Any visit to the Riverland has to include a stop at the region’s only brewery at Wilkadene, 20 kilometres north of Renmark. Their slogan is ‘Brew with a View’ and they don’t disappoint with either.

This brewery was established in 2009 and as the name suggests it’s housed in a sheep shearing shed with a view capturing addition of a huge deck at the front which takes in incredible 180 degree vista over a backwater of the Murray River. The deck is shaded by huge gum trees which would make summer visits very comfortable, but if the weather is on the cooler side there is a grassed area in the sun where you can sit looking over boats moored below or there are comfortable and cosy indoor spaces.

The brewery has only been operating for a little over ten years but the property was once the head station of the wheat and sheep property Murtho Run, with the old cottage on the property built in 1859. After a series of owners it was bought by the Freeman Family in 1988 and today the brewery is run by husband and wife team, Sarah and Tom Freeman. The history and uniqueness of its setting is quintessentially Australian with most of the more than 100 year old shearing shed original. This micro-brewery also has a zero waste policy and uses solar energy and rainwater to produce their all natural ingredient brews.

The ales and stout range that they make, have some distinctly Riverland names such as The Big Orange, River Time and Australian Amber Ale and local flavours of orange juice, roasted wattleseed, barley and wheat. They also make a Hard Lemonade using Riverland lemons and grapes, an apple cider and Rude Ruby, an alcoholic ruby grapefruit and grape spritzer. You can buy a tasting paddle of any four butcher glass size (200ml for non South Australians) of the range for $20, or just try by the glass. They also have local wines to purchase and soft drinks, tea and coffee. You can buy a selection of cold meats, cheeses, dips and olives to create your own platter or if you visit on a weekend there are local food trucks to buy food from. Bringing your own picnic is also ok and your well behaved on leash dog is welcome too.Visitors to the brewery don’t only come by road though, at the front of the woolshed you’ll find boats of all shapes and sizes tied up. Everything from small riverboats to large houseboats can dock where paddle steamers used to, many years ago as they were supplied with chaff from the farm. These days they are supplied with friendly service and a truly Aussie experience.

The Woolshed Brewery is open from Wednesdays to Sundays 11am to 5pm.

Cheers

Glenys