Big things brewing in Albany

By: Lisa Cook 

Craft beer lovers and foodies are frothing over Albany's growing brewery scene, with the opening of several new venues in WA's south.

At the centre of this new movement is Dune Beer Co., the brewery brainchild of the Marwick family. Opened in May, Kate, Jon and Will Marwick, poured their hearts into creating a venue that celebrates both their love of the region and a really good pint. 

Their passion for food and brews shines through the menu— with crowd favourites like their King George whiting sandwich and classic cheeseburger. Their Pontoon Pale Ale and Emu Point Lager are the front runners on tap, both named after iconic local places. 

Set against a beautiful wetland backdrop with a nature play space and plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, Dune has quickly earned its place as a go-to lunch destination for locals and visitors.

Another standout on Albany’s growing food and beverage scene is Barrel Farm, a unique venue nestled on one of Albany's original dairy farms. Owned by the Buxton family, the property has been lovingly restored into a restaurant and cellar door — with their brewery to eventually move onsite to the old shearing shed. 

Barrel Farm is a fusion of the family’s three great passions: winemaking, brewing and farming. Their Yilgarnia Wines and Barrel Farm Beers are both produced nearby, and the rustic restaurant setting is rich in local history. Visitors will spot 50 mature olive trees lining the drive, bricks salvaged from a century-old fireplace, and repurposed jarrah timber from some of Albany’s earliest cottages. 

On the menu: a mix of casual and refined fare — from pizzas and Mediterranean-style small plates to hearty mains like 3-hour scotch fillet and braised beef cheek. Enjoy your meal with a glass of their 2021 Shiraz, straight from the family vineyard down the road, or try their stout or cloudy style cider made with local apples.

You can unwind in the courtyard, chill on the grass with a grazing platter, or enjoy a cosy meal inside the tap room or restaurant. There's even a nature playground and open green space for children to run amuck after a meal.

No roundup of Albany’s beer scene would be complete without Wilson Brewing Co., a household name in WA’s craft community. Their latest venture sees them stepping further into hospitality with the takeover of one of Albany’s most iconic pubs, formerly known as The White Star. 

Reimagined as Wilson’s Brewery Bar, the friendly venue in the heart of town offers classic pub fare, lively karaoke nights, and of course, a full lineup of Wilson’s beloved brews.

Whether you're sipping a locally named lager, dining on a historic farm, or singing your lungs out over a pint and pizza, it's worth checking out this new wave of breweries on your next Albany road trip.

Remember to plan ahead and nominate a designated driver.

Image credit: Krysta Guille Photography