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Steam Exchange
Brewery & Contract Brewed
Draught & Bottled
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Beer Labels
| Steam Exchange Brewery was established in 2006 on the historic Goolwa Wharf precinct on South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula. Located within the restored railway goods shed overlooking the Murray River wharf area, the brewery became one of the best-known regional breweries in South Australia and played an important role in the development of craft brewing on the Fleurieu Peninsula. The brewery was founded by Gareth Andrews and his wife Angela Andrews. Gareth’s interest in brewing dated back to the mid-1980s when, as a university student, he began brewing beer with friends using improvised equipment in a boarding house storeroom. During the 1990s, while living in South Australia’s Riverland region, Andrews again became interested in brewing and began seriously considering the possibility of establishing a commercial microbrewery. The idea eventually became reality in Goolwa, a town with strong transport and maritime connections dating back to the nineteenth century. Goolwa had historically been an important river port where paddle steamers transferred goods between the Murray River system and ocean-going ships. The brewery’s location within the old railway goods shed directly linked the business to the town’s transport heritage, while the “Steam Exchange” name referenced both steam transport and the nearby historic wharf precinct. From its beginning, Steam Exchange Brewery focused on traditional handcrafted ales brewed on-site and served directly through the brewery venue overlooking the river. The brewery developed a reputation for English and European-inspired beer styles and became a popular destination for tourists visiting Goolwa and the Fleurieu Peninsula. The combination of brewery, restaurant and historic riverfront location helped establish Steam Exchange as one of regional South Australia’s best-known brewery venues. A major turning point occurred in 2011 when the business expanded into whisky production, leading to the establishment of Fleurieu Distillery. Andrews later stated that the move from brewing into distilling developed naturally from the brewery’s focus on fermentation and traditional craft production methods. The first whisky spirit was laid down in oak in 2013 after the installation of distilling equipment. The brewery and distillery operation later gained attention as one of the first Australian breweries permitted to operate a whisky distillery within the same premises. While whisky maturation required significant time and investment, the brewery continued providing the business with regular trade and visitor traffic. Gin production was later added under the “G-Town Gin” label, further expanding the operation. Over time the Fleurieu Distillery achieved significant international success, winning awards for its single malt whisky while Steam Exchange Brewery continued operating alongside the distillery as part of the broader tourism experience at Goolwa Wharf. The business became an important contributor to the Fleurieu Peninsula’s growing reputation for boutique food, beverage and tourism experiences. Over time brewing ceased and their beer has been brewed at the Lobethal Bierhaus.   |
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