BUNDABERG BREWED DRINKS BARREL

Bundaberg Brewed Delights – Discover the Essence of Craftsmanship

The Bundaberg Brewed Drinks Barrel Tour invites visitors to immerse themselves in the art of craft brewing. As a fourth-generation, family-owned Australian business, Bundaberg Brewed Drinks has been perfecting its brews for over 50 years, staying true to time-honoured recipes. Known for using locally sourced, real ingredients and traditional brewing methods, the company lives by its motto: “If it’s worth brewing, it’s worth brewing well”.

This experience is perfect for locals, regional day-trippers, and domestic and international travellers. It’s great for families, small groups or couples and individuals who want to make new friends on the tour! Guests enjoy guided tastings of Bundaberg’s entire range of brews and select six favourites to create a personalised take-home pack. The self-guided gallery features engaging exhibits, including an interactive “smellography” wall, insights into the locally sourced ingredients, and 360-degree brewery cameras showcasing the brewing process.

Visitors can also shop an exclusive range of merchandise and stock up on their favourite brews to take home as gifts or souvenirs. The Bundaberg Brewed Drinks Barrel Tour provides a unique combination of education, fun and flavour, making it a must-visit destination, not just for craft brew enthusiasts, but for everybody keen to learn more about this iconic Aussie brand.

Step into the World of Craft Brewing

The Bundaberg Brewed Drinks Barrel Tour begins at the distinctive Barrel. As visitors arrive, they are greeted by the enticing aroma of ginger wafting through the air. Stepping through the giant half-barrel entrance, they check in with the friendly team at the front desk. The reception area sets the mood with its unique blend of nostalgia and modern charm. To the left, a captivating bottle tree sparkles with fairy lights, creating an enchanting visual display. To the right, a history wall narrates the inspiring journey of Bundaberg Brewed Drinks, showcasing the milestones and highlighting the rich, authentic family legacy this iconic brand is built on.

From there, visitors enter the interactive gallery, where the experience truly comes to life. A lit-up floor features vibrant displays of the fruits used in the Bundaberg Brewed range, guiding guests toward the smellography station. Here, visitors engage their senses by pressing buttons to guess the aromas of the various fruits that give Bundaberg drinks their signature flavours. Along the way, a real ginger plant and detailed panels explain the steps of the unique brewing process. Guests can also enjoy 360-degree video footage that offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the brewery in action. Walking past the bottling line and a robotic packer, they gain insight into the blend of traditional and modern methods that make Bundaberg’s brews unique.

The highlight of the tour is undoubtedly the guided tasting session. At the tasting bar, guests sample all 13 of Bundaberg’s craft brews, guided by an expert Brew Connoisseur who shares the stories behind each flavour. This interactive experience allows visitors to discover their personal favourites before choosing six to create their own take-home pack. This thoughtful touch ensures every guest leaves with a memory of the experience tailored to their taste.

The tour concludes in the retail store, where guests can browse Bundaberg’s full range of brews and exclusive Bundaberg Barrel merchandise. Adding a personal touch, guests have the option to customise the iconic Ginger Beer by adding their face and name to a one-of-a-kind label, making for a special keepsake or unique gift.

Taking approximately one hour, the experience offers a blend of education, fun and excellent service. The atmosphere provides a warm, welcoming environment to all guests while maintaining the premium nature of the iconic Australian family-owned brand, inviting guests to immerse themselves in Bundaberg’s heritage while feeling completely at home. From the history wall’s nostalgic charm to the tasting bar’s interactive fun, the Bundaberg Brewed Drinks Barrel Tour is an unforgettable journey into the heart of craft brewing.

The Story of Bundaberg Brewed Drinks: A Legacy of Family, Craft and Quality

Bundaberg Brewed Drinks is a family-owned business deeply rooted in the town of Bundaberg. The Flemings, the family behind the brand, have passionately upheld their commitment to quality since founding the now iconic Australian brewery. Guided by the philosophy, “If it’s worth brewing, it’s worth brewing well”, the Flemings have created a legacy of crafting premium, non-alcoholic beverages enjoyed worldwide.

The journey began in 1968 when Neville and Gladys Fleming, along with their son Cliff and daughter-in-law Lee, purchased Electra Breweries. By 1973, the company had relocated to its Bargara Road brewery, marking a new chapter in its history. Through the 1970s and 80s, Bundaberg Brewed Drinks focused on serving local markets, manufacturing and selling drinks across Bundaberg and Maryborough. It was during the 1980s that the iconic Bundaberg Ginger Beer began making its way into Australian and New Zealand supermarkets.

Neville and Gladys retired in 1985, passing leadership of the brewery to the next generation, Cliff and Lee Fleming. Just two years later, Bundaberg expanded its reach globally, exporting its premium, non-alcoholic brews into multiple international markets. By 1995, the company had rebranded as Bundaberg Brewed Drinks, emphasizing its distinctive brewing process and introducing the “Brewed to Be Better” promise.

