Why you have to visit these five Tasmanian and South Australian distilleries

Whether it’s the craft single malts whiskies of Tasmania or bold botanical gins from McLaren Vale you're after, Australian distilleries are offering more than just great spirits – they’re curating unforgettable visitor experiences. From immersive behind-the-scenes tours and hands-on blending workshops to cellar door tastings and award-winning restaurants, these distilleries are fast becoming essential stops for curious travellers and discerning palates alike.

Below, we highlight some of the best distilleries to visit across Australia – including Tasmania’s Callington Mill and Spring Bay, South Australia’s Never Never and St Agnes. Whether you’re an amaro aficionado, brandy devotee or simply love a good story with your sip, these destinations deliver on flavour, craft and experience.

Read on to plan your next trip (or trips) to five of the best distilleries Australia has to offer.

Callington Mill Distillery

At the heart of Oatlands, where history lingers in sandstone and windmill sails once turned with purpose, Callington Mill Distillery offers more than world-class whisky – it offers an immersive experience that stirs the senses and the soul.

Begin your visit with the award-winning Visitor Attraction of the Year, where the heritage mill precinct is brought to life through free self-guided audio-visual storytelling – a walk through Tasmania’s colonial past.

Step inside the modern distillery for a grain-to-barrel tour, guided or self-paced, and witness Japanese-inspired precision at work. Then savour that same devotion on the plate – the restaurant transforms seasonal Tasmanian ingredients with meticulous culinary technique, offering both casual and fine dining options.

At the cellar door, explore curated tastings of internationally awarded single malts or take part in Serendipity, where guests taste whisky straight from the cask, craft their own blend, and bottle it on the spot-personal.

Linger a little longer, enjoy a dram, breathe in the history and let the quiet beauty of the Mill Precinct reveal itself in every moment.

Find out more: callingtonmilldistillery.com

Never Never Distillery

Located in the heart of McLaren Vale, the Never Never Distillery Door is a brilliant place to explore premium Australian gin. With panoramic views of the region, guests can enjoy guided tastings and hands-on masterclasses that bring to life the craft and character behind Never Never’s award-winning products.

From the bold flavour delivered by Never Never’s signature Triple Juniper distillation process to the unique stories behind each botanical, every experience is hosted by a passionate team of gin experts who love sharing what makes these award-winning spirits so distinctive.

The distillery also hosts a calendar of seasonal events, including the much-loved OysterPalooza – returning in early August for a winter celebration of oysters, cocktails and frozen gin tastings.

Open seven days a week and just 45 minutes from the Adelaide CBD, the Never Never Distillery Door is an unforgettable destination for anyone visiting South Australia.

Find out more: neverneverdistilling.com.au

Spring Bay Distillery

Founded on Tasmania’s pristine east coast, Spring Bay Distillery offers one of Australia’s most distinctive whisky tasting experiences – where world-class single malt meets pure coastal terroir. Choose from a guided tour of the working distillery in Hobart or take the scenic one-hour drive to the original East Coast Distillery at Spring Beach.

Guests are welcomed with a behind-the-scenes look at Spring Bay's traditional production process – from locally malted Tasmanian barley to its signature Solera maturation system – culminating in a tasting of award-winning spirits shaped by sea air and rainwater.

For something truly memorable, the Fill Your Own Bottle experience invites you to draw straight from the Solera cask and hand-label your own cask strength whisky to take home.

This winter, you can warm your soul with a coastal dram crafted for the curious and discerning palate.

Find out more: springbaydistillery.com.au

St Agnes Distillery

Nestled in Renmark, South Australia, the St Agnes Distillery and Barrel Halls stand as a testament to a century of artisanal spirit craftsmanship. Established in 1925 by the Angove family, this iconic distillery is Australia's oldest continually operating craft distillery, renowned for producing award-winning brandy, gin and whisky.

Visitors can immerse themselves in the distillery's rich history through guided tours that delve into the meticulous, patient distillation process. The original copper pot stills, installed in 1910 by H Jennings from Adelaide, are still in use today, crafting spirits that have garnered international acclaim. The historic barrel halls, where St Agnes brandy matures gracefully in small oak barrels, offer a sensory journey through time, highlighting a century of dedication to quality and tradition.

Tasting experiences are a highlight, featuring the St Agnes Brandy, Blind Tiger Organic Gin and Camborne Single Malt Whisky, each paired with local delicacies to enhance the flavours. The distillery's commitment to excellence is evident in its accolades, including multiple 'Best Brandy in the World' awards and every Brandy trophy at Australian Wine shows in 2024.

Open daily, with tours available Monday to Saturday at 11:30am, the St Agnes Distillery offers a unique opportunity to explore Australia's rich distilling heritage. Whether you're a spirit enthusiast or a history buff, a visit promises an unforgettable experience of tradition, craftsmanship and flavour.

Find out more: stagnesdistillery.com.au