An Inside Look At One Of The South West’s Most Iconic Breweries
We all adore the South West for its laid-back vibes and incredible views, and that's exactly what Eagle Bay Brewing Co is. Serving up handcrafted brews and good times, it's a must for when you're next in the region.
Perched on rolling farmland with postcard-perfect views of the Indian Ocean, this South West icon is just a breezy drive from Dunsborough, and you could even say it’s nailed the holy trinity: great beer, great food and a setting so good you’ll be plotting your return before the first round hits the table.
Founded in 2010 by siblings Nick, Astrid, and Adrian d’Espeissis, Eagle Bay Brewing Co is a family affair that's proudly run and deeply connected to the land it sits on. Onsite you’ll find a brewery, garden bar, restaurant and two vineyards. The property has been in the family since the 1950s, and the land carries through everything they do. Beer here is brewed on site using rainwater collected from the farm, local barley and yeast, all of which is powered by solar energy, a genuine paddock-to-pint operation (or farm-to-glass depending on your sipping preferences).
The venue itself is a large part of what draws people here. With wide open lawns and a sprawling indoor-outdoor setup, afternoons here feel less like being at a brewery and more like a laid-back backyard gathering you’ll never want to leave. Picnic tables spill across the grass, kids roam freely, and groups settle in for long afternoons fuelled by house-brewed beers and easy-drinking wines. Inside, the dining area is relaxed and unpretentious, and the floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace makes winter days here that extra bit cosy.
Eagle Bay Brewing Co knows its way around an easy-drinking beer; the lineup here is a crowd pleaser. The Kolsch is a standout, both crisp and refreshing, and the Wheatbelt Lager is equally as sessionable, giving a nod to WA’s grain-growing roots. Hop fans will want to turn their eyes to the Pale Ale or XPA, both delivering lively citrus undertones. If you're headed this way in winter, not to worry. As the weather cools, richer seasonal releases like the Cacao Stout step into the spotlight. Picture yourself all rugged up in the South West, gazing out at the winter ocean, a smooth beer in hand that gives bittersweet notes of dark chocolate and coffee… we know where we’ll be when the weather gets cold (and every other season).
Not everyone in your group is into beer? No problem. At Eagle Bay Brewing Co, wine is far from an afterthought. The onsite vineyard, planted in 1995, produces a boutique range of smooth wines fermented from the most lovingly grown grapes. Whether you’re sipping crisp whites like Semillon Sauvignon Blanc, or Chardonnay, enjoying a lively Sauvignon Blanc, or indulging in estate-grown reds such as Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and a Cabernet Merlot blend, there’s something to suit every palate. Rosé and easy-drinking sparkling options are also available, making it ideal for those long lunches with the girls.
Food here doesn’t get left behind either. Expect a menu of modern Aussie fare that champions local produce and seasonal ingredients. Standouts include the selection of smoky, wood-fired pizzas (of course), the velvety baba ganoush and focaccia, zesty soba noodle bowl and the succulent, glazed chargrilled pork. With flavours that highlight the freshness of local ingredients and dishes that pair effortlessly with the house wines or craft beers, Eagle Bay Brewing Co proves that its food is just as much of a destination as its drinks and views.