Recorded answer text · ChatGPT · 18 October 2026
# Best Australian whisky distilleries
Australia has a world-class whisky scene, with Tasmania leading the way in premium single malts and mainland distilleries bringing distinctive styles of their own. In the 2026 World Whiskies Awards, Tasmanian producers collected 94 of Australia's 133 awards, including major wins for Sullivans Cove, Hellyers Road, Greenbanks and Overeem. www.twsa.net.auwww.premier.tas.gov.auwww.campbellmattinson.com
Here's my shortlist of the best distilleries to explore, whether you're chasing exceptional bottles, planning a distillery tour or looking for something a little different.
## The top distilleries to know
Cambridge, Tasmania
A benchmark for premium Australian single malt, especially its French Oak and American Oak single-cask releases. Its French Oak whisky won the 2026 World's Best Single Cask Single Malt title. Expect rich, layered, oak-driven flavours and sought-after limited releases. www.premier.tas.gov.auwww.campbellmattinson.comwww.twsa.net.auwww.tripadvisor.com
Website: sullivanscove.com
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Pontville, Tasmania
A pioneer of modern Australian whisky, founded by Bill Lark in 1992. LARK is a great place to start if you want to understand the Tasmanian whisky story, explore characterful single malts and enjoy a guided tasting in a historic setting. Its Wilderness Collection also took major honours at the 2026 Tasmanian whisky awards. www.broadsheet.com.auwww.hobartshowground.com.au
Website: larkdistillery.com
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!Hellyers Road Distillery | Food and drink | Discover Tasmania
## 3\. Hellyers Road
Burnie, Tasmania
Particularly strong for mature whisky, with both peated and unpeated expressions. Its aged single malts performed exceptionally well at the 2026 World Whiskies Awards, making it a must-visit for anyone who enjoys comparing age statements and cask influence. www.broadsheet.com.auwww.hobartshowground.com.auwww.twsa.net.au
Website: hellyersroaddistillery.com.au
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!Overeem Distillery Limited 20th Anniversary Release Pedro Ximenez Cask Matured Single Malt Whisky (700ml) | Nicks Wine Merchants
## 4\. Overeem Whisky
Huntingfield, Tasmania
A boutique favourite for rich, cask-led single malts. Look out for sherry-cask and bourbon-cask bottlings, with the Pedro Ximénez-matured whisky earning particular recognition in 2026. A strong choice for enthusiasts who prefer small-scale production and concentrated flavour. www.twsa.net.auwww.premier.tas.gov.auwww.broadsheet.com.auwww.hobartshowground.com.auwww.campbellmattinson.comwww.winecompanion.com.auwww.visitvictoria.comwww.tripadvisor.comwww.tripadvisor.comwww.melbourneroyal.com.auwww.tripadvisor.com
Website: overeemwhisky.com.au
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!Callington Mill Distillery - Brisbane Whisky Scene
## 5\. Callington Mill Distillery
Oatlands, Tasmania
One of the most appealing destinations for a whisky-focused road trip, combining a restored historic windmill, modern distilling, guided tastings and food. Its Amphora single malt won Best Australian Single Malt at the 2026 World Whiskies Awards. www.twsa.net.auwww.winecompanion.com.au
Website: callingtonmilldistillery.com
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!Behind the doors of the most awarded Distillery of the Year | Starward AU
## 6\. Starward
(Best mainland option)
Port Melbourne, Victoria
A distinctly modern Australian style, often shaped by maturation in Australian red-wine casks. Expect fruit-forward flavours, lively spice and an approachable profile. Its Melbourne distillery offers tours, tasting flights and more in-depth whisky experiences. www.visitvictoria.comwww.tripadvisor.com
Website: starward.com.au
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!Ten Years of Archie Rose Whisky
## 7\. Archie Rose
Rosebery, Sydney, NSW
A convenient city-based option for whisky fans. Its range includes single malt and rye malt whiskies, alongside other spirits, and the Rosebery venue offers guided tastings and whisky blending experiences. A particularly good pick if you're exploring Australian whisky without travelling interstate. www.campbellmattinson.comwww.tripadvisor.com
Website: archierose.com.au
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!Belgrove Rye Whisky - Reservas Tequila
## 8\. Greenbanks Tasmanian Whisky Co.
Tasmania
One to watch if you want something beyond conventional single malt. Its Quadruple Cask Rye won Best Australian Rye at the 2026 World Whiskies Awards, making it an excellent name for fans of spicy, grain-forward whisky. www.twsa.net.auwww.premier.tas.gov.auwww.campbellmattinson.com
Further information: Tasmanian Whisky and Spirits Association
## Other excellent distilleries worth exploring
!Waubs Harbour Distillery | Food and drink | Discover Tasmania
Waubs Harbour Distillery - Best for coastal character. Maritime-influenced single malt and a memorable east-coast Tasmanian setting. www.twsa.net.auwww.tripadvisor.com
!HOME | joadja-distillery
Joadja Distillery - A distinctive regional option in the Southern Highlands, known for small-batch whisky and its historic valley setting. www.melbourneroyal.com.auwww.tripadvisor.com
!320s Single Malt Whisky | Black Gate Distillery
Black Gate Distillery - Worth seeking out for bold Australian single malt, including smoky, peated styles and characterful small-batch releases. www.tripadvisor.com
## Which should you choose?
| If you're looking for… | My pick |
|--------|--------|
| A special bottle or collector's whisky | Sullivans Cove |
| The best overall Tasmanian whisky trip | LARK |
| Older, more mature single malts | Hellyers Road |
| Rich, sherry-influenced whisky | Overeem |
| A distillery with history, food and tours | Callington Mill |
| An easy city visit in Melbourne | Starward |
| A whisky experience in Sydney | Archie Rose |
| Rye whisky and something different | Greenbanks |
My overall recommendation\: if you're travelling specifically for Australian whisky, spend several days in Tasmania. If you're in Sydney and want a taste of the local scene, start with Archie Rose, then consider a regional trip to Joadja or Black Gate.
For visits, check current tour availability and book ahead where possible. Distillery opening hours and tasting experiences can change.
