There’s something about that first sip of craft beer after a long drive through the Yarra Valley that hits different — and at Hargreaves Hill Brewing Company, it’s not just about the pint, it’s about the story behind it. Sitting proudly in Lilydale, this family-owned brewery has grown into one of the best-known craft breweries in Victoria, built on hard work, heart and a healthy respect for the hops.
The Story Behind the Craft
Every brewery has its story, but Hargreaves Hill Brewing Co. has one that reads like a love letter to persistence and passion. The founders — Simon Walkenhorst, a former classical pianist, and Beth Williams, a trained opera singer — left behind their music careers to chase a new rhythm: brewing beer.
Their first location, in the heart of Yarra Glen, was small but full of life — until the Black Saturday fires tore through the region in 2009 and destroyed their original brewhouse in Steels Creek. Rather than fold, Simon and Beth rebuilt from the ground up in Lilydale, turned heartbreak into hops.
That rebirth wasn’t just about beer. It was about community support, resilience and finding joy in the simple things — a cold pint, shared stories and mates who show up when it matters.
Quick Stats: The Essentials at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2004 |
| Founders | Simon Walkenhorst & Beth Williams |
| Location | Lilydale, Victoria |
| Beer Range | 6 Core Beers + Seasonal Specials |
| Tour Availability | Weekends & by appointment |
| Food Service | Full lunch & dinner menu |
| Membership | Beer Club with quarterly packs |
| Sustainability | Spent grain recycled for local farms |
The Art of Thoughtful Beer Making
The heart of Hargreaves Hill Brewing Company is the beer itself — every drop brewed with precision and purpose. Walkenhorst’s background in music shows in his approach: balance, rhythm, and harmony in every recipe.
| Beer | Style | ABV | Key Notes | Ideal Pairing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hargreaves Hill Pale Ale | American Pale Ale | 4.9% | Citrus hops, biscuit malt, crisp finish | Fish ‘n’ chips or roast chook |
| Extra Special Bitter (ESB) | English Bitter | 5.2% | Caramel malt, earthy hops, long finish | Slow-braised lamb pie |
| The Phoenix | Golden Ale | 4.6% | Floral hops, honey malt, clean finish | Pork belly with mushy peas |
| Hargreaves Hill Stout | Classic Dry Stout | 5.0% | Coffee additions, dark chocolate, roasted grain | Dessert or Koo Wee Rup asparagus |
| Hefeweizen | European Wheat Beer | 5.1% | Banana, clove, soft spice | Chargrilled zucchini or Persian fetta |
This core range is the backbone of their reputation, showing off what the Australian craft beer industry does best: no shortcuts. Their beers are vegan-friendly and preservative-free, often made with ingredients from local producers.
If you’ve been around the beer industry long enough, you’ll know the real magic happens outside the regular lineup. At Hargreaves Hill, their seasonal releases and small-batch experiments are where the brewers get creative — and your taste buds.
Highlights have been:
- Russian Imperial Stout – big, boozy and espresso bitter.
- Ares Red IPA – bold, resinous and hoppy.
- Milk Stout – smooth and creamy with a dark chocolate finish.
- Raspberry and Rosehip Sour – tart, floral and elegant.
- Tepache Habanero Pineapple Sour – tropical and cheeky.
- Double IPA and West Coast Imperial IPA – hop showcases for the brave.
They’re not just chasing novelty – they’re pushing boundaries while staying true to their classic mastery. Many of these limited editions have been released during Good Beer Week where Hargreaves Hill join other Yarra Valley craft breweries on the Cider and Ale Trail for collaborative tastings.
Tastings At The Brewery
A visit to Hargreaves Hill’s cellar door in Lilydale gives you the full behind-the-scenes pass. Guided brewery tours run most weekends and take you through the production floor, bottling facilities and fermentation tanks. You’ll learn about temperature, yeast health and carbonation – the finer points of craft brewing that separate a good beer from a great one.
