Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Local Beer
WA's leading working-class beers are Emu Bitter (EB) and Swan Draught. They're both
pretty bland, so focus instead on exploring the craft-beer scene. In Fremantle, and the
southwest in particular, local microbreweries abound, and the Swan Valley is also a top
spot.
In Fremantle, visit the Sail & Anchor and the Monk for blackboards full of ever-chan-
ging brews. Freo also has the iconic Little Creatures, now owned by a multi-national com-
pany but still tasting great with its hoppy Pale Ale.
In the Swan Valley, the best craft breweries are Feral Brewing Company and Mash
Brewing, and Mash also has locations in Bunbury and Rockingham.
Continuing south, the Margaret River region is emerging as a craft-beer hot spot - see
our picks on
Click here
- and Denmark's Boston Brewing Company and Pemberton' Jarrah
Jacks are also worth visiting. In Albany, there's the excellent Tanglehead Brewery at the
White Star Hotel, and good beers and ciders are crafted at the Cidery in Bridgetown.
Up north, the only craft brewery you'll find is Matso's in Broome. EB and Swan are sur-
prisingly difficult to find, and Carlton, XXXX and Tooheys dominate the mainstream mar-
ket.
Australian beer has a higher alcohol content than British or American beers. Standard
beer is around 5% alcohol (midstrength is around 3.5%, light 2% to 3%).
BYO - bringing your own beer or wine to the restaurant - is a widely accepted and budget-friendly prac-
tice.
