Creative young craft brewers and hip distillers have created an explosion of interest in this increasingly popular scene.  The hype is real, and The Tweed Coast is home to some serious urban and fashionable contenders.  If you're craving a fresh, frothy cold one by the Coast, take your pick...

1.Earth Beer Company – Cudgen
Earth Beer Company is nestled in the picturesque Northern New South Wales hinterland in Cudgen, just west of Kingscliff.  Offering unique rustic charm, it is set up in a re-purposed industrial packing shed on a working 25 acre avocado farm. This is one chilled out brewery with some great flavors that mother nature has produced.  The brewery’s slogan is ‘Brewed by mates for mates’, and we can’t think of a better place to sample a good  brew with good mates.

2.Husk Distillery – Murwillumbah
Specializing in making Australia’s first Agricole rum and the world’s first colour changing gin, Ink Gin, this humble, family-owned business set on 150 acres, sits on the banks of the Tweed River with views across the valley to Wollumbin and the border ranges. Visit the cellar door for a cocktail and lunch, purchase limited release products or join a distillery tour (bookings recommended).  A scenic 10 minute drive from our holiday parks, you'll want to check this one out stat.

3.Wandana Brewing Co – Mullumbimby
If small batch handcrafted brews, local food trucks serving up tasty eats, live music and DJ tunes speaks to you, then start the car and head to Wandana Brewing Co, in the picturesque town of Mullumbimby.  Relax in the spacious Tap Room surrounded by the hum of a working brewery or  kick-back in the Beer Garden whilst watching the sun set behind Mt Chincogan and beyond while the kids keep themselves busy in the playroom.  And you don’t have to love beer to show up – wine, cider, gluten-free beer and non-alcoholic drinks are all on offer too!

4.Lord Byron Distillery – Byron Bay
Lord Byron Distillery is a small family owned Australian distillery located right in the Byron Arts & Industry Estate in Byron Bay.  They are passionate about using local ingredients and artisan distilling methods to make drinks that are naturally better.  With a world class RUM range and a locally sourced botanical GIN range there is a spirit for everyone.  Produced with the dedication, care and passion of a bygone era, combining sustainability with provenance – Lord Byron Distillery delivers a premium experience for all to share and enjoy.

5. 4 Pines Beer XBoardriders – Coolangatta
4Pines X Boardriders Coolangatta is a short 100m stroll from the white sandy shores, nestled on the beach front of the busy Coolangatta Strand precinct. The open layout, clad in reclaimed wood, and bejeweled with festoon lighting, heralds 6 taps of beer with 2 Keller door taps pumping some of the freshest, unique and innovative styles from the in house Smart brew Kit. Also serving up tasty eats and freshly brewed coffee, the venue is open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The Tweed’s local craft beer and spirits scene has been expanding rapidly over the past few years with an injection of passionate locals setting up microbreweries throughout the Northern Rivers.  If you are a craft beer or spirit enthusiast, we urge you to visit The Tweed, see where the magic happens and most importantly, experience the explosions of flavors that collaborators have passionately created.

 Photo credit: Brooke Darling Photography-77