Each tour ends with a guided tasting paddle featuring:
- The Hargreaves Hill Pale Ale (crowd favourite)
- The Extra Special Bitter
- The Golden Ale (The Phoenix)
- A rotating seasonal brew
The staff are as knowledgeable as they are friendly – expect to chat about hop varieties, malt profiles and the joys of keeping beer preservative-free.
Comfort Food Meets Craft
The Hargreaves Hill restaurant is the kind of place where you wish every pub took food this seriously. It’s all about simple, seasonal and local. The menu changes with the weather but it’s always hearty and matches the beer list perfectly.
Top picks:
- Slow-braised lamb pie with buttery pastry and mushy peas
- Pork belly glazed in Hargreaves Hill The Phoenix Golden Ale
- Chargrilled zucchini and Persian fetta salad for the veggos
- Beer-battered flathead cooked in their own Pale Ale
- Sticky date pudding with stout caramel sauce
The dining area has cosy fireplaces, private dining rooms and outside dining areas perfect for a sunny Yarra afternoon. Midweek bar specials and lunch specials for locals, and Foodie’s Night Fridays, where local musicians and food trucks roll in.
How To Get Here
You’ll find Hargreaves Hill Brewing Co on 69 Elizabeth Street, Lilydale. This is about 45 minutes from the heart of Melbourne – and it’s the perfect starting point for your Yarra Valley Cider and Ale Trail adventure.
Driving:
- Get on the Maroondah Highway (B360) and head towards Lilydale.
- We’ve got free parking available right on site, and there’s also street parking nearby.
- When you’re tasting a few different beers, it’s a good idea to have a designated driver lined up – just to be on the safe side.
Getting the Train:
- Take the Lilydale train from Melbourne to Lilydale Station – it’s an easy 5-minute walk from there.
Accessibility:
- We’re really proud of the fact that our brewery and restaurant are wheelchair accessible. We’ve got a ramp in place and all the pathways are nice and wide.
- We also make sure to look after anyone with specific needs – so whether you need help finding a seat or want some menu advice, just let us know. And if you’re a vegan, don’t worry – our Pale Ale and Stout are both vegan-friendly (no animal products whatsoever).
If you’re already over in Yarra Glen, it’s an easy detour and a great way to mix things up after a day of wine tasting.
A Few Local Travel Tips
If you’re planning on hitting a few breweries in the Yarra Valley, here are a few tips to make sure you make the most of it:
- Pair it with wine – there are heaps of great wine producers in the area, so try Coldstream Hills or Oakridge Wines before or after a beer tasting.
- Check the forecast – Lilydale can be a bit unpredictable, so pack accordingly!
- Stay local – there are heaps of great places to stay in Yarra Glen and Healesville, and they’re both an easy drive from the brewery.
- Get on the trail – the Yarra Valley Cider and Ale Trail is a must-do – and Hargreaves Hill is one of the standout breweries on the route.
- Take some beer home – our mixed 6-packs (featuring the Pale Ale, Stout and ESB) are a great way to enjoy our beer back at home – and they’re available in both bottles and cans.
FAQ
Is Hargreaves Hill Brewing Co. vegan-friendly?
Yes! Our beers are free of animal products, and most of our menu can be adapted to suit vegans and vegetarians.
What are Hargreaves Hill's top-selling beers?
Our Pale Ale, Extra Special Bitter and Golden Ale (The Phoenix) are the clear winners, closely followed by our Stout and Hefeweizen.
Do I need to book a tour, or can I just rock up?
No problem – you can just walk in and we’ll be happy to show you around for a tasting, or book ahead for a guided tour on the weekends or during holidays.
Are you part of any local beer trails or events?
We’re proud to be part of the Yarra Valley Cider and Ale Trail, and we always get involved in Good Beer Week.
What's the vibe like - a pub or a fancy restaurant?
We like to think we’re somewhere in between – think casual, country pub atmosphere with a bit of city-class flair in our food and beers.