As the company evolved, it embraced innovation and opportunity. In 2000, Bundaberg debuted its first television advertising campaign, raising its profile across Australia. In 2005, the Bundaberg Barrel was established as a tourist attraction, inviting visitors to explore the unique brewing process behind Australia’s favourite ginger beer. By 2006, Bundaberg’s international footprint had grown to over 30 countries, and consequently the company celebrated record sales in 2007. In 2007, Cliff Fleming's son-in-law, John McLean, took over as CEO of Bundaberg Brewed Drinks.

The 2010s marked a period of remarkable growth. Bundaberg launched its Cafe Range in 2010, introducing refreshing flavours like Pink Grapefruit, Blood Orange and Guava, later adding Passionfruit and Lime. International success followed, with the company securing contracts with global retailers like Costco. In 2014, Bundaberg Ginger Beer found its way onto Qantas flights, packaged in sleek, travel-friendly cans. New brews such as Traditional Apple Cider, Traditional Lemonade, and Pineapple & Coconut further expanded the brand’s offerings.

By 2015, all Bundaberg beverages were available in the brand’s classic stubby bottles, cementing their distinctive identity. Today, Bundaberg Brewed Drinks continues to thrive as a testament to the Fleming family’s dedication to quality, innovation and craft. From a small-town brewery to a global icon, the journey of Bundaberg Brewed Drinks is a story of family passion and a relentless pursuit of excellence. In 2023, Bundaberg Brewed Drinks launched its state-of-the-art Master Brewery in Bundaberg.

How We Brew: The Craft behind Bundaberg Ginger Beer

Bundaberg Ginger Beer is crafted through a process that reflects the company’s commitment to quality, tradition and world-class flavour. Every step, from sourcing local ingredients to bottling the final product, is designed to deliver the authentic taste that has made Bundaberg Ginger Beer a favourite worldwide.

The process begins with ginger sourced from Queensland’s fertile soils, where the ideal growing conditions ensure a high-quality crop. The ginger is carefully dried and ground into coarse flour to preserve its natural flavour. This ground ginger is then combined with pure Queensland cane sugar and water to create the wort, the base of the ginger beer. Heating the wort releases essential flavours, sugars and starches from the ginger, which are broken down into fermentable sugars.

A special yeast is then added to the wort to begin the fermentation process. This stage is crucial in extracting the bold ginger flavour that defines Bundaberg Ginger Beer. Once fermentation is complete, the brew is filtered to retain small pieces of ginger, which continue to infuse flavour during the maturation process. At this stage, the ginger beer is concentrated, allowing the flavours to deepen and mature.

After maturation, the concentrate is diluted with water, sugar and citric acid to achieve the perfect drinking strength. The brew is then carefully filtered, carbonated and bottled in Bundaberg’s iconic glass stubby. Unlike quick factory mixes that may take less than an hour to produce, Bundaberg Brewed Drinks takes its time, often brewing over several days to achieve optimal flavour.

The use of natural ingredients – including fruit juices, herbs and spices – further distinguishes Bundaberg Ginger Beer from its competitors. Locally sourced wherever possible, these natural components contribute to the brew’s authentic and full-bodied taste. Real people, not machines, taste-test each batch, ensuring that slight variations in ingredients and temperatures are balanced for consistency and excellence.

Bundaberg’s commitment to quality is also reflected in its choice of packaging. The company uses 375-millilitre glass bottles for its core range to preserve the integrity of its brews, even though switching to plastic would be more convenient. This decision underscores Bundaberg’s dedication to maintaining the superior quality that its customers expect, while also underscoring its environmental credentials by using recyclable glass.

One final touch enhances the experience of enjoying Bundaberg Ginger Beer. Before opening, it is recommended to invert the bottle briefly to stir the natural ginger pieces and spices back into the drink. This simple step unlocks the drink’s full flavour and showcases its handcrafted nature.

Bundaberg’s brewing process is a testament to the company’s philosophy: “If it’s worth brewing, it’s worth brewing well”. By using traditional methods, real ingredients and an approach where quality takes precedence over speed, Bundaberg creates a product that embodies authenticity and excellence. This dedication is what makes Bundaberg Ginger Beer a standout in the world of craft beverages.

Accessibility

The Bundaberg Brewed Drinks Barrel Tour has been thoughtfully designed to accommodate a wide range of accessibility needs, ensuring that every guest can enjoy a seamless and inclusive experience. Conveniently located at 147 Bargara Road, the Barrel is easily accessible via public transport. Wheelchair-accessible buses run several times daily from central Bundaberg, with a number 608 bus stop situated directly in front of the facility, making it ideal for visitors who do not drive. 

The entire tour is wheelchair accessible, with all activities taking place on a single level. There are accessible parking bays located at the rear of the Barrel, offering easy access to the main entrance and check-in area. An accessible bathroom is located towards the back of the retail area, on the right after passing through the glass doors. 

Service dogs are warmly welcomed at the Barrel, although it should be noted that there are no nearby grassy areas for toileting. Handlers are encouraged to manage their service animal’s needs responsibly. The facility also features tactile indicators on EFTPOS machines to assist guests who are blind or living with low vision.

For visitors with sensory sensitivities, a quieter area is available near the rear of the building, close to the bathrooms. 

We welcome you to contact us before your visit to discuss any accessibility needs you might have. The Barrel team is dedicated to providing assistance and ensuring a welcoming and inclusive environment for all guests.