What it is
Little Creatures started on the water's edge in Fremantle, built around a hoppy pale ale its founders fell for in the north-west of the United States. When it wanted a home on the east coast, it picked the old Valley Worsted Mills in South Geelong, at 221 Swanston Street. The brewery opened there in 2013.
It's a big site, with the brewery, a canteen, function halls and a laneway, and it's also home to White Rabbit, Little Creatures' sister brewery. That size is the point. It suits groups, birthdays and families, and it's the brewery to head for when you want somewhere with room to spread out.
The old mill
The Valley Worsted Mills were built by British investors in the early 1920s (they first appear in the rate books in 1923), part of the wave of big factories that came to Geelong after the First World War. The site is a run of red-brick buildings with sawtooth roofs, all designed as one complex, and it's heritage-listed for its regional significance.
Little Creatures turned the mill into a brewery while keeping the old buildings, and it opened in 2013. The bar and kitchen are in what used to be a cloth finishing room, and you can still see the sawtooth roofs above you. Little Creatures is now owned by Lion.
The beer
Little Creatures is all about hops. It brews with whole hop flowers and a hop-back, which is where its beers get their floral smell and clean bitterness. Alongside the signature beers there are seasonals and brewery-only releases, so it's worth asking what's new at the bar.
White Rabbit has its own barrel hall on site. It's lined with ageing barrels and opens onto the working brewery, and you can book it for a party.
The Canteen
You get to the Canteen down a colourful laneway. It's the main eating and drinking spot, with pizzas, share plates and snacks. Walk-ins are welcome, and groups of up to 20 can book. For bigger parties, three spaces inside the Canteen take groups of 20 to 65.
It's a good one with kids. There's a new kids' playground and a SHUFFL table, so the adults get a bit of peace. Trivia runs twice a week. Dogs are welcome at the pet-friendly seats in the laneway.
Tours and functions
Brewery tours
Guided tours run from Wednesday to Sunday (at 3pm, plus 11am from Friday to Sunday), and you need to book. They're 18 and over, you need enclosed shoes, and you can't have been drinking beforehand. Tours are called off on days over 32°C. On a wet day it's a good plan, because you're indoors among the tanks the whole time.
Furphy Hall
The biggest space, for 120 seated or 200 standing, with an open fire in winter.
The White Rabbit Barrel Hall
A smaller hall for about 100 standing, among the barrels.
Hours
When we checked in October 2026, the brewery's website listed:
- Wednesday and Thursday, 11am to 9pm
- Friday and Saturday, 11am till late
- Sunday, 11am to 5pm
It's closed on Monday and Tuesday. The Little Creatures Geelong page has the menu, what's on and tour bookings.
Getting there and making a day of it
From north Torquay, head up the Surf Coast Highway into Geelong. Swanston Street is in South Geelong, south of the city centre. It's about 21 km and 25 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic. There's an EV charging point on site.
Without a car, South Geelong station is a short walk away, but getting from Torquay to Geelong by bus takes a while. Our getting around without a car guide has the details. With a group, a driver or a booked tour is the easier way.
It's easy to make a Geelong day of it. Spend the morning on the waterfront, with the Bollards, Eastern Beach and the gardens, then do a brewery tour and a late lunch in the Canteen. On a cold or wet day, add a museum and leave the beach for tomorrow. Our rainy day guide has more ideas.
Little Creatures Geelong FAQ
How far is Little Creatures from Torquay?
About 21 km and 25 to 30 minutes from north Torquay, at 221 Swanston Street, South Geelong.
Do I need to book a brewery tour?
Yes. Tours run from Wednesday to Sunday, bookings are essential, and they're 18 and over.
Is it good for kids?
Yes. The Canteen has a kids' playground and a SHUFFL table.
Can I bring the dog?
There's pet-friendly seating in the laneway.
Is White Rabbit at the same place?
Yes. The White Rabbit Barrel Hall is part of the Geelong brewery.
When is it open?
Wednesday to Sunday when we checked: 11am to 9pm midweek, till late on Friday and Saturday, and 11am to 5pm on Sunday.
For the breweries closer to the beach, see our Torquay breweries guide. Blackman's also has a big brewery in Grovedale, on the way back. Coming down as a crowd? Our group accommodation guide has tips, or check dates at Holyday House.
Sources
Facts on this page were checked against these sources on 19 October 2026. Opening hours, patrols, rules and closures change — check with the source before you go.
- Little Creatures Geelong — Little Creatures (official)
- Little Creatures Brewery Geelong — Visit Geelong and the Bellarine
- Valley Worsted Mills — Victorian Heritage Database
- Geelong's Little Creatures Brewery — Architecture & Design