3 Best Distilleries in Northern Rivers NSW

Best Distilleries and Brewery Tours 

Are you looking for the best boutique distilleries to visit near Byron Bay NSW? The Progressive Traveller has found the TOP 3 Distilleries worth visiting in Northern Rivers, New South Wales, Australia.

Each of these three NSW distilleries offer a behind the scene experience as well as an opportunity to taste their award-winning micro-distillery Australian made spirits.

Stone & Wood Brewery | Byron Bay Brewery

Byron Bay is also home to the 100% independent regional brewery Stone & Wood. With the phenomenal success of their Pacific Ale, Stone & Wood outgrew the facility in Byron Bay and opened a second larger site in Murwillumbah NSW. In November 2019, the business expanded again, opening a brewery and tap room in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley. Stone & Wood Pacific Ale was voted the No:1 craft beer in Australia at the 2020 GABS Craft Beer and Cider Festival from 2500 beers nominated by over 300 breweries. 

1. Husk Distillers

Hidden in the stunning Tweed Valley, Husk Distillers tops the list. The North Tumbulgum farm distillery is the newest craft gin and rum distillery in the region. Husk rose to international fame in December 2016, when Australian actress Margot Robbie was spotted drinking Husk Distillers’ Ink Gin’, the day before her Byron Bay wedding. The actress’s Instagram post went viral and introduced gin lovers to an exceptional gin from Down Under.

In June 2019, after years of planning and construction, Husk Distillers opened their cellar door café and hit the ground running, attracting thousands of excited visitors. The new distillery is tastefully incorporated into the lush landscape with stunning backdrop views of Mount Warning and surrounding cane fields.

Visitors to the distillery can book a guided tour and indulge in an original Husk Ink Gin, or Rum cocktail encapsulated by the views from the cellar door or take home a bottle to appreciate later.

Tumbulgum’s Husk Distillers launched its newest craft gin – Sloe & Berry, a vibrant red floral infused Australian gin that has everyone talking. The small batch gin sold out within days but expect the shelves to be restocked soon.

Address: 1152 Dulguigan Road, North Tumbulgum NSW 2490

2. Cape Byron Distillery

In the lush hinterland of Byron Bay, you will find Cape Byron Distillery in the heart of a large 96-acre macadamia nut farm. The remaining farmland has also been transformed into a spectacular subtropical rainforest, where many of the native botanicals found in Brookie’s Byron Dry Gin and Brookie’s Byron Slow Gin are sourced.

Cape Byron Distillery has experienced rapid growth in 2019. The company now employs a team of 26 and they have doubled their volumes based on the previous year. Over 77,000 litres have been produced which is a great achievement for the boutique craft spirit maker. In 2019, the Byron Bay Distillery expanded their export market and created a whisky program. Co-founder and distiller Jim McEwan opened the whisky program which began the next exciting chapter for the distillery.

MAC Liqueur by Brookie’s is the newest addition to the Cape Byron Distillery range. Crafted from premium roasted Macadamias and toasted Australian Native Wattleseeds, the nutty, smooth liqueur is great on the rocks or the perfect cocktail ingredient.

Tours of the Cape Byron Distillery and rainforest are a fun sensory experience and available Friday, Saturday and Sunday by appointment or online booking service. Visitors can enjoy a tasting at the cellar door bar made from recycled materials and locally sourced Norfolk Pine. But, the best place to enjoy a Byron Bay boutique crafted gin or Brookie’s MAC liqueur is from the deck offering breathtaking views over the rainforest farm and Northern NSW hinterland.

There are no catering facilities on-site; however, there are loads of trendy restaurants, cafes and country-style pubs just a short drive from the distillery.

Address: 80 St Helena Road, McLeods Shoot, NSW 2479

 3. Lord Byron Distillery

Lord Byron Distillery is also located in beautiful Byron Bay, a popular travel destination. But not everyone visits the beachside town of Byron Bay for its beautiful beaches and stunning views from the world-famous Cape Byron Lighthouse. Locals and tourists flock to Lord Bryon Distillery to sample Australian premium craft spirits.

Visitors to the micro-distillery can take a distillery tour and see how the ‘Spirit of Byron’ range of premium rum, silver rum, vodka, limoncello and bespoke gin are produced at Byron Bay Arts and Industrial Park precinct.

The Restall family farm at Billinudgel source the ingredients from their farm as well as from local producers including Northern Rivers NSW sugar cane. The tour and Cocktail and Bespoke Gin Blending Masterclasses are an excellent group experience to do with friends, family and lovers of Australian craft spirits.

Products are available by the glass for sampling, online or purchase your bottle from the bar to take home.

Address: 4 Banksia Drive, Byron Bay NSW 2481

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Byron Bay  | Northern NSW Top Destination

Byron Bay is well-known for its glorious surf beaches, alternative lifestyle and rich history of live music. The booming town is one of the most popular travel destinations in Australia and an iconic place to surf. What began as a haven for surfers and backpackers is now enjoyed by thousands of international travellers each year.

Where Are The Breweries in Byron Bay NSW

The brewery industry is thriving in Australia and although Byron Bay is a small town, its home to one of Australia’s most celebrated brews, Stone & Wood. Locals and visitors alike enjoy drinking craft beers in the two boutique breweries in Byron Bay. Stone & Wood Byron is also pet-friendly which is a great drawcard for the locals.

The Old Arts Factory on Skinners Shoot Road is where you will find Byron Bay Brewery. It’s there, you can sample brewery exclusive beers, refreshing seasonal beers, IPAs, Pale Ales to easy drinking premium lagers. Live music is performed by artists from around the globe that encapsulate the creative spirit of Byron Bay.

Address

• Stone & Wood Brewery: 100 Centennial Circuit, Byron Bay NSW
• Byron Bay Brewery: 1 Skinners Shoot Road, Byron Bay NSW 

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