REVIEW · BYRON BAY
Afternoon Brewery and Distillery session: Tastings & transfers
Book on Viator →Operated by Behind the Barrel Byron Bay · Bookable on Viator
If you love tastings, this is a great afternoon. You’ll hop between local breweries and distilleries around Byron Bay and work your way through generous included tastings as the early evening rolls in. Two things I really like: the small-group vibe (max 13) and the way the tour mixes beer and spirits so you get variety without needing to plan each stop. One thing to watch: it’s an alcohol-focused outing, and pace can feel full if you prefer slow, no-pressure sightseeing.
This is set up for people who don’t want to drive, and that matters. Transfers from and to designated meeting points are included, so you can spend your energy on comparing styles and chatting with your group. You also get extra flexibility at the end of the tour at around early evening, when you can keep exploring on your own.
In This Review
- Key Highlights You’ll Actually Feel During the Day
- A 2pm Byron Bay Start That Turns Into Early-Evening Fun
- Transfers Included: The Best Part for a Tasting-Heavy Day
- Stone & Wood Brewery Byron Bay: Beer First, Then the Stories
- Cape Byron Distillery: Where the Coastal Setting Adds Extra Wow
- Husk and Lord Byron Distilleries: Paddles, Guided Moments, and Spirit Variety
- Seven Mile Brewing Co: Finishing with More Beer Choices
- What the Included Tasting Paddles Mean for Value
- Guided vs. Paddle Tastings: Why Both Are Useful
- Who This Byron Bay Brewery and Distillery Tour Fits Best
- Practical Tips So You Enjoy It More
- FAQ
- What time does the afternoon session start, and how long is it?
- How many people are in the group?
- Is pickup and transfer included?
- What tastings are included during the tour?
- Are meals included?
- Is free cancellation available?
- Should You Book This Afternoon Brewery and Distillery Session?
Key Highlights You’ll Actually Feel During the Day

- Small group (up to 13) means less waiting and more conversation with the host
- Included tasting paddles at each stop keep the day from turning into a pricey add-on
- Guided tastings at some venues add context beyond just sipping
- Transfers from designated meeting points so you can focus on tastings, not traffic
- A mix of Byron brands across breweries and distilleries, with multiple styles represented
- Meals available on-site for extra cost if you want food without breaking the flow
A 2pm Byron Bay Start That Turns Into Early-Evening Fun

The tour kicks off at 2:00 pm and runs about 4 hours 30 minutes. That timing is a sweet spot in Byron: you miss the midday rush, and you still have enough daylight to enjoy the scenery that goes with a coastal tastings day.
You’ll be moving from venue to venue while working through tastings, so plan for an active afternoon. It’s less about wandering, more about showing up, tasting, learning a bit, and then rolling to the next stop before you get bored. The whole format is built for people who want a fun plan that doesn’t require spreadsheets.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Byron Bay.
Transfers Included: The Best Part for a Tasting-Heavy Day

Alcohol tours live or die on transport. Here, transfers from and to designated meeting points are included, so you avoid the most annoying problem: trying to coordinate rides or parking while you’re already in tasting mode.
In practice, that means you can:
- Arrive ready to taste instead of figuring out bus schedules
- Stay present with the group and host (less dead time)
- Keep the day focused on breweries and distilleries, not logistics
The mobile ticket also helps on the day. You don’t need to print anything, and you can keep your phone ready when you’re boarding or checking in.
Stone & Wood Brewery Byron Bay: Beer First, Then the Stories

Stone & Wood Brewery Byron Bay is one of the key beer stops, and you’ll get a guided tasting there. A guided beer session is useful because you learn what you’re actually tasting. Instead of just ordering whatever looks good, you can compare styles with a bit of structure.
What you can expect from this kind of stop:
- Staff/host-led pours that explain how certain flavors show up
- A chance to pick up the words that help you remember a beer later
- Beer variety that’s easier than putting together your own brewery crawl
If you’re a beer person, this stop helps anchor the tour. It gives you a baseline for the rest of the afternoon, because once you’ve tasted and compared a few beers, the shift to gin and spirits (later) feels more meaningful.
Cape Byron Distillery: Where the Coastal Setting Adds Extra Wow

Cape Byron Distillery is listed with a guided tasting and about one hour there. That hour gives you breathing room to slow down a little and actually take in what you’re drinking.
This is also where the Byron setting tends to help. One of the most specific bits that comes up in the tour’s highlights is the stunning view factor at Cape Byron. Even if you’re not a scenery-first traveler, the setting makes the tasting feel like more than a checklist stop.
A guided tasting at a distillery is especially helpful when you’re learning the basics. You’ll pick up how different spirits are built and how the flavor profiles come through in the glass. Then, when you later compare it with other distilleries, you’ll know what to look for.
Husk and Lord Byron Distilleries: Paddles, Guided Moments, and Spirit Variety

