Where's the best place for a drink on the South Coast?

If you’re a lover of craft brews, small-scale distilleries and cocktail bars worth travelling for, then the South Coast has a bounty of local brews waiting for you. Time to convince a designated driver to take a road trip!

Small Town Provisions, Milton

Following the blueprint of wine bar-meets-bottleshop-meets-tasty snacks, Small Town Provisions is a classic of the genre. Oysters from down the road, the finest cheeses, charcuterie and tiny tinned fishes: what’s not to love? Hop on a barstool and indulge in a little people watching while you’re at it.

Across the road, check out Dangerous Ales at the Milton Hotel for a beer. Or head to Cupitt’s Estate, which houses a winery and brewery.

The Steampacket Hotel, Nelligen

The team behind popular Canberra pubs The Old Canberra Inn and The Dickson Taphouse took over The Steampacket Hotel in 2023 and have quickly put their stamp on this much-loved local institution. Local craft beers, top-notch pub food and plenty of live music to boot. They even have a courtesy bus!

If you’re looking for another pitstop between Canberra and the Coast, check out Hold Fast Distillery at Trooper’s Rest in Braidwood.

Foxdog Distillery, Mogo

Just 10 minutes from the beach, Foxdog Distillery uses wild samphire grown on the property, as well as rosella flowers, in their small-batch gins. This family-run business features a cafe with an on-site pizza oven and an extensive menu of crowd-pleasing options. There are also lawn games, as well as space for kids to play.

If you’re headed towards the beach, grab a coffee at The Mossy Cafe.

Broulee Brewhouse, Broulee

With plenty of taps flowing with their house-brewed beers, there’s lots to try at the Broulee Brewhouse. Things get tropical with their Pineapple Ginger Sour, or go for some grown-up milkshake vibes with the Choc Milk Porter. Their menu features a lineup of burgers and also has vegan/vegetarian options. Keep an eye out for their roving beer truck at festivals around the area.

Broulee Brewhouse has also recently taken on Camel Rock Brewhouse at Lake Wallaga holiday park.

Big Niles Brewing, Dalmeny

Cameron and Michelle White run Big Niles at Dalmeny. Named for their dog (sadly now passed), this microbrewery pumps out award-winning beers at their understated tap room, just near the highway. Cameron’s time living in the States has influenced some of his brewing, but there’s always plenty on tap to suit any palate. Various food trucks set up shop at the space during the season.

Further north, Malt Man brewing houses an excellent selection of beers and a lovely beer garden at Bodalla.

North of Eden Gin, Stony Creek

Views over the rolling hills of the hinterland greet you at the cellar door for North of Eden Gin. Enjoy a gin tasting and discover the different tastes and textures of the unique spirits on offer. This distillery makes all its gins using Australian-grown juniper and was the first to distil an oyster shell gin. The cocktail list includes the number of standard drinks to ensure everyone stays safe while driving home.

Take the scenic route up to Tilba Valley Winery and Brewery, or enjoy Tilba Brewing Co beers at the Dromedary Hotel, Tilba.

Humpback Brewing, Tathra

This microbrewery replaced the pokies at The Tathra Hotel in 2017. There are 11 beers and a cider on tap at the hotel, and you can also take away tinnies or a growler to enjoy elsewhere. The family-friendly hotel also features a bistro and is perfectly situated for whale watching.

Wander down the headland and grab a coffee at The Wharf Local.

Bar Superette, Merimbula

This compact bar allows you to pick your wine right off the shelf (or fridge) with a stunning collection of bottles from Australia and beyond. But it’s worth checking out the cocktail list too: the bartenders are seriously good at what they do. Similarly talented is the kitchen team, which produces incredible plates of snacks to share, as well as larger plates. Records play all night long, and rumour has it they are expanding into the space next door, so it will be easier to grab a table on busy nights.

Wander up the hill to Dulcie’s Cottage, a casual cocktail bar in an old weatherboard cottage, with burgers from a food truck out front.

Longstocking Brewery, Pambula

The best way to taste the range of Longstocking beers is to grab a paddle and settle in. Enjoy the lawns and grab some oysters or woodfired pizza. There’s often live music, and the brewery is housed in a venue that also features a garden centre and a chocolate shop, so there’s plenty to explore.

Down the road, Nine Circles Distillery has just opened a cellar door for tastings, cocktails, food and live music.

What are your favourite watering holes down the coast? Let us know in the comments.