2022 has been a MASSIVE year for the Bayside Beer Belt….
What originally started as an idea in 2021 to create local events in Kingston/ Bayside, showcasing local businesses while bringing people together and having some fun, has this year turned into its own business, its own network of breweries and distilleries and its own community.
In early 2022, the Kingston Collective (where it all began) received a state government grant to help develop the Bayside Beer Belt as a region and get the tours up and running. With that, we have been able to create new branding, a website, a geographical map, develop marketing strategies, promote who we are and so much more. We also grew from having 10 partners to 14!
The goal now is to turn the Belt into the number #1 Beercation destination in Victoria. With the Bayside Beer Belt on the ‘map’ (well our map anyway…) hopefully it will put it on the Victorian map of amazing places to visit and explore. With 14 unique local microbreweries and distilleries to visit, taste and experience, why wouldn’t you visit!
To start with the focus was on running all-inclusive, Featured Tours that include visiting 4 breweries/ distilleries, a tasting paddle at each, educational talks, facility tours and more. In November we launched a new Hop On Hop off Tour service which has well and truly exceeding expectations. With the first two tours in 2022 being sold out and the first three tours of 2023 being nearly sold out in mid December, it is clearly what the punters are after. A selection of 6/7 venues per circuit and the autonomy to choose your own adventure and pay as you go for what you eat and drink. I think we have found our niche!
Now we plan for 2023 and focus on bringing awareness to this unique 27.5km stretch in Melbourne’s Southeast Bayside region that is home to a great number of amazing breweries and distilleries. New events, more tours, different experiences – all focussing on the incredible craft community who are the centrepiece of the Bayside Beer Belt.
Stay tuned for what’s to come….
See you on the bus 🚌
