Breweries & Distilleries Near Ballooning Locations
A sunrise hot air balloon flight is the perfect start to any day — calm skies, golden light, and incredible views.
But after you’ve touched down, why not keep the good vibes flowing with a visit to one of the Yarra Valley or Melbourne’s craft breweries and distilleries nearby?
From crisp local beers to botanical gin and small-batch whisky, these are the perfect places to relax, share stories, and toast to your morning adventure.
1. Four Pillars Gin – Healesville
No Yarra Valley visit is complete without stopping by Four Pillars, Australia’s most celebrated gin distillery.
Known for its creative infusions — from Rare Dry Gin to Bloody Shiraz Gin — Four Pillars offers tastings, cocktails, and distillery tours in a sleek, welcoming space.
Why it’s perfect after ballooning:
It’s relaxed, stylish, and all about flavour. You can enjoy a gin paddle, grab a cocktail, or pick up a bottle to take home as a memory of your flight.
📍 Location: 2A Lilydale Road, Healesville
2. Matilda Bay Brewery – Healesville
As Australia’s original craft brewery, Matilda Bay has a long history of brewing innovation.
Its spacious Healesville brewery offers tasting paddles, hearty pub-style food, and a laid-back setting surrounded by the valley’s green hills.
Try the iconic Redback Wheat Beer or the Original Ale while you watch the brewers at work.
Why it’s perfect after ballooning:
It’s casual, family-friendly, and perfectly timed for a late breakfast or early lunch after your morning flight.
📍 Location: 336 Maroondah Highway, Healesville
3. Watts River Brewing – Healesville
Just around the corner from Matilda Bay, Watts River Brewing is a local gem run by two ex-White Rabbit brewers.
They specialise in European-inspired beers — from Belgian-style ales to hoppy IPAs — brewed onsite with passion and creativity.
Why it’s perfect after ballooning:
It has a friendly, community feel and often features live music on weekends. A perfect way to unwind and chat about your flight.
📍 Location: 7 Hunter Road, Healesville
4. Coldstream Brewery – Coldstream
If your balloon flight launches near Coldstream, this one’s right on your doorstep.
Coldstream Brewery is a long-standing Yarra Valley favourite known for its crisp lagers, pale ales, and refreshing cider — all brewed onsite.
Their restaurant serves comforting, country-style meals and great coffee for those who prefer a non-alcoholic stop.
Why it’s perfect after ballooning:
It’s the ideal middle ground — a mix of local hospitality, great food, and easy access from most Yarra Valley landing spots.
📍 Location: 694 Maroondah Highway, Coldstream
5. St Andrews Beach Brewery – Fingal (Mornington Peninsula option)
If you ever plan a balloon flight beyond the valley, St Andrews Beach Brewery offers a coastal version of the same experience.
Set on a former racehorse training facility, the brewery has open lawns, craft beers, and a relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Why it’s perfect after ballooning:
It’s great for those wanting to explore further afield or plan a weekend escape — sky in the morning, sea breeze by afternoon.
📍 Location: 160 Sandy Road, Fingal
6. Urban Alley Brewery – Docklands (for Melbourne city flights)
For those flying over Melbourne CBD, Urban Alley Brewery offers a city-side finish to your day.
Located near the waterfront, it combines craft beer, hearty food, and skyline views — a modern urban contrast to the quiet morning skies.
Why it’s perfect after ballooning:
It’s nearby, lively, and perfect for sharing a celebratory drink before heading home.
📍 Location: 12 Star Circus, Docklands
Tips for Planning Your Brewery or Distillery Stop
Book ahead on weekends: Many cellar doors and breweries fill up quickly.
Timing matters: Balloon flights usually finish mid-morning, so late breakfast or early lunch bookings (around 11 a.m.–12 p.m.) work best.
Designate a driver: The Yarra Valley is spread out, and most spots involve short drives between venues.
Not a drinker? Many breweries offer excellent coffee, mocktails, or local soft drinks — so everyone can join the celebration.
From Sky to Sip
A balloon flight and a brewery or distillery visit make the perfect Yarra Valley pairing — adventure first, relaxation second.
It’s the kind of day that captures everything beautiful about the region: craft, creativity, and connection.
So after you’ve floated above the valley, land softly, raise a glass, and say cheers to a day that truly rises above the rest.
✨ Ready to plan your perfect Yarra Valley day?
Book your Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Flight, then visit one of these local breweries or distilleries to make your morning adventure last a little longer.