Established 1836
Australia’s Oldest Mainland Brewery
From colonial roots to cold pints, we’re proud to be part of Australia’s brewing story.
Our Story
1818 - The land before brew
Governor Macquarie grants land to William Broughton — marking the very first pour of potential in what would become Australia’s oldest mainland brewery complex. Cheers to humble beginnings!
1836 - Milling, malting & making history
Brew dreams begin! William Bradley & William Shelley launch a flour mill with plans to brew. The building is up, the steam engine’s humming, and by the early 1840s, beer is officially on the menu.
1875 - Bartlett’s brew boom
W.J. Bartlett and J.S. Oddy take over the site and kickstart a new brewing era. With a shoestring budget and big ambitions, Bartlett eventually becomes the sole owner and brews here for nearly half a century.
1920 - Tooth & Co take the reins
Legendary brewing company Tooth & Co buys the brewery for a cool £14,000, along with leases on 11 hotels. Brewing continues under their watch— but with hard times ahead, big changes are coming…
1929 - Last call… for a while
With the Great Depression looming and an aging boiler, brewing stops in August 1929. The site switches gears to become a beer depot—and things go quiet for a few decades.
1989 - Back on tap!
After years, the Old Goulburn Brewery reopens with a hotel, restaurant, function space, theatre, gallery, and, yes… beer once more.
2021 - New hands, same heart
A proud Australian family takes the reins, buying the Old Goulburn Brewery with a bold vision to breathe new life into the historic site and return it to its rightful place at the heart of Goulburn.
2025 - "Wayback" beer is born
After two years of loving restoration, the Old Goulburn Brewery shines again – better than ever. With a brand-new brew hall and the skill of our renowned Head Brewer, Wayback Beer is born. A delicious new drop crafted from the finest local ingredients. It’s traditional, not conventional and is hard to put down.
