By Cassandra Pulver

Following the official launch of The Reef Marina expansion last Tuesday (opened by the Hon. Warren Entsch, Member for Leichardt) it has just been announced that construction begins today on Hemingway’s Brewery.

The brewery development comes amidst a major overhaul of Port Douglas’ The Reef Marina that has included the addition of 30 new berths as well as an upgraded retail precinct.

The waterfront microbrewery, bar and restaurant will form a key part of The Reef Marina’s multimillion-dollar expansion. When it commences trading in May 2016, Hemingway’s Brewery is destined to inject an exciting new energy into the town’s busy marina hub – effectively putting the ‘port’ back into ‘Port Douglas’ while providing a relaxed destination for guests to enjoy authentic craft beer brewed fresh on-site.

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Envisaging the development, owners Tony Fyfe and Craig Parsell felt Port Douglas needed to continue investing in its waterfront, creating a venue capitalising on the natural beauty of the region and its rich history as a fishing port and gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.

“As locals, we wanted to create a waterfront offering that has not yet been experienced in Port Douglas. We want Hemingway’s Brewery to become part of the Port Douglas story – a place where locals can meet to relax, enjoy an authentic craft beer and take in the slice of paradise we call home,” said Mr Fyfe.

Tony added that by opening a mircrobrewery, they were effectively matching a growing demand in the global market for craft beer.  “When compared to commercially manufactured brands, craft beer is a fresher and healthier alternative.  Craft ales are made the traditional way with just four key ingredients and are unfiltered, unpastuerised and preservative free. 

“While the making of craft beer has been built on a centuries old, rich European tradition and history, the real ‘commercial’ movement didn’t begin until the 1970s in England and since then, little by little, has taken the world by storm.  Valued in the vicinity of $160 million, Australia’s craft brew industry is responding to an increasing number of home brewers and craft beer makers along with discerning consumers looking for a more boutique and innovative style of premium beer,” he said.

Also partners in luxury fishing charter business, Far North Sports Fishing, Mr Fyfe and Mr Parsell believe Hemingway’s Brewery will provide a fitting end to a magic day on the Great Barrier Reef. 

“It would be great for guests to spend a day out on the Great Barrier Reef, stepping off the boat and into a craft brewery located right on the water’s edge,” said Mr Fyfe.

Reflecting the owners’ passion for all things natural, Hemingway’s Brewery will feature a state-of-the-art, on-site microbrewery developed in consultation with top industry consultant, Costa Nikias from Melbourne’s Beverage and Brewing Consulting. Besides serving the freshest quality craft beer, Hemingway’s will offer a menu of gourmet pizzas, tapas and BBQ-style food.

The expansive two-level venue covers a total space of 850 square metres and will seat at least 450 people, comprising both indoor and outdoor areas.

With spacious decks providing a natural fit with the tropical environment, the brewery’s top floor will include a bar and event centre and boast stunning views across the marina. The ground floor will incorporate a garden bar, lounge bar and enclosed children’s play area.

The Hemingway name is synonymous with deep sea fishing, in particular marlin, adventure travel and the search for locals he could share a drink with in a saloon that could become his home away from home.  He was as quick to seek out adventure as he was to seek out the local version of the tavern.  Ernest Hemingway has been quoted as saying “Don’t bother with churches, government buildings or city squares… if you want to know about a culture, spend a night in its bars.”