Celebrate the revival of the suburb’s long lost brewing reputation and raise money for charity.
With local businesses hit hard in 2020, and most not looking too sharp in the early part of 2021 either, five breweries in Collingwood, Victoria, have teamed up with the help of the City of Yarra to launch the Collingwood Beer Trail. It’s a beer-filled neighbourhood walking route, complete with a hydration pitstop at each brewery, that celebrates the revival of Collingwood’s long-lost brewing industry.
REBUILD
In the late 1800s Collingwood was arguably the epicentre of Australian brewing. There were many breweries operating in the area, including Fosters Brewing in Rokeby Street. By the early 1900s however, as a result of mergers, almagations and closures, all the breweries were gone.
More than a century later Collingwood has once again become a mecca for independent craft breweries, with the likes of Stomping Ground, Bodriggy, Fixation, Molly Rose and The Mill all opening within the past five years. Together, they have now joined forces in a bid to support their community and highlight not only the local breweries, but the many galleries, cafes and venues flourishing in the area.
FIND OUT MORE
The free Collingwood Beer Trail map will be available at all participating breweries, or by download, and people can explore the Trail in their own time. A ‘Trail Pass’ is also available for just $30. That price includes beer samples at all venues and a Beer Trail tote bag once you visit all five breweries. And $5 from every Trail Pass sold will be donated to a local charity.
For general information about the Trail, and to purchase a Trail Pass, visit www.collingwoodbeertrail.com.au
STOMPING GROUND BREWING CO
Stomping Ground is a neighbourhood brewery & beer hall bringing people together over a great beer. Under the sawtooth roof of the massive converted warehouse, the crew at Stompo brew great beers to suit all tastes, from laid-back easy drinkers to adventurous spirits. Bask in the sunny beer garden, grab a meal from the open kitchen or let the kids run wild in the cubby house while enjoying 30 taps worth of tasty brews direct from the source.
FIXATION BREWING CO
Born out of a fanatical obsession with India Pale Ales – Fixation brews solely IPAs – its flagship Fixation IPA first graced glasses in 2015. In 2018 the brewery opened and included a tasting room and innovation space, The Incubator, where brewers dream up their hoppiest ideas and pour them directly from their tanks. It’s a hophead’s paradise! Fresh new beers drop every week with delicious food prepared by neighbours, Red Sparrow Pizza.
MOLLY ROSE BREWING
Molly Rose is a small brewery which embraces the way great beer can bring all sorts of people together to enjoy good times. From Monday to Wednesday founder and brewer Nic Sandery and the team brew sour, hoppy, and farmhouse in their small venue on Wellington Street. Thursday through Sunday they swing their doors open to serve their beers alongside great wines, cocktails and food, and make it their mission to welcome everyone who visits.
BODRIGGY BREWING CO
Once-upon-a-time an Auto LP gas-conversion garage, beyond the faded, yellow-brick facade of 245 Johnston St, Abbotsford, you’ll find a fun-palace in a brewery, brewpub cocktail bar and more. Dedicated to local culture, arts and music, the space, and froths brewed within it, are forever exploring the best experiences for drinking beer and the people they brew for.
THE MILL BREWERY
The Mill Brewery resides in what was once an old mechanics’ workshop, just 100m off Smith Street. With a huge outdoor beer garden it has a relaxed vibe, with brewhouse and tanks on show. Patrons can experiment with over nine taps offering all types of ales, lagers and guest beers. On top of that, the tasting can be paired with delicious handmade pizzas. They love to share the fun of brewing with friends.