Wildbrumby Schnapps Distillery

In the heart of the Snowy Mountains, amidst the picturesque landscapes that Australia is famous for, lies the Wildbrumby Schnapps Distillery. Founded in 2003, this unique spot is a harmonious symbiosis of traditional Austrian distilling methods and vibrant local ingredients. They produce not only their famous schnapps but also craft gin and vodka, using exclusively pure mountain water and organic fruit.

Wildbrumby Schnapps Distillery. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

Located in the town of Crackenback, the property feels more like a cozy Alpine chalet surrounded by works of contemporary art. The distillery is widely known for its awards, including gold medals at prestigious spirit competitions. Wildbrumby is considered the highest distillery in the country, which gives its products a special character and status.

This is not just a production site, but a complete travel destination where guests can immerse themselves in an atmosphere of creativity and gastronomic delight. Thanks to the combination of high-quality drinks and unusual landscape design featuring sculptures, the distillery has become a must-visit for everyone traveling through the Snowy Mountains region.

To find out more about tastings or to book a table at the restaurant, you can use the following contact details:

The highlight here is undoubtedly the tasting of premium spirits. You can sample the famous peach nectar, raspberry, or apple schnapps, all produced in small batches. For those who prefer stronger spirits, tasting flights of craft gin, created using local Australian herbs and berries, are available.

After getting acquainted with the drinks, it is worth stopping by the local restaurant, which serves authentic Austrian cuisine. Traditional goulash or strudel, combined with the Alpine atmosphere, creates a sense of complete immersion in Central European culture. For those interested in the spirit-making process, masterclasses are periodically held where the owners share the secrets of distillation.

Be sure to set aside time for a stroll around the grounds. Here, you'll find an open-air sculpture exhibition by Brad Spalding, inspired by wildlife and skiing history. In winter, the distillery turns into a popular après-ski spot, where skiers and snowboarders gather to celebrate a successful day on the slopes with a glass of schnapps by the warm fireplace.

Located on the scenic Alpine Way route, the distillery is approximately 20 kilometers from the town of Jindabyne and 15 kilometers from the Thredbo ski resort. A car trip from Canberra takes about 2.5 hours, while the drive from Sydney is around 5 hours via the Hume and Snowy Mountains Highways. Convenient parking is available on-site for those traveling by private vehicle.

Public transport in this region is limited, so renting a car or taking a taxi from nearby towns is the most convenient way to get there. During the winter season, shuttles sometimes run between resorts, but it is worth checking in advance if they stop at the Wollondibby Road turnoff. If you are planning a winter trip, be sure to check for snow chain requirements, as road conditions in the Snowy Mountains can change rapidly.

The story of this place began in the Austrian Alps, where Brad Spalding, working as a ski instructor in the famous Kitzbühel, met his future wife, Monika. Monika's family had been involved in traditional schnapps distillation for decades, and this experience inspired the couple to bring a piece of European culture to the Snowy Mountains. In 2003, they imported an Ulrich Kothe copper still from Germany and opened the "Little Austrian Schnapps Hut."

Brad took a creative approach, adapting classic recipes to Australian tastes: the drinks became lighter and more fruit-forward. Using the purest mountain water and local seasonal fruit allowed them to create a unique product that quickly gained recognition. Over time, European master distillers joined the team, helping to expand the range to premium gin and vodka infused with local botanicals.

In its two decades of existence, Wildbrumby has grown from a modest operation into one of the most awarded brands in the region. In 2022, the company was honored as the "Business of the Year" in Jindabyne. Today, it is not just a distillery, but a cultural hub where industrial aesthetics harmoniously blend with art and Alpine hospitality.

For a standard visit, including a tasting of several schnapps varieties and a brief look around the grounds, 1–1.5 hours is quite sufficient. This is an ideal option for those making a short stop on their way to the ski slopes or the national park.

If you want to fully soak up the atmosphere, we recommend setting aside about 3 hours. This will give you enough time to enjoy a leisurely lunch at the Austrian restaurant, stroll through the sculpture garden, and pick out gifts at the on-site distillery shop. Attending workshops or special events may require additional time.

The distillery welcomes guests daily, from Monday to Sunday. Opening hours are from 10:00 to 17:00. This is a convenient time for both a morning visit before a mountain hike and an early dinner after an active day out.

Please note that the schedule may change on public holidays or during private events. Before your trip, it is recommended to check the official website or call ahead to ensure the establishment is open to visitors.

A stop in Crackenback provides a great opportunity to explore other interesting locations in the Thredbo Valley. Proximity to local farms and nature trails allows for a full day's itinerary.