For years, the Yarra Valley has been renowned both here and internationally for its wine. More recently, a growing number of brewing companies and cider producers have chosen to call the region home too, and it's these who are being celebrated at a new Spring festival.
The Great Southern Beer & Cider Festival takes place at the Yarra Glen Racecourse on AFL Grand Final Eve (September 30) and will be showcasing much of what the area has to offer.
The following brewing companies and cider producers have already been confirmed with more set to be added:
- Hargreaves Hill
- Barrow Boys
- Watts River
- Buckley's
- Fury & Son
- Killer Sprocket
- True Brew
- Old Wives Ales
- Napoleone
- Willie Smith's Organic Cider
- Coldstream
- Beaumonde
- Endless
- Montague's
- Frank's
- Angry Cock
There will also be street food style food vendors, live music from bands including Music Victoria Blues Album of the Year winner The Three Kings and activities for kids too.
Entry costs $20 with tasting tokens containing ten sample tokens selling for $20. Children get in free with an adult (and are encouraged to come in their footy colours) while there are special combo tickets for entry and ten tokens selling for $35 via the festival website.
The festival is also offering a 10 percent discount for groups of eight or more.
All patrons will receive an official Hargreaves Hill souvenir 285ml tasting glass upon arrival. There is free parking onsite as well as complimentary bus travel between Lilydale station and the event throughout the day.
It's a family friendly event with gates open from 11am to 5pm.