boags brewery tour launceston

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James Boag Brewery Experience

The James Boag Brewery Experience venue also incorporates a café, merchandise store and museum, giving visitors an insight into the Boag family and the development of the Boag brands throughout the last century. As tour times vary, please contact the Launceston Travel and Information Centre for further details. The James Boag's Brewery Tour Duration - 1.5 hours Tour Prices Adults: $33 Aged concession: $28 Children 5-17: $15 Bookings are essential Terms and Conditions Bookings essential; Fully enclosed shoes must be worn (sneakers or boots are ideal); Children must be 5 years or older and anyone ager 5-17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian; Strictly no alcohol is to be consumed prior to going on tour; The brewery is a working site, there is no guarantee all elements of the brewery process will be operating at time of tour. The Brewery is largely non-operational on weekends; The tour is a walking tour which includes a number of stairs; Failure to arrive 15 minutes before scheduled tour departure time may result in forfeiture of your tour place and payment.

• 39 William Street, Launceston, TAS, 7250, Australia

James Boag Brewery Experience

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39 William Street, Launceston, Tasmania 7250 (03) 6332 6300 [email protected] www.boags.com.au

opening times

Monday – Friday 9:30 – 5pm, Sat and Sunday 10:30 – 5pm

Closed Christmas Day

Daily at 11.00am, 1.00pm and 3.00pm

Readily available in Pubs and bottle shops across Tasmania (and in every state in Australia, as well as overseas). Also from the James Boag’s Brewery Experience venue.

The story of James Boag’s Brewery starts in 1881 on the banks of the Esk River in Launceston. It was there James Boag and son established their tradition of brewing excellence. James Boag understood that there’s nothing on earth quite like Tasmania’s natural pure waters, and he used this as his inspiration to brew some of the finest beers in the land.

When these miraculous waters are combined with other premier ingredients, the result is James Boag’s unique range of Tasmanian beer. Premium, the brewery’s multi-award winning favourite, is not only wildly popular in Tasmania, but can also be found on the mainland and in small pockets all over the world.

Try the James Boag Brewery Experience and you can take a walk back through time with a brewery tour. There’s also a museum and gift shop. Even if you don’t have time for a tour, drop in for a beer or coffee. There’s also a selection of Tasmanian wine, cheese and light lunch options available.

James Boag Beers

James boag's premium lager.

James Boag’s Premium is a smooth, subtle lager, a perfect balance between hop and malt.

Bright pale straw in colour with finely beaded bubbles, the lager has a fruity front palate, followed by its distinctly crisp, dry finish. This unique taste combination makes it the ideal accompaniment to seafood, a perfect match of flavour intensity.

It’s created with the finest ingredients, world-class brewing skills and the pure waters of Tasmania.

James Boag's Premium Light

ames Boag’s Premium Light provides a full-flavoured experience that is every bit as sophisticated as its Premium Lager alternative.

Boag's Draught

A traditional Australian style of lager, Circa 1930s.

Boag's Draught Light

A low alcohol Australian style of lager, launched in 1990.

James Boags Wild Rivers

James Boags newest release in 2018. This refreshing lager is a thoughtfully crafted balance between hop and malt.  Take in the fresh, piney aroma inspired by the rugged landscapes and waterfalls of Tasmania. It's low on bitterness with a clean, crisp finish.

James Boags Draught

James Boags master brewers use the finest fresh ingredients Tasmania has to offer, including top quality malts and Pride of Ringwood hops. The result is a crisp and refreshing, full-flavoured lager – it is sure to please the most discerning beer drinker.

James Boags Draught Light

Double batched, filtered and low-temperature evaporated, James Boag’s Draught Light is just 2.7% ABV, with a full and pleasing character. Available only in Tasmania.

Boag's Wizard Smith Ale

A traditional English Pale Ale, launched in 2007 and made with quality imported hops and a great deal of character.  Available only in Tasmania.

Boag's XXX Ale

Beautifully coloured and full of flavour, Boag’s XXX Ale is 4.8% ABV, as well as crisp, balanced and aromatic.  Available only in Tasmania.

See full tasting notes for the entire James Boags range here .

James Boag Facts

Launceston is Tasmania's second major city and a vibrant hub for food and wine, culture and nature. In fact, the whole region is jam-packed with city and country charm, gorgeous old towns, excellent food and wine and beautiful scenic highlights.

