We’re going Wayback ... again.

30 September 2026 / Words & photos by Rod Nicholas

We last checked out of the Goulburn Brewery, the new home of “Wayback” beers, almost exactly twelve months ago. That’s a full year for the place to settle its nerves, establish a routine, develop some beers and find its proper place in beautiful downtown Goulburn.

The Goulburn Brewery claims the title of Australia’s oldest mainland brewery. It was established in 1836, by the banks of the Mulwaree River, and was designed by the convict Francis Greenway (Australia’s first architect). Over the years the site has operated as a flour mill, a cooperage, a malthouse, a rehab centre, a hotel, restaurant, theatre and function space and (of course) a brewery.

A bucket of money has been thrown into this venue, and the reincarnation of the brewery has been given a great deal of thought and effort. The place looks fantastic and the restaurant and bar are modern and welcoming, with hints of the history of the place scattered around.

The first leg of our drive there was from Hall on the edge of Canberra, to Gunning via Nanima Road and Gundaroo. Our small group was easy to keep together, and we had plenty of time for coffee and a sweet treat at Merino Café in Gunning. The second leg was a short 80 k, as we turned just out of Gunning towards Grabben Gullen then a quick right onto Range Road for a blat through the countryside to the older parts of Goulburn and into the Brewery carpark. Traffic was almost non-existent, and the day was bright, sunny and heading to hot. Just perfect for some MX-5 motoring.

The food for lunch delightful, and the refreshments on hand—beer, wine, soft drinks etc—were perfectly suited to the day and the venue. The stout, a malty dry style, was perfectly matched to my beef pot pie. The beers made here are not particularly adventurous—they don’t pretend to be—but they are satisfyingly tasty and refreshing. 

We didn’t muck about after lunch and headed home after a bit more of a chat in the carpark. I must say, the Hume/Federal Highways are most unexciting but they provide a quick enough way to get back home.

‘Twas a great run—a lovely destination, mostly empty roads in very good condition, near-perfect weather, excellent food and refreshments and great company. And yes, the Brewery has well and truly settled into this latest phase of its life. Well worth a visit!