Nestled in the heart of Victoria, Castlemaine is a town where gold rush stories mingle with a rich brewing legacy. Castlemaine Brewery offers more than just a glimpse into Australia’s beer heritage – it’s an invitation to taste, explore, and experience the region’s charm firsthand.
This blog provides a craft beer enthusiast or a curious traveller with insights into the town’s unique brewing history and practical tips for visiting the breweries to make the most of your trip.
Castlemaine Brewery: A Legacy Through Time
Castlemaine Brewery was founded in 1857 by Edward and Nicholas Fitzgerald, right in the middle of Victoria’s gold rush. Back then, the town was buzzing with miners and settlers, all thirsty for a good pint. The Fitzgerald brothers saw the opportunity and built a brewery that quickly became a hub for the local community.
The brewery didn’t just stay local. Operations soon expanded to Melbourne, Sydney, Newcastle, and Brisbane, making Castlemaine Brewery one of Victoria’s historic brewing landmarks. You might wonder: “What happened to the old Castlemaine Brewery buildings?” . While the original site closed in 1925, you can still spot traces of its history in the town’s architecture and heritage markers.
If you are interested in historical heritage, you might want to know more about 10 must-know facts about Castlemaine history.
XXXX Beer: Rooted in Castlemaine, Perfected in Queensland
After their Victorian success, the Fitzgeralds moved north to Brisbane and founded Castlemaine Perkins. Here, their beers evolved into the now-famous XXXX Bitter in 1924, followed by XXXX Gold. Therefore, when people ask, “Is XXXX beer from Queensland or Victoria?” – the answer is both: it was born in Victoria, perfected in Queensland.
While the Queensland brewery still operates today, Castlemaine itself no longer brews under the original name. However, the influence remains. If you’ve ever wondered why Castlemaine Brewery is so iconic, it’s this enduring spirit of creativity and community that left its mark on Australian beer.
Castlemaine’s Brewing Heritage Today
Even though the original brewery closed, Castlemaine’s brewing heritage hasn’t disappeared. Visitors can wander past preserved buildings, plaques, and heritage sites, connecting with the town’s gold rush brewing history. Today, modern craft beer ventures like Shedshaker Brewing continue the tradition, blending innovation with the community spirit that made Castlemaine’s breweries famous.
Sip and Savour: Exploring Castlemaine’s Breweries
Castlemaine’s craft beer scene is intimate and full of character. Brewery tours in Castlemaine offer more than a drink – they open a window into local heritage and craft. Every visit brings distinct flavours and stories worth savouring.
1. Shedshaker Brewing Company
- Address: 9 Walker St, Castlemaine VIC 3450 (Located in The Mill Castlemaine)
- Opening hours:
- Tue & Wed 12 PM – 9 PM
- Thu 12 PM – 10 PM
- Fri 12 PM – 11 PM
- Sun 12 PM – 8 PM
- Signature beers: Crisp lagers, Hoppy IPA, seasonal and experimental small-batch releases
- Highlights:
- Guided behind-the-scenes tours of the brewhouse
- Italian-inspired menu with vegan and gluten-free options
- Live music and rotating art exhibitions on select nights
- Atmosphere & experience: Taproom set among exposed brick and timber beams, offering a warm, relaxed space to enjoy a tasting while watching the brewers at work.
Shedshaker Brewing combines industrial heritage with contemporary craft beer culture. Every visit offers insight into the brewing process, paired with the chance to enjoy food inspired by local and Italian flavours.
2. The Mill Castlemaine
- Address: 1/9 Walker St, Castlemaine VIC 3450
- Opening hours: Daily 10 AM – 5 PM
- Signature beers: Small-batch brews served at pop-up events
- Highlights:
- Flea and street markets for vintage and local finds
- Occasional brewery tastings showcasing the town’s craft beer scene
- A lively, community-focused environment
- Atmosphere & experience: A vibrant heritage precinct blending retro shops, street markets, and occasional pop-up brewery tastings.
The Mill Castlemaine is more than a brewery – it’s a destination where craft beer, heritage, and community intertwine. Visitors often combine a tasting with wandering the retro stores and local markets, creating a relaxed, full-day experience.
3. Love Shack Brewing Co
- Address: 26 Hargraves St, Castlemaine VIC 3450
- Opening hours:
- Sun – Thu 11 AM – 10 PM
- Fri – Sat 11 AM – 12 AM
- Signature beers: Light ale, Hoppy IPA, rotating small-batch seasonal beers
- Highlights:
- Meet the brewers and learn about their craft
- Small-batch creations highlighting regional ingredients
- Ideal for pairing a tasting with a stroll through Castlemaine’s streets
- Atmosphere & experience: Comfortable, relaxed taproom with a welcoming local vibe – perfect for a stop to taste beers and chat with the brewers.
Love Shack Brewing Co provides a friendly, approachable stop for craft beer enthusiasts. Whether you’re pairing a tasting with a weekend wander or stopping by for a pint, it delivers a relaxed, authentic Castlemaine experience.
Make the Most of Your Brewery Visit
- Check opening hours: Some tours, tastings, and live events are on select days.
- Book ahead: Reserve your spot for guided tours or popular tasting sessions.
- Arrive hungry: Many breweries offer local snacks or small plates that pair beautifully with their beers.
- Engage with brewers: Ask questions about ingredients, brewing techniques, and seasonal creations.
- Savour mindfully: Take your time to enjoy each beer and the unique atmosphere of the taproom.
- Explore locally: Pair your visit with a walk through Castlemaine’s streets, markets, or heritage sites.
- Plan transport: If sampling several beers, consider a designated driver, ride-share, or local taxi.
Stay in Comfort After Castlemaine’s Brewing Trails
After a day of tasting local craft beers and discovering Castlemaine’s brewing history, retreat to comfort at Castlemaine Boutique Accommodation. Each property blends elegance with ease, offering the ideal base to rest, recharge, and continue exploring the town.
Castlemaine Boutique Accommodation offer many Castlemaine accommodation options that cater perfectly to couples, families, or groups:
- The Dairy: A cosy, restored gem offering self-contained Castlemaine accommodation, complete with a king-size bed, clawfoot bath, and enchanting gardens, just a short stroll from the main street.
- Corvah House: A historic 1800s home featuring luxury amenities, a Castlemaine accommodation with pool, and expansive gardens—ideal for group getaways.
- Hunter House: A mid-century design home with six themed bedrooms, a large kitchen, and a charming patio, perfect for families or larger groups.
Your Castlemaine journey awaits – plan your visit with plenty of things to do in Castlemaine!
