Next stop on the Central Coast Makers Trail: Six String Brewing Co
Whether you have a few hours or an entire weekend to explore, the Central Coast Makers Trail is the perfect adventure. This self-indulgent food and drink discovery trail will thrill you with new sensations and behind-the-scenes experiences. Meet skilled artisans and award-winning providores. Enjoy gourmet tastings, voyages of discovery and hands-on epicurean delight. The Central Coast’s hidden gems are a secret no more.
Chris Benson was a longtime home brewer, before “a love of all things beer” and a desire to move on from a 10-year corporate career led to the creation of Six String Brewing Co, a locally owned and independent craft brewery down the road from Terrigal in Erina.
“A school friend and I started planning the brewery in 2009 and, having grown up on the Central Coast, we really wanted to bring our beers to our home ground.”
“It took quite a bit of work to get our current site through the council approvals process, but ten years on from having opened our door we are so glad we are still brewing and proud to call the central Coast home.”
Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific caught up with Chris for a quick chat on the inspiration behind his business, and to hear about some of his favourite local spots on the Central Coast.
Tell us about Six String Brewing Co, and give us a suggestion for someone visiting the brewery for the first time
The Six String range has something for everyone and there is always something new or different to try. From our easy drinking crisp, clean refreshing Coastie Lager to a big, bold Dark Red IPA or Barrel Aged Vintage beers to a Hard Ginger Beer for the non-beer drinker and soft drinks for the kids.
The range pouring at our taproom is always changing with limited edition beers as being tapped each month. For a first time visitor or those who are keen to try a bit of everything, we suggest a tasting paddle with four beers or even a Saturday brewery tour followed by a guided tasting, where you can discover what goes into brewing our beers and find a favourite brew.
What is it about the Central Coast that makes it a great base for independent makers and creators?
A desire for a slower pace and space was definitely a motivating factor to base ourselves on the Central Coast. Having grown up here we wanted to raise our family on the Coast, (we had also had enough of the city!) but the primary distribution of our products is between Sydney and Newcastle, so situating ourselves right in the middle made sense. We haven’t regretted it, and the laid back lifestyle makes living and working here the dream.
Of the other stops on the Central Coast Makers Trail, which is your favourite and why?
We recently did the Broken Bay Pearl farm tour and were blown away by the skill in the work that they do and what an epic place to work! We also can’t go past Block ‘N Tackle; the team there brew some great beers and we highly recommend jumping on a bus tour with Coastal Hops and going between Six String and Block ‘N Tackle.
How would you spend a perfect day on the Coast?
I love to get away from civilisation, so spending the day out on the Brisbane Water fishing, for me, would be the perfect day. As a family, you can’t go past taking the kids to the beach and spending the afternoon at the Beach House having a beer watching the live music.
Tell us something about the Central Coast that first-time visitors might not realise
There is so much more than beaches, with world class makers, creators and artists who call the Central Coast home. The Central Coast Makers Trail is a great place to start, but there’s plenty more, including some fantastic galleries, if you’re prepared to look.
Your favourite:
Beach: MacMasters Beach – great place to take kids, great surf club and café
Cafe: South End Social in Gosford
Restaurant: Bells at Killcare
Attraction: Glenworth Valley
Shop: Tiki Lala in Long Jetty
Walk: You can’t beat any of the walks in Bouddi National Park
Activity for a rainy day: Avoca Beach Picture Theatre
More information
To learn more about Six String Brewing Co visit centralcoastmakerstrail.com.au/makers/six-string-brewing-co
Address: 4/330 Central Coast Hwy, Erina NSW 2250
Phone: (02) 4365 4536
To book your stay with Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific and get your adventures on the Central Coast Makers Trail started, call our reservations team on (02) 4384 9113 or check availability online.