Straight up, whiskey and gin tasting is one category that stays strictly adults only, most distilleries need everyone at the table to be 18 and over with photo ID in hand. That does not mean the family holiday has to skip this side of Australia's craft spirits scene altogether though, a few distilleries have beautiful gardens and grounds to explore, and one even has an alcohol free ticket for anyone not drinking. Here is the honest lowdown across the Gold Coast, Yarra Valley, Melbourne and Kangaroo Island.
Rainforest gardens and an alcohol free option, Gold Coast
The Tamborine Mountain Distillery Tour and Tasting is the most flexible option here, with an Alcohol Free ticket available alongside the standard tasting, plus lush rainforest gardens and a Tudor style tasting room and museum to wander through. It is still a spirits focused tour at heart, but the alcohol free ticket makes it easier to bring the whole crew along for the walk and the scenery.
A gin lunch for date day, Yarra Valley
The Healesville Gin Distillery Tour with Tasting and Lunch combines a behind the scenes distillery walk with a tasting of 5 house gins and a seasonal shared lunch. Participants must be 18 and over with photo ID required, so this one is best booked as a grown ups day out in Healesville while the kids are off exploring the Yarra Valley's other family friendly stops.
Sip whisky straight from the barrel, Melbourne
The Bakery Hill Whisky Distillery Tour and Tasting takes you through mainland Australia's oldest whisky distillery, just 5 minutes from the CBD, sampling 6 award winning whiskies along the way. This is explicitly billed as an over 18 experience, so plan it as a special adults only outing rather than a family activity.
Gin and garden views, Kangaroo Island
The Premium Gin Tasting on Kangaroo Island pairs a seated tasting of 5 award winning gins with a stroll through the distillery's grounds and gardens. Participants must be 18 or over to taste, so this is another one to enjoy while a partner or grandparent takes the kids exploring the island's wildlife instead.
Frequently asked questions
Can kids join a whiskey or gin distillery tour?
No, every distillery tour listed here requires participants to be 18 years and over, with photo ID often required at check in.
Is there any option for non drinkers or younger family members?
The Tamborine Mountain Distillery Tour offers an Alcohol Free ticket option, plus rainforest gardens to wander, making it the most accommodating choice if some of the group are not drinking.
How long do these distillery tours run?
Expect around 60 minutes for a straightforward gin tasting, 90 minutes for a full distillery tour, and up to 3 hours for options that include a full lunch.
What should we plan for the kids while the adults are tasting?
Look at pairing a distillery visit with a nearby family friendly attraction, wildlife park or beach, most of these tours run for an hour or two and slot neatly into a family day itinerary.
Do these tours require ID?
Yes, photo ID is commonly requested to confirm everyone in the group is old enough to taste the spirits on offer.
Local tip: book a whiskey or gin tour for the middle of the day and pair it with a family activity either side, that way everyone gets a piece of the day they will enjoy.
Book your whiskey or gin distillery tour above and plan a well earned grown ups moment into the family trip.
