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Earlier today, the Victorian Premier announced a commitment of $3million towards establishing a grant program to support beer tourism.

The grant program will support visitor infrastructure, accessibility, signage, tours, tastings, family-friendly amenities and destination packaging that increases visitation and length of stay.

“With around 147 independent breweries operating in Victoria, indirectly employing around 7,500 people, we know that breweries have created destinations that bring real value to the local economies in regional areas.” Says Jono Outred, IBA Member Engagement Officer.

Chris Moore, owner and founder of Sailor’s Grave brewing says:

We founded Sailor’s Grave based on the philosophy that our beer would be shaped by the agricultural and maritime history of the Deep Sou’East of Gippsland. Our coastal farmhouse brewery in Dunetown brings together visitors and locals over great beer local food and art.  A tourism grant to help enhance our visitor experience would be incredibly welcome, we know there is always more we can do to attract tourists to our area, and every dollar spent at our brewery goes back into our local community.

This announcement comes after the Government’s May 2026 budget commitment to fund the development of the Beer and Cider Strategy – the work is well and truly underway.

“Beer is indelibly viewed as Australia’s adult beverage of choice; it is part of the fabric of Australia. And beer is primarily consumed close to where it is made. What this means is that the average Victorian is directly experiencing the economic challenges of our sector. Because a beer, made by an Australian owned brewery is becoming unaffordable.

In March 2026, the IBA released our Grow Victorian Beer policy platform. In that platform, we specifically advocated for $3million to establish and promote brewery tap room experiences and increase visitation. Today, the Government have announced they will deliver that opportunity to our industry.

Our sincere hope is that today’s announcement helps the small, locally owned breweries across Victoria continue to provide meaningful employment, a direct contribution to their local economy, enhance the unique visitor experiences they are now known for,” says Sabrina Kunz, Chief Executive Officer.

The Victorian Government’s commitment to beer tourism comes after the IBA announced in June, that the Tasmanian Government had funded the IBA to deliver the Tasmanian Beer Trail, and the subsequent commitment for further funding to support independent breweries in Tasmania.