Boag's brewery tour

Launceston, Australia's third-oldest city, was settled in 1806.

James Boag I arrived there in 1853 from Paisley, Scotland to work at the Cornwall Brewery, which was owned and operated by his uncle, John Fawns.

James Boag II was born in 1854 and when old enough, he began working at several breweries in Launceston.

In the 1880s he formed a partnership with his father and took over the state-of-the-art Esk Brewery on the banks of the Esk River. In no time, they had a reputation for brewing the highest-quality beers. James Boag II was a most energetic 19th century entrepreneur.

When other breweries in the area closed their doors, Boag kept operating and during his thirty years in control, James II expanded the site to cover the area it still occupies today. He died in 1918, leaving a thriving company and a philosophy of producing high-quality beer using the freshest Tasmanian ingredients.

The Boag's Centre for Beer Lovers is in the 1830s Tamar Hotel. Tours start and finish there, with visitors touring a museum that gives insight into the family and development of Boag brands during the past century, as well as watching the beer-making process from creation to the finished product.

Tours of the historic brewery are available every weekday. They include a full circuit from the brewhouse to the packaging line.

You will see, smell and taste the beer, malts and hops. Tasting starts with the lightest flavour, going through to the strongest, accompanied by King Island cheeses.

Location

Cost

Virgin Blue has flights to Launceston.

• Melbourne $ 70
• Sydney $ 95
• Brisbane $145
• Adelaide $149
• Perth $300
• Darwin $340

There are limited seats, which may not be available at peak times or on all flights. Fares are one-way on the Net. An extra $15 will be charged for phone bookings. A credit card surcharge of $2 per person, per one way flight is applicable. Fares are correct at April 03, 2008 and are subject to change.

For further information

Virgin Blue