Spirits and Cider: 3 Must-visit Attractions for Thirsty Travellers in Australia

It’s not just about beer or wine in Australia. Craft spirits and cider are raising the bar too

Tired of your usual watering holes? While Singapore might be home to a long list of cocktail bars, Australia has something even better: independently owned distilleries and breweries that offer an exclusive look — and taste — at how some of the world’s best craft drinks are made. 

Here are three in Australia you need to visit: 

1. Distillery Botanica - Erina, New South Wales

Gin enthusiasts, this one’s for you. Located on the Central Coast, just a 90-minute drive north from Sydney, Distillery Botanica, recently won Australia’s first gold medal for gin at the International Wine and Spirits Competition, Helmed by expert distiller Philip Moore, Distillery Botanica specialises in spirits using native Australian botanicals such as Illawarra plum, grown in the grounds. 

Stop by the tasting room for a range of fragrant gins including the award-winning Moore’s Vintage Dry Gin, and the limited-edition Rather Royal Gin made with eight ingredients picked from the Royal Botanic Garden in Sydney.

2. Sullivans Cove - Hobart, Tasmania

Toast with a glass of whisky at Sullivans Cove, recognised for having the world’s best single malt whisky at the 2014 World Whiskies Awards.

A mere 20 minutes by car from Hobart, the distillery offers whisky tours and tastings. Get a behind-the-scenes look at how one of the world’s most desired single malt whiskies is made. Then, relax with a dram or three of whisky carefully crafted with Tasmanian-only ingredients. Aficionados will be pleased to know that every barrel of whisky is bottled individually, ensuring that each bottle comes with its own unique flavour, aroma, and colour.  

3. CORE Cider House - Western Australia

If you prefer something lighter and sweeter with a hint of sparkle, then drop by CORE Cider House located just 35 minutes from Perth city. 

This fourth-generation family farm offers artisan cider tasting sessions, wine trails, and apple orchard tours, which include fruit-picking from January to August and a hearty farm-to-table lunch overlooking the orchards. From sparkling apple and lemon to pear flavours, tickle your taste buds with a range of orchard-bred ciders from the only Western Australian cidery to win the “Best in Class” award at the Australian Cider Awards.