The day isn’t only about one distillery. You’ll have tasting time at Husk Distillers and Lord Byron Distillery, with tasting paddles at Husk and guided tasting at Lord Byron (based on the tour stops listed).
This portion matters because it’s where you start seeing differences that aren’t obvious at first sip. With multiple distilleries in the mix, you can compare:
- How the spirit tastes change from producer to producer
- How gin-style flavors land differently depending on the batch/house
- What you personally like when you’re not locked into one brand
One fun detail worth noting: a guest mentioned trying Margot Robbie’s new gin at Lord Byron Distillery. Even if you’re not chasing celebrity-linked releases, it’s a reminder that specialty pours can show up during tastings, so it’s worth paying attention to what the team is featuring on the day.
Lord Byron also gets credit for good vibes around the experience. People talk about the host being friendly and the day feeling like a group outing, not a stiff lecture. If you like banter and a bit of local storytelling, this part of the schedule is designed for that.
Seven Mile Brewing Co: Finishing with More Beer Choices

Seven Mile Brewing Co rounds out the beer side with a tasting paddle listed as part of the stops. Having a paddle at the end (or near the end) is a smart way to keep options open. By then, you’ve tasted enough to know what direction you like.
This is a good moment to:
- Revisit what you enjoyed earlier (even if you didn’t know it at the time)
- Share your picks with your group
- Decide what you’d like to repeat later on your own
If you’re the kind of traveler who likes to bring home a couple of favorites, these paddles help you narrow down quickly.
What the Included Tasting Paddles Mean for Value

At $111.17 per person, you’re paying for more than a ride. The big value is that the tour includes generous tasting paddles at each location, plus transfers.
That combination is hard to recreate cheaply on your own because:
- You’d need transport between venues
- Each tasting typically costs money separately
- You’d spend time figuring out which places to visit and in what order
Here, your money goes into the structure: multiple tastings across multiple brands, plus a host guiding you through it. Meals aren’t included (you can purchase food at venues for an extra cost), but that’s pretty normal for a tasting tour. If you want to stay comfortable, just plan to eat at one stop or grab something before you start.
Guided vs. Paddle Tastings: Why Both Are Useful

You’ll see both guided tastings and tasting paddles across the listed venues. That’s a good mix for most people.
- Guided tastings help you understand what’s in the glass and how to think about flavors.
- Paddles give you choice and comparison, so you can match taste with preference fast.
Together, they keep the day from becoming either too educational or too random. You get context, then you get freedom to explore what you like.
Who This Byron Bay Brewery and Distillery Tour Fits Best
This is a strong fit if:
- You want a ready-made afternoon plan with limited decision-making
- You like both beer and spirits (or you’re open to switching preferences mid-day)
- You’re traveling with friends and want an easy group activity
- You prefer small-group tours where you can actually talk
You should also consider it if you’re staying in Byron and want to see what local brands are about without hopping around on your own.
It may be less ideal if you want a quiet nature stroll or museum-style pace. This is a guided tasting day first, scenery second, food third.
Practical Tips So You Enjoy It More
Here are a few practical moves that make a tasting-heavy afternoon go smoother:
- Eat beforehand. Meals are available at venues, but starting hungry can make everything feel tougher than it should.
- Pace your pours. Paddles are generous, and you’ll be sampling more than one style.
- Bring water. It sounds basic, but it helps you keep enjoying the flavors instead of chasing relief.
- If you care about photos, take advantage of the guide moments. The experience is known for getting people snapped during the day, so don’t just wait for the perfect candid.
FAQ
What time does the afternoon session start, and how long is it?
It starts at 2:00 pm and runs for about 4 hours 30 minutes.
How many people are in the group?
The tour has a maximum of 13 travelers.
Is pickup and transfer included?
Yes. Transfers from and to designated meeting points are included, and pickup is offered.
What tastings are included during the tour?
You’ll get tasting paddles included, and some stops also include guided tastings.
Are meals included?
Meals are available at the venues, but they cost extra.
Is free cancellation available?
Yes. You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the experience start time.
Should You Book This Afternoon Brewery and Distillery Session?
If you want an easy Byron Bay plan that mixes beer and spirits with included transport and tastings at multiple stops, I’d book it. The price looks fair when you consider what’s included: generous paddles, guided moments at select venues, and a schedule that fills an afternoon without extra planning.
Book it especially if you’re the type who enjoys comparing flavors and getting a few local brand favorites by the end of the day. Just go in knowing it’s an alcohol-focused outing with a full schedule—so you’ll have the most fun if you plan snacks, take your time between pours, and lean into the group vibe.








