The 11 Most Popular Craft Beers In Australia

Calling all you beer lovers, enter the delicious world of craft beer! Craft beers are full of unique flavours, giving each one its own distinctive taste. These craft beers are worth trying if you’re after a refreshing change from the status quo.

Now, with several options available in the market, choosing the right one can be quite a task. But don’t fret; we’ve listed the 11 best craft beers in Australia that are totally worth getting your hands on. But first, let’s cover a few craft beer basics.

What is Craft Beer? Everything You Need to Know

Any beer produced by an independent brewery that is not a part of a large corporation gets classified as craft beer. These innovative independent breweries create unique products that redefine the entire beer marketplace. Craft beer is made with all the same ingredients as non-craft beer (think malt, hops, yeast, and water). Still, brewers might be more selective or experimental with their ingredients and methods to achieve that unique taste. Most craft beers are not produced on a large scale; they are made in small quantities, making them perfect when you’re in the mood for something different. 

So, without further ado, let’s look at Australia’s most popular craft beers.

Click image to shop

1. Stone & Wood Pacific Ale Bottles

Try Stone & Wood’s iconic Pacific Ale for a quintessentially Australian flavour. Cloudy and gold in the glass, this beer has a fruity aroma and a great, refreshing taste. Every ounce is as breezy as its spiritual home in Byron Bay on the NSW North Coast.

Beer Style - Ale

ABV - 4.4%

Member Offer
$82.90 case (24)Non-Member: $83.99 case (24)

2. Balter XPA Cans

Balter XPA offers a unique and delightful taste thanks to its bold tropical flavours and floral aroma. Fully-hopped, award-winning stuff that ticks all the boxes for a light and refreshing craft beer. Perfect for those who want a satisfying, easy-to-drink beer made with quality ingredients.

Beer Style - XPA

ABV - 5.0%

Member Offer
$62 per case of 16Non-Member: $64.95 case (16)

Click image to shop

Click image to shop

3. Little Creatures Pale Ale Bottle

Little Creatures Pale Ale is preservative and additive-free, with its live yeast conditioned inside the bottle for unmatched freshness and character. It takes about six weeks from brewing to release, but the wait is worth it! This full-bodied, hop-driven pale ale is bursting with refreshing aromas and flavours: specialty malts and a hit of bitterness balance notes of citrus and stone fruit. 

Beer Style - Pale Ale

ABV - 5.2%

$28.99 pack (6)

4. Mountain Goat Very Enjoyable Beer Cans

If the name didn’t give it away, Mountain Goat’s Very Enjoyable Beer sort of stands out from the crowd. Made with a heavy dose of Australian Galaxy and Ella hops, this clean, well-balanced lager makes for an uncomplicated yet uncompromising drop. Pale gold in colour with a fruity and floral hop aroma, malty on the palate, crisp and clean on the finish.

Beer Style - Lager

ABV - 4.2%

$24.99 pack (6)

Click image to shop

Click image to shop

5. Great Northern Brewing Co. Original Can

impact of sunlight), pale malt, and lager yeast, Great Northern Brewing Co. has knocked it into the park with this one (get it?). Its fruity aroma, low bitterness and clean, crisp finish are the ultimate refreshment for those hot Northern conditions. 

Beer Style - Lager

ABV - 4.2%

Member Offer
$61 Case (30)Non-Member: $63.95 case (30)

6. Furphy Original Refreshing Ale Bottles

Furphy's Refreshing Ale is a versatile beer that offers a perfect balance of crispness and fruitiness. With a deep golden colour and slight haze, it has a subtle maltiness that is complemented by delicate hops. The result is a refreshing, dry finish that is sure to please.

Beer Style - Ale

ABV -  4.4%

$23.99 pack (6)

Click image to shop

Click image to shop

7. Coopers Original Pale Ale Cans

A perennial crowd-pleaser and one of Australia's oldest, most iconic craft beers, Coopers Pale Ale is the beer that inspired a new generation of ale drinkers and brewers. Fruity and floral characters are balanced with a crisp bitterness that has serious appeal for craft and non-craft lovers alike.

Beer Style - Pale Ale

ABV - 4.5%

$59.99 case (24)

8. Young Henrys Newtowner Australian Pale Ale Cans

It’s the coming together of several local hops that create this unique pale ale. Light and bright with a slightly bitter edge, Young Henrys' ode to their native Sydney suburb's 150th anniversary is enjoyed by many, both far and wide. An instant classic by all accounts.

Beer Style - Pale Ale

ABV - 4.8%

Member Offer
$21 per pack of 6Non-Member: $23.95 pack (6)

Click image to shop

Click image to shop

9. Gage Roads Single Fin Summer Ale Bottles

With summer days in mind, this light-bodied summer ale is bursting with fragrant Australian Galaxy and Enigma hops. It features a big tropical fruit bowl aroma that's balanced by subtle bitterness and a clean finish, making it an easy-drinking crowd-pleaser.

Beer Style - Summer Ale

ABV - 4.5%

$21.99 pack (6)

10. 4 Pines Pale Ale Bottles

Brewed in the sunny coastal suburb of Brookvale, 4 Pines Pale Ale has quickly become an iconic Sydney beer. Big on flavour and bursting with fresh aromas of pine and grapefruit, this pretty pale features a rich golden hue, a biscuity palate and a soft, bitter finish.

Beer Style - Pale Ale

ABV - 5.1%

$21.49 pack (6)

Click image to shop

Click image to shop

11. Better Beer Zero Carb Lager Bottle

From the larrikins behind The Inspired Unemployed comes Better Beer. Ticking all the boxes for crisp and refreshing, this easy-drinking lager delivers maximum flavour for just 87 calories and zero carbs. An absolute winner from the first sip.

Beer Style - Lager

ABV - 4.2%

$60.45 case (24)

Where to Buy Craft Beer?

The best place to find all these craft beers and more is Dan Murphy's. Take advantage of our Lowest Liquor Price Guarantee and enjoy the convenience of delivery direct to your door when you order online.

Frequently asked questions
    • The primary target audience for craft beer is young adults aged between 25-40. Craft beer brands also cater to beer enthusiasts, affluent consumers, and food aficionados. The unique flavour and innovative brewing techniques captivate craft beer drinkers, as this beverage is earthy, pure, and everything in between.
    • Yes, a very slight amount of sugar is present in craft beer. Malted barley, an ingredient used to make craft beer, contains minimal sugar that leaves its essence in craft beer. However, most of the sugar is converted into alcohol during the fermentation process. Craft beer is truly wholesome when sipped with the perfect balance of flavour.
    • Craft beer is packed with unique flavours, high-quality ingredients, and a pleasant aroma. It’s also made using an innovative brewing technique that gives the beer an extra punch. Each sip offers a wonderful experience, truly captivating the essence of this beer. Enjoy the uniqueness of this beer whenever you’re in the mood for a refreshing change.