Rocky Ridge Brewing, one of Western Australia’s most beloved and independent breweries, is officially expanding its reach with the opening of a new venue in Duncraig.
After a long and sometimes challenging journey, the brewery is set to open its doors on 28 February, just in time for the Labour Day long weekend. This eagerly awaited opening will offer Perth’s northern suburbs a fresh, vibrant space to enjoy award-winning beer, delicious food, and a welcoming atmosphere.
A legacy of excellence and sustainability
Rocky Ridge Brewing was established in the heart of the Margaret River wine region in Jindong, and the brewery has steadily grown into one of WA’s largest independent brewers. With more than three million cans of beer brewed annually, Rocky Ridge has earned a stellar reputation for producing innovative, sustainability-focused beer.
In addition to its impressive brewing output, Rocky Ridge has also been recognised for its commitment to environmental stewardship. The brewery proudly holds the title of Australia’s first and only Certified Sustainable and Carbon Neutral Brewery. It was also honoured with the 2024 Beer & Brewer Sustainability Award, further solidifying its leadership in sustainable brewing.
Over the years, Rocky Ridge has won multiple industry accolades, including being crowned Champion WA Large Brewery for three consecutive years (2022, 2023, 2024), and earning numerous Champion Beer Trophies. The mission is simple: to make F&^ing Good Beer Without Compromise, with a deep commitment to both quality and sustainability.
Why Duncraig?
The new Duncraig venue marks a significant milestone in Rocky Ridge’s expansion, and it’s clear the team has put a lot of thought into its location. Duncraig was chosen because of its charming, homely neighbourhood vibes and the site’s perfect fit – an old house with a big, beautiful tree out front that reminded the team of their roots.
The venue will bring a community-driven space to the northern suburbs, with a focus on local, independent produce, great beer, and a welcoming atmosphere for beer lovers, families, and even four-legged friends.
Hamish Coates, Managing Director of Rocky Ridge Brewing, told Beer & Brewer why Duncraig was the right choice.
“We love to be able to connect directly with our customers and community of beer lovers – providing them with the nitty-gritty details of our products. This new venue will help us to give Duncraig (and Perth) some of the real Rocky Ridge experience – where they can open the doors to the factory so to speak and see the inner workings.
“Opening in Duncraig gives us the ability to really cement ourselves as a community hub and show everyone all of the amazing beers we create – not just the ones that see wider releases.”
Opening its doors to the public on 28 February, the Rocky Ridge Duncraig venue will feature a spacious setup that caters to up to 250 people. It strikes the perfect balance between an intimate bar and a full-sized pub, making it ideal for both small gatherings and lively group outings. Open seven days a week, the venue will offer a range of small plates and share-style dishes that focus on local produce.
With 40 taps on offer, the Duncraig venue will serve a wide range of Rocky Ridge brews, from the signature Rocky-D Pale Ale to experimental brews like the Imperial Smoked Maple Barrel-Aged Barleywine. For those who aren’t into beer, there’s also a selection of gin and juice on tap, signature alcoholic slushies, and a carefully curated selection of local spirits and wines. Yallingup Cider will provide refreshing cider options, ensuring that there’s something for everyone.
The venue will be dog-friendly, with resident brew pups Ace and Jack ready to greet visitors. Families are welcome too, though there’s no playground just yet.
A commitment to sustainability
Rocky Ridge has a long history of focusing on sustainability, and Coates shared some insights into how this new venue will reflect that commitment.
“We take our commitment to treading lightly seriously – not least of which through upcycling and reducing the embedded emissions associated with new builds. Our Duncraig home (much like our Busselton Taphouse) is a refurbished/renovated building and (we think) keeps an amazing, homely vibe to it.
“We will, as part of due course, be installing a solar array to offset our power usage short term and are working to install a battery bank to maximise the usage of this solar. We are, and have for many years, been committed to zero plastics – a theme that will continue on in this venue, as well as a firm commitment to minimising water usage.”
Community at the core
What truly sets Rocky Ridge apart is its commitment to fostering a sense of community. The Duncraig venue is not just about serving great beer; it’s about being an active part of the local neighbourhood. Rocky Ridge plans to launch initiatives such as the Rocky Run Club and Neighbourhood Clean-Ups, starting with the first clean-up scheduled for Sunday, 2 March.
Coates told Beer & Brewer more about the brewery’s approach to community engagement.
“We believe in sinking roots in our communities. To that end, we’re already working with a number of local sporting associations through sponsorships and are actively engaged with local community groups.
“We are here for the long term of the community, not just a ‘flash in the pan’. A good example is Clean Up Australia Day on the opening weekend, where we are doing a neighbourhood cleanup and offering a beer to anyone who volunteers with us – this is something we are doing at each of our taphouses (in Busselton, Brunswick and Duncraig).”
Whether it’s through its beer events, local collaborations, or environmental outreach, Rocky Ridge aims to build strong connections with the Duncraig community and beyond.
A Sneak Peek
As for what to expect at the new venue, Coates remains tight-lipped, joking: “Mum’s the word!”
The opening weekend will take place from 28 February to 2 March, coinciding with the Labour Day long weekend. Rocky Ridge invites everyone to come along for a weekend of good beers, great food, and excellent vibes. The team can’t wait to share this new chapter with their loyal fans and new customers alike.