Step inside a world of secrets, ambition and spirited rebellion as Kilderkin Distillery uncovers the little‑told story of how Ballarat became home to Victoria's first licensed whisky and gin distillery — a legacy born from the smoky edges of the goldfields.
In the 1800s, long before craft spirits were fashionable, Ballarat's miners, merchants and opportunists were shaping a thriving (and often illicit) distilling culture. Out of this rough‑and‑ready frontier emerged figures like Robert Dunn and Henry Brind — colourful, determined characters whose work helped put Ballarat on the international map for award‑winning spirits. Their stories, and the hidden impact of both legal and underground distilling, form the heart of this immersive two‑hour experience.
The experience includes a welcome Kilderkin drink, the untold tales of the region's first distillers, their craft, their controversies and their influence on Ballarat's growth. You will also enjoy a guided tour through Kilderkin Distillery, revealing why stills are made today much as they were in the 1860s along with era‑spanning tastings, paired with locally crafted cheeses made using traditional methods.
This is a rare chance to explore Ballarat's distilling heritage where it lives on — in a working distillery that continues the craft with the same curiosity, ingenuity and spirit that shaped the goldfields.
Places are limited and bookings essential. Raise a glass to history and secure your place today.
