The Cascade Brewery is Australia's oldest brewery (established in 1824), and an iconic Tasmanian brand. It produces a range of beers and alcoholic ciders that can be enjoyed in the Cascade Brewery Bar, which was previously the brewery manager’s house. The surrounding gardens can be explored by visitors and are a beautiful place to take a walk on a warm day.
Cascade uses Tasmanian barley and hops for its mainstream beers and combines it with fresh mountain water to create a brew that has been celebrated for well over a century. Cascade Pale Ale holds the distinction of being Australia’s oldest continuously brewed beer (since 1832).
Some of the more popular beers include Cascade Draught (Tasmania’s best-selling beer), Cascade Bitter (Red), Cascade Lager (Blue), Cascade Stout, and Cascade Premium Light (Australia’s favorite light beer). Several other varieties are produced, and seasonal beers are released on a limited basis.
The brewery is a short 5 minute drive from downtown Hobart and is located in the foothills of Mount Wellington.
Open 11am to 9pm every day of the week. Closed Christmas Day and Good Friday.
Tours are the perfect way to learn about the proud tradition of the brewery and develop a deep appreciation for its special Tasmanian brew. Most tours are available to anyone over the age of 18 and depart from the Cascade Brewery Bar multiple times throughout the day (book in advance to secure a spot).
The Brewery Tours lasts approximately 1 hour and includes a tasting. Attendees learn about the ingredients and how the beer is made. Because it includes entering a working production facility, it is for over 18s only and all skin must be covered from the waist down, enclosed, flat shoes must be worn, and no loose jewelry is permitted. Photography is restricted to outside the brewery.
The Cascade History Tour is an 'all ages' tour that is 60 minutes in duration and a terrific way to learn about the history of the Cascade Brewery. The History Tour does not enter the brewery worksite and no tastings are included.
The Cascade Brewhouse is not only home to an array of delicious beverage options, it also hosts a restaurant on site. The menu has been specially crafted to match the beers and ciders and food can be enjoyed in the bar, dining room or outside gardens. The menu provides full meals, as well as snacks, smaller places and desserts, and features local produce and ingredients.
The Cascade Brewery was founded by English settlers Peter Degraves and his brother-in-law, Major McIntosh. Originally a saw milling operation, the vision for the brewery was established while Peter Degraves was serving a 5-year prison sentence in Hobart for debts incurred in England. Upon his release in 1832, Degraves took over running and expanding the brewery.
After Macintosh's death in 1834, Degraves continued to expand both the milling and brewing operations at the Cascade, exporting both timber and beer to mainland Australia. The business stayed in the family for several generations and is now owned by a subsidiary of Carlton & United Breweries. The image adopted for its label in 1987, H. C. Richter's nineteenth-century illustration of the now extinct Tasmanian tiger (Thylacinus cynocephalus), is from Gould's The Mammals of Australia. To learn more, tours are an excellent way to get educated on the rich history of The Cascade Brewery and its players. Image thanks to Tourism Tasmania & Kathryn Leahy.
