If you want to stand in front of Australia’s oldest continuously operating brewery and see where “mountain water” meets a two-century-old tradition… this is where you go.
Established in 1832, the Cascade Brewery is a towering sandstone landmark in South Hobart. Backed by the dramatic cliffs of kunanyi / Mount Wellington, it’s as much a masterpiece of architecture as it is a hub for beer lovers.
Australia’s oldest brewery (still in production)
Stunning Gothic-style sandstone façade
Heritage-listed Woodstock gardens
Beer and cider brewed using mountain-fed rivulet water
The gateway to the Hobart Rivulet walking track
It’s the kind of place where history feels heavy and the beer feels incredibly fresh, all set within a lush, green valley just minutes from the city.
The brewery is tucked into the foothills of South Hobart, following the path of the rivulet.
10-minute drive from the Hobart CBD
Red Decker Bus: Stop J on the hop-on hop-off loop
The Scenic Route: A 45-minute walk from the waterfront via the Hobart Rivulet Linear Park track
Ample parking is available near the Brewhouse across the road from the main factory
👉 Compared to the rugged tracks of the mountain, the walk from the city to the brewery is a gentle, shaded stroll through Hobart’s “backyard.”
The brewery is split between a working industrial site and a welcoming heritage bar and garden. It’s a mix of mechanical grit and garden-side grace.
You start at the Brewhouse & Gardens:
The Woodstock Gardens: Wander through manicured lawns and historic flower beds with the massive stone brewery towering over you.
The Bar: Sample the full range of Cascade beers and Mercury ciders in a warm, timber-filled space.
Then you dive into the operations: 👉 The Brewery Tour Go inside the “Gothic” sandstone shell to see the modern brewing process. You’ll see the massive copper kettles and learn how they use local Tasmanian hops and barley to maintain a consistent flavor for nearly 200 years.
From there, you can explore:
The Cascade Museum: A collection of early brewing equipment, vintage bottles, and stories of the brewery’s founder, Peter Degraves.
The Female Factory: A 5-minute walk away, this historic site offers a sobering look at the lives of the women convicts who once lived in the shadow of the brewery.
👉 It’s a site that works perfectly for a quick lunch or a deep dive into Tasmania’s industrial past.
The Cascade site is more than just a place to grab a drink; it is a collection of historic landmarks.
What you shouldn’t miss:
The Sandstone Façade: The most iconic view in South Hobart. The building was restored after the 1967 fires and remains a symbol of Tasmanian resilience.
Tasting Paddles: The best way to try the classics (like Cascade Pale Ale) alongside limited-run seasonal brews you won’t find on the mainland.
The History Tour: An all-ages walking tour that focuses on the colorful (and sometimes scandalous) history of the Degraves family without going into the production areas.
Rivulet Track: A beautiful trail that starts at the brewery and follows the water all the way into the city or up toward the mountain.
👉 These attractions make it a great spot for families and history buffs, even if they aren’t big beer
Most visitors take a photo of the building, have one beer, and leave. Big mistake.
The “Secret” Garden Seats: There are quiet corners in the upper gardens that offer a framed view of Mount Wellington through the brewery’s arches.
Mercury Cider on Tap: Many people forget Cascade is also home to one of Australia’s oldest cider brands—the draught cider here is crisp and local.
The Woodstock House: The original manager’s residence, which adds to the “estate” feel of the grounds.
👉 If you have the time, walk the Rivulet track at dusk; it’s one of the best places in Hobart to spot a platypus.
The brewery is a working site and a popular local hangout:
✔ Great year-round destination (cozy inside in winter, lush outside in summer).
✔ The restaurant serves hearty Tasmanian fare designed to match the beer.
✔ Family-friendly gardens and history tours.
But…
❗ For the Brewery Tour, you must wear enclosed flat shoes and have skin covered from the waist down (production rules!).
❗ The Brewery Tour is for ages 18+ only, though the History Tour is for all ages.
❗ It’s a popular spot for functions; booking a table for lunch is highly recommended.
👉 Best advice? Visit in the late afternoon. As the sun drops behind the mountain, the light hits the sandstone building and turns it a deep, glowing gold.
The brewery’s history is as layered as its ales.
Founded by Peter Degraves, a man who spent much of his early life in prison for debt but went on to build a business empire.
The site sits on the traditional land of the Muwinina people, who used the rivulet (nimene) for thousands of years before the brewery arrived.
The brewery has survived fires, floods, and economic depressions, standing as a testament to Hobart’s enduring character.
Today, it represents a bridge between eras: 👉 A place that honors traditional methods while staying at the forefront of the modern Australian craft beer movement.
It is the natural “finish line” for any South Hobart adventure. Pair it with:
Mount Wellington: Stop at the brewery for lunch on your way down from the summit.
Cascades Female Factory: Visit the historic site first to understand the area’s convict roots, then walk over for a drink.
The Hobart Rivulet Walk: Start at Salamanca and walk the 3km track for a rewarding finish at the bar.
👉 It’s the perfect way to toast a day of exploring Hobart’s wilder side.
