Boags Brewery

The Boags Brewery is one of Australia’s oldest breweries. The brewery offers guided tours that provide an insight into its history, brewing techniques and signature beers.

James Boag established the brewery in 1881, taking advantage of Launceston’s clean water supply and proximity to high-quality local ingredients. Over the years, the brewery grew from a small family business into a household name, producing some of Tasmania’s best-known beers. Boags beers are now distributed nationally and the brewery remains a symbol of local pride.

What to see at the Boags Brewery

The Boags Brewery tour offers an in-depth look at beer production. Tours begin with a history of the brewery, showcasing its evolution over more than a century. Visitors are guided through the brewing process, with stops at the malting and fermentation areas. The tour explains how local ingredients, such as Tasmanian barley and hops, contribute to the distinctive flavour of Boags beers.

One of the highlights of the tour is the chance to see the packaging and bottling facilities. Visitors can see the machinery used to prepare the beers for distribution, which is a fascinating glimpse into modern brewing operations. At the end of the tour, guests are invited to a tasting session. This includes samples of several of Boags’ popular beers.

The brewery also houses a small museum. This collection features historic brewing equipment, photographs and memorabilia from the brewery’s early days. Visitors can explore this area before or after the guided tour.

Visiting the Boags Brewery

The Boags Brewery is around a 10-minute walk north of the heart of Launceston’s city centre.

Tours run daily, but availability may vary depending on demand. Visitors must arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of their tour.

Like the Cascade Brewery tour in Hobart, visitors are not permitted to have consumed alcohol prior to taking a tour.

Tours last around 90 minutes and include a tasting session.

9 William Street, Launceston TAS 7250
Website www.jamesboag.com.au
Admission $36.91, seniors $31.64, children (5–17) $19.50
Tours 11am, 1pm and 3pm daily