One of Australia's oldest cities, Launceston has one of the best-preserved early cityscapes in Australia with its elegant Colonial and Victorian architecture and century-old parks.

Just a short walk from the city centre, Cataract Gorge is a slice of wilderness right in the heart of town and Launceston's star natural attraction.

There's also plenty of culture on offer at art galleries, museums and local designer stores, not to mention the famous cool climate wines, local brews and fine dining that are the essence of the Launceston experience.

And for a little 'home away from home', why not catch a game of AFL at Launceston's University of Tasmania Stadium?

From Launceston, you can follow the Tamar Valley north through Tasmania's premium wine-growing region, past forested hills and farmland, lavender fields, vineyards, orchards and pretty riverside towns. Historic villages are found around every corner, from Longford on the outskirts of Launceston to Evandale, Ross and Campbell Town along the Heritage Highway south. For those interested in wildlife, nearby Narawntapu National Park provides many opportunities to see Australia's unique animals. Launceston's history began in 1804 when the commandant of the British garrison Lt. Col. William Paterson, set up a camp at Port Dalrymple, now known as George Town. A few weeks later, the settlement was moved across the river to York Town and in 1806 they finally settled in Launceston.

See more at Discover Tasmania

Also visit the Launceston Travel and Information Centre for more information on visiting Launceston and the Tamar Valley.

Discover Tasmania

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39 William Street, Launceston, Tasmania, 7250 Web: www.boags.com.au Email: [email protected] Tel: (03) 6332 6300

The Tasmanian Beer Trail © 2015

James Boag’s Brewery Tour

Tourism Tasmania & Nick H Visuals

Spend the afternoon exploring one of Launceston’s hottest tourist attractions.

Located just 9 minutes walk from our Launceston CBD hotel , the James Boag Brewery is packed with fascinating history, dating back to the 1840s.

Learn about the process from grain to glass on a guided tour and finish up with a tasting session at the James Boag bar. You can also grab a bite to eat after the tour, peruse the museum and grab a souvenir from the gift shop.

Close by to the brewery you’ll find the Launceston City Park which is a popular place to visit, or why not spend a relaxing day on a Tamar River cruise .

Event Details

39 William Street, Launceston Tasmania 7250

03 6332 6300

• [email protected]

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Contact Details

• +61 3 6333 9999
• 3 Earl Street, Launceston, TAS 7250

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Boag's Brewery tours to continue in Launceston thanks to state government funding — with free tours for Tasmanians

Tours of one of Australia's oldest breweries — which were set to end in a few days — have been saved at the 11th hour after James Boag's Brewery received funding from the Tasmanian government to keep them running.

Key points:

• Launceston's Boag's Brewery will receive $1 million in funding from the Tasmanian government to keep its visitor centre open
• Last week, owner Lion Australia announced it would be shutting down the centre and brewery tours
• The closure would have meant the loss of 12 jobs

The Tasmanian government will provide $1 million to keep the Launceston brewery's visitor centre open.

As part of the deal, any Tasmanian with a current driver's licence can get free tours for the next 12 months.

Lion Australia, which owns Boag's, announced last week that it would close the visitor centre , citing declining beer consumption, rising costs and the impact of COVID-19 as the reasons why.

Boag's Brewery director Nathan Calman said the government funding announcement was a win-win for the Launceston community.

"The proposal to close the visitor centre and tours was not put forward lightly, but as a response to the significant cost pressures we are facing across our business," Mr Calman said.

"The response — an outpouring of immense passion for the continuation of our brewery tours and visitor centre experience — reminded us of just how integral Boag's is to Launceston."

Mr Calman said there had been no expectation that the government would provide support to keep the tours operating.

"This package will help us continue to provide a great tour experience at the Boag's visitor centre, while we work with the government and other stakeholders to address some of the long-term cost pressures our manufacturing business continues to face," he said.

The continued operation of the centre will also save 12 jobs.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff, who called on Lion to reconsider its initial decision, said the funding would be used to "expand and enhance the tourist attraction".

"[It's] not only a local cultural icon but a vital part of the local northern economy attracting thousands of visitors a year," Mr Rockliff said.

"The unique experience it offers has been a significant drawcard for Launceston for decades, with the benefits flowing to other businesses in the region and across the state."

The funding will also be used for a marketing strategy, to promote the tour to interstate travellers.

Launceston Mayor Danny Gibson told ABC Radio Hobart he was delighted the decision to close the visitor centre had been reversed.

