Beerfarm brewery set for Glenworth Valley

West Australian brewery Beerfarm has been a huge success in the Margaret River area – and now has plans to open a second venue at Glenworth Valley.

Founder Ian Atkins said a Central Coast venue would be a major boon for tourism in the region and mark a personal return to his roots on the east coast.

“My first foray into brewing was in NSW – at Young Henrys Brewing in Young in Newtown – before I headed west and started Beerfarm,” he said.

“With family on the Hawkesbury River, I am excited at the thought of bringing our combined farm, brewery and restaurant concept to Glenworth Valley.

“It’s been a long journey (to achieving appropriate approvals), but we are starting to get some traction now.”

At Margaret River, Beerfarm is a working farm, with 100 head of Angus cattle.

“We upscaled a 1950s dairy to become a brewing facility and created a bar and restaurant in an old hay shed and ancillary buildings,” Atkins said.

“The whole idea was to use low carbon miles in putting things through to patrons.

“It has provided a unique experience allowing families, especially city people, to see how things work in the country and get an insight into production at a brewery in a family-friendly environment.”

And now Atkins plans to bring his business model of suppling topquality produce at a reasonable price to Glenworth Vallley.

“We have been working with owners of Glenworth Valley, who are also people of the land,” he said.

Atkins said the brewery would not be large.

“Our strategy from outset has been to provide slightly smaller more boutique spaces where we can produce enough beer for the local community and surrounding areas,” he said.

“It’s all about quality over quantity.”

With DA approval now received from Central Coast Council, Beerfarm plans to begin building soon.

The build will be spread over two phases, the first phase to be constructing the brewery, with brewing hopefully underway by min 2025.

The second phase will focus on the venue, which will start in the latter half of 2025, aiming for doors to be open to the public around mid-2026.

With a proposed production capacity of up to two million litres annually, the brewery will supply Beerfarm beers throughout the east Ccoast and will increase Beerfarm’s overall national product volume by 30 per cent.

The new Glenworth Valley facility will feature a taproom offering the full beer range and a restaurant focused on local produce.

The venue will include spaces for live music, private events and large-scale cultural events.

Once fully complete, the new site is expected to employ upwards of 40-50 people, and will be a tourist drawcard.

“The project’s design, construction, and operations will create opportunities for local suppliers and workers, fostering collaboration and economic growth,” Atkins said.

“Our goal is to support Glenworth Valley’s development as a premier destination for day-trippers

from the Central Coast, Newcastle, Sydney and beyond, further cementing its reputation as an exciting location for visitors.

“This new Beerfarm site on the east coast represents our dedication to growth while staying true to our roots.

“We look forward to becoming a part of this wonderful community and sharing our passion for great beer and good times with everyone here.”