Sharing space within the historic red-brick woollen-mill complex are these two separate, well-respected breweries that have come together to create a giant playground for beer-lovers. Little Creatures is the bigger operation, a vast, vibrant indoor-outdoor space, while White Rabbit, relocated from Healesville in 2015, is the more boutique offering, with a chic set-up among its brewing equipment.
Little Creatures, which began in Fremantle, Western Australia, has six core beers, including its Geelong-born Furphy – a hit with locals – which you can sample on a tasting paddle. Order a pizza and find a table inside, or nab an outdoor picnic table. In summer there's an outdoor cinema, craft markets and even a resident barber parked in a caravan. Tours of the brewery ($20) operate a few times a day and include free tastings. Kids will love the sandpits and the room to run around.
White Rabbit offers more refined decor, but it's equally relaxed and you can enjoy its range of beers as the brewers work away on the next batch. It has five core beers, along with a seasonal on tap that's always worth checking out. There's a tempting charcuterie selection, and a few mains (the likes of roasted lamb shoulder; $26), plus an attached shop selling beer merchandise. There are info boards for self-guided tours of the brewery, or there's usually someone to show you around.
