The Tough Wollongong Suburb With A Boutique, Biodynamic Brewery
Just ten minutes north of Wollongong, Bellambi has long had a reputation of producing tough fighters and hardy surfers, many coming from the local housing commission. While going there these days might not get you bashed like it used it, there’s still a population of teenagers you might not want to make eye contact with while you buy your copy of Frankie at the newsagents.
Nowadays, it’s not just hard nuts being made in Bellambi but biodynamic beer.
As with any working class town where the local industry ain’t what she used to be, Bellambi has sprouted their first brewery, the Barrel Shepherd. Specialising in wild fermentation beers, as the name implies the Barrel Shepherd finishes their beers in barrels with a variety of additives such as seasonal, locally abundant fruit.
I made the trip out to Bellambi as part of my Wollongong Crafty Crawl and spoke at length to owner Georg (who manages the business alongside his wife Chan and mate Benny) who described his process as ‘liquid Lego for an ADHD adult.’ That part didn’t make it into my write up but a lot of good stuff did which is why you should read it on The Crafty Pint.
