From Beechworth to Bright: A Craft Whiskey Trail Through North East Victoria
North East Victoria is fast becoming one of Australia's most exciting craft spirits regions, and we are lucky enough to be in the heart of it. From small-batch rye whiskeys to single malts aged in the High Country air, the distilleries within easy reach of The Inn offer tastings, tours, and the chance to meet the passionate makers behind every bottle. Whether you're spending an afternoon or building a full-day trip, this guide has everything you need to explore the trail at your own pace.
IN & AROUND BEECHWORTH
Last St Brewery & Distillery
29 Last Street, Beechworth VIC 3747
In town
Open: Monday – Sunday, 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Phone: (03) 5728 1304
The closest distillery to your door, Last St, is a five-minute stroll from The Inn. Set in a beautifully restored historic building, the team here produce spirits alongside craft beer their famous cordials.
Barking Owl Distilling Co.
149 Reids Way, Wooragee VIC 3747
~10 min
Open: Saturday – Sunday, 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Phone: 0497 479 577
A short drive north of Beechworth, Barking Owl is a wonderfully rustic farm distillery tucked inside an old woodshed. Owners Jen and Dave distil everything right here on their farm. Make sure you also check out Jen’s beautiful ceramics.
YACKANDANDAH — APPROX. 20 MINUTES
Backwoods Distilling Co.
6 Turntable Lane, Yackandandah VIC 3749
~20 min
Open: Wednesday – Sunday, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Phone: 0430 228 025
If whiskey is your focus, Backwoods is the standout destination on the trail. It’s one of our favourites. Distiller Leigh is doing genuinely innovative things with Australian grain, and the award-winning rye whiskey has attracted fans from across the country. Their High Country Gin is equally excellent. Highly recommended.
Yack Creek Distillery & Brewery
231 Bells Flat Road, Yackandandah VIC 3749
~20 min
Open: Mon 1–5 pm | Fri 1–6 pm | Sat 12–6 pm | Sun 12–5 pm
Phone: 0409 406 996
Nestled beside the Yackandandah Creek in a beautiful outdoor setting, Yack Creek produces whiskey, rum, vodka and gin under the same roof as a craft brewery. The sample paddle is the perfect way to work your way across the range. Food is available, and with a big fire and space to spread out, it's easy to linger longer than you planned.
FURTHER AFIELD - WORTH THE DRIVE
Corowa Distilling Co.
20–24 Steel Street, Corowa NSW 2646
~1 hr north
Open: Monday – Sunday, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Phone: (02) 6033 1311
Just across the Murray into New South Wales, Corowa Distilling Co. is one of the region's most spectacular cellar door experiences. Set inside a beautifully restored 1920s flour mill, the distillery produces award-winning whisky alongside chocolate, coffee and a full café menu. The whisky tasting is a highlight, and the connection to Junee Chocolate means the sweet tooth is well catered for too.
Morris Whisky
154 Mia Mia Road, Rutherglen VIC 3685
~1 hr north
Open: Monday – Sunday, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Phone: (02) 6026 7303
154 Mia Mia Road, Rutherglen VIC 3685
~1 hr north
Open: Monday – Sunday, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Phone: (02) 6026 7303
Morris has been producing fortified wines in Rutherglen for over 150 years and has turned that expertise to whisky with outstanding results. Their 36 South expression has won at the World Whiskies Awards. The recently renovated cellar door is a lovely space to settle in for a flight paired with a cheese board.
Hurdle Creek Still
216 Whorouly-Bobinawarrah Road, Milawa VIC 3678
~45 min west
Open: Mon 10 am–4 pm | Thu–Fri 12–4 pm | Sat–Sun 10 am–4 pm
Phone: 0411 156 773
Located in the heart of the Milawa Gourmet Region, Hurdle Creek Still is a small-batch distillery with a strong focus on native botanicals. Co-founder Simon's enthusiasm is infectious, and the tasting is a genuine education in what makes the High Country landscape so distinctive in a glass.
Reed & Co. Distillery
15 Wills Street, Bright VIC 3741
~1 hr east
Open: Tue 1–6 pm | Wed–Sat 1–10 pm | Closed Sun & Mon
Phone: 0460 782 642
Reed & Co. is a destination in its own right. A working distillery, cocktail bar and restaurant rolled into one beautifully fitted space in the Alpine town of Bright. The gins are exceptional, the cocktail list is creative, and the Japanese-fusion menu is worth the trip alone.