The Brookie Trail has officially launched in a synchronised collaboration with BrookieFest 2025 to be held on 7-9 February. The trail and three-day festival will celebrate the regions produce, creativity and community of the Brookvale surrounds.
Involved are eight local businesses including Manly Spirits Distillery, Freshwater Brewing Co., 7th Day Brewery, Dad & Dave’s Brewery, Bucketty’s Brewery, Four Pines, Sale Pepe Pizzeria, and Goodradigbee Distillers.
The Brookie Trail
A collection of local breweries, distillers and eateries make up The Brookie Trail, with the chain of venues located at the industrial heart of Brookvale. Each stop showcases a combination of craft beverages, signature menus and entertainment available for visitors.
Johnny Bucknall, Founder of Freshwater Brewing Co. told Beer & Brewer, collaborating with other local businesses in the area gives the community a tone of voice. It provides insight for patrons to understand the area and what it has to offer.
“There’s lots of people that have never heard of us and it’s exciting to welcome them into our space. We are a group of small businesses working hard to attract people with our events and promotions. This helps put everything in one place,” he said.
“This precinct has got a heap of events mapped for the year with live music, art trails and foodie events. It’s a great alternative tourist spot for the northern beaches and for a day trip.”
Bucknall said that The Brookie Trail is a great way to discover new venues. Freshwater Brewing looks to share its range of products including 17 beers available for patrons embarking on the trail.
“When you walk into a brewery you haven’t been to, there’s a sense of discovery. We love nothing more than finding people’s new favourite beer,” he added.
The Brookie Trail is part of the Office of the 24-Hour Economy’s Uptown Program designed to fast-track growth in the Greater Sydney districts. Through assembling local businesses, the scheme looks to create destination hubs for people visiting these areas.
BrookieFest 2025
In collaboration with The Brookie Trail, BrookieFest returns in 2025 for a second year. The festival will be hosted across participating venues involved in The Brookie Trail, with free-entry access and over 30 events that showcase the spirit of Brookvale.
Head Brewer and Founder of 7th Day Brewing, Mike Beresford told Beer & Brewer that the festival’s debut last year was a success. It saw over 2000 people visit the venues with every running event reaching capacity.
“As a local, it’s incredible to see Brookvale evolving into such a creative and exciting destination,” he said.
“It’s all about getting people down to Brookie and showing them what a great experience it is. With eight breweries, restaurants and distilleries there is something for everyone.”
The program includes a line-up of entertainment including live music, master classes, stalls and markets, as well as bull riding, esky races and clown mini-bike riding competitions. For families, there are pony rides, face painting and other activities for children to get involved too.
“We have everything from dachshund races, chili eating competitions, skate demos and of course beer, cocktails and food,” added Beresford.
BrookieFest will introduce its Brookie Trail Passport, a loyalty program for festivalgoers to visit multiple venues. Attendees can collect stamps and scan QR codes at participating locations to win prizes including exclusive merchandise.
The festival will take place on 7-9 February across all participating Brookvale venues involved in The Brookie Trail.