"We're thrilled that such a vital component of our visitor economy has been reinstated, not only to the same level but [also with] commitment to expand it.

"We know that the visitor centre and the tours are consistently ranked highly by visitors to Launceston."

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Launceston's historic boag's brewery to shut its doors to tourists amid downturn in beer consumption.

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James Boag’s Brewery

• 39 William Street, Launceston
• Ph: 6332 6300
• Bookings for Tours are essential

James Boag established his brewery in 1881, with a humble plan to use the pure water of Tasmania and the outstanding local ingredients to produce the finest beer in the world.

Over 160 years ago, James Boag moved halfway around the world from Scotland to the untamed island of Tasmania. There he began a tradition of brewing excellence on the banks of the Esk River in Launceston that has continued to this day.

The Brewery Tour features a 60-minute guided tour through heritage brewing site and finished with a 30 minute guided beer tasting for adults, sampling Tasmania Lagers and Ales. Bookings are essential.

Photos Supplied by James Boags Brewery  Website

James Boag Brewery Experience

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Also popular with travellers

James Boag Brewery Experience - Things You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

The Kid Bucket List

Travelling with Kids – Adventure isn't just about the plane trips!

The James Boag’s Brewery Tour in Launceston

Who said kids can’t enjoy a brewery tour. we check out the james boag’s brewery tour in launceston..

Beer. Some would say it’s an Australian institution. I do know that when you track back in time to when the first colony was established, beer followed. Being dedicated history buffs, the James Boag’s Brewery Tour was on our itinerary, strictly for research purposes of course 😉 .

The James Boag Brewery was founded in 1883 and has not stopped making beer since. It’s nestled in Launceston just near the Tamar river and spans a couple of blocks, having grown a little in recent years.

Usually when travelling with the kids, we avoid brewery’s as they usually don’t permit those under 18 into the factory. The James Boag’s Brewery tour is open to those 5 years and over (when accompanied by an adult) which surprised us, but also ensured our attendance.

We made our booking a few days prior to the date, requesting the earliest possible time. On the day of our tour, we arrived promptly in the general location but took some time weaving through the streets looking for parking before realizing that you can park behind the little pub (the Boag’s Centre for Beer Lovers) where the tour commences (note: most Launceston streets are metred and only accept coins – no notes or cards).  Crisis averted!

On arrival, tour participants are shown upstairs where they are instructed to select a high-vis orange vest, earplugs and protective glasses. The factory is a working site so all Work and  Health Safety requirement must be met. As such, a waiver is also completed at this time. Once all members of the tour are kitted our, the tour begins.

The tour we found ourselves on consisted of about 10 people – us and four others. Perfect, right? Our guide was very passionate about Boag beer and could answer virtually every question thrown at him. The first stop was under a huge acorn tree out the back of the Boag’s Centre for Beer Lovers where the ingredients of beer was discussed. The grains, at different stages of the beer process, were passed around for us to smell and taste. The kids were so surprised to discover that beer starts as a basic cereal grain!

After the ingredients and cooking process was discussed, our guide led us to the brewery so we could actually see each stage of the process as the stages moved across the factory floors. This is where the ear plugs and eye protection were used. Unfortunately, no cameras were permitted from inside, so no images. There was a lot of stair climbing and the rooms were very warm due to the roasting process happening inside many of the vats, so be prepared for that. The smell in the roasting room was  amazing but in the fermenting room….not so much.

Working through each stage of the brewery process was incredible. The kids were able to see how raw products are turned into a product ready for the shelves as we even saw the bottling. Our guide was also happy to answer each question including some tricky ones about microbiology and whether there are scientists on the floor (there are). Once more, when we left and returned to the Boag’s Centre for Beer Lovers the kids were provided a sample of juices along with the cheese to taste test in lieu of beer which they quite liked. They also got to keep the ear plugs which the kids loved.

The James Boag’s Brewery Tour in Launceston operates  7 days a week from the Boag’s Centre for Beer Lovers which is situated on 39 William St, Launceston. The tour is open to those 5 years +. Fully enclosed shoes are a must as it is a fully operational factory.

Location:  James Boag’s Brewery Tour, 39 William St, Launceston. Opening Hours:  7 days a week. Tours operate at 11.00 am, 1.00 pm and 3.00 pm Current Ticket Price:  $33.00 per adult $15.00 per child.

Head to the James Boag’s Brewery Experience website  for further information or 03 6332 6300 or Email:  [email protected]

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