting a deeper dive into the brewery’s brewing techniques and history, with a longer, more detailed guided experience.
3. Hobart: Cascade Brewery Historic Tour
The Hobart: Cascade Brewery Historic Tour is a shorter, one-hour experience focusing on the heritage aspects of the brewery. This tour emphasizes the historic site and its heritage gardens, providing a more leisurely and scenic exploration for those particularly interested in Tasmania’s past.
Designed for history buffs or visitors with limited time, this tour covers the heritage significance of the brewery and surrounds. It’s a guided walk that highlights the historic buildings and gardens, perfect for those wanting a quick yet meaningful glimpse into the past. While it doesn’t include a tastings paddle, it’s ideal for travelers who want to combine history with a light, scenic walk.
At just $17 per person, this is the most budget-friendly option and offers a focused look at the brewery’s heritage rather than its brewing process. However, it is best suited for those with an interest in historic sites and scenic gardens over in-depth beer tasting.
Bottom Line: A good choice for history-focused visitors who want a concise tour with heritage gardens and scenic surroundings.
How to Choose the Best Hobart Brewery Tour for You
When selecting among these options, consider your interests, budget, and available time. The Cascade Brewery Experience offers a quick, affordable taste of Tasmania’s brewing history with tastings, perfect for a relaxed afternoon. If you’re hungry for more behind-the-scenes insights, the Cascade Brewery Tour provides a deeper, more detailed exploration of the brewing process, ideal for beer enthusiasts. Meanwhile, the Historic Tour is best if you’re interested in heritage and scenic gardens, especially if time or budget is tight.
Booking early is recommended, particularly in peak seasons, to secure your preferred time slot. Tours tend to run year-round but check current schedules as they can vary.
Final Thoughts
Hobart’s brewery scene offers a great mix of history, scenery, and perfectly crafted beers. For a quick intro with tastings, the Cascade Brewery Experience is a smart choice. If you want a more in-depth look at the brewing process, the Cascade Brewery Tour is hard to beat. And if your main interest is heritage and gardens, the Historic Tour offers a scenic, relaxed experience.
No matter which tour you choose, you’ll leave with a better understanding of Tasmania’s brewing culture and some memorable tastings. Be sure to book ahead, especially during busy travel seasons, and enjoy tasting your way through Hobart’s rich brewing tradition.