Corrugated iron sheds and concrete driveways disguise the artisanal beverage movement quietly unfolding in Dromana. Inside a standard industrial estate, a precinct affectionately known as the Dromana Habitat operates as a collaborative collective of independent makers where towering stainless steel tanks sit just metres from tasting paddles. This unconventional, industrial setting strips away pretension, allowing the focus to remain entirely on the brewing process.
A vision in stainless steel
Jetty Road Brewery anchors this coastal scene with a welcoming space that champions transparency from grain to glass. According to craft beer publication The Crafty Pint, founders Grant Rodgers and Blake Bowden transformed their early homebrewing ambitions into a substantial local enterprise. Inside their expansive venue, a massive glass wall provides an unobstructed view of the production floor, allowing patrons to drink citrus-forward pale ales within direct sight of the brewers monitoring the next batch.
The interior design at Jetty Road reflects a deep, enduring connection to the Mornington Peninsula shoreline. The main bar features heavily weathered reclaimed hardwood, which builders salvaged directly from the structural remains of the original Dromana pier. Local patrons gather around open fireplaces to escape the coastal chill, or step out into the relaxed beer garden to enjoy unpretentious hospitality, live acoustic music, and quality regional produce.
Brewing without boundaries
Just a short walk down the street reveals an entirely different approach to traditional brewing. Two Bays Brewing Co operates as Australia’s first dedicated gluten-free brewery and taproom, an ambitious project established by founder Richard Jeffares, as noted by local lifestyle guide The Ninch. After a coeliac diagnosis separated him from the craft beer world, Jeffares travelled internationally to research alternative production methods before returning to construct a highly specialised facility.
Rather than compromising on familiar flavour profiles, the Two Bays brewing team actively experiments with alternative malts like roasted millet, buckwheat, and rice. The resulting beverage range features hop-driven India pale ales and smooth brown ales that easily rival their barley-based counterparts. To complement the drinks, a central wood-fired pizza oven produces a gluten-free menu, ensuring the spacious taproom remains a safe and inclusive dining environment for visitors with strict dietary restrictions.
A collective coastal spirit
The close physical proximity of these distinct brewing operations encourages a culture of collaboration across the Dromana industrial estate. Venue managers and head brewers frequently exchange ideas, share access to local ingredients, and collectively draw a steady stream of visitors to an otherwise ordinary commercial zone. Through careful craftsmanship and a unified commitment to the region, Dromana continues to cement its reputation as a premier destination for independent Australian craft beer.
