Next stop on the Central Coast Makers Trail: Block ‘N Tackle Brewery
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.
After 14 years working as a high school teacher, Paul Wakelin took the plunge and purchased Block ‘N Tackle Brewery, the culmination of an obsession with brewing that began in his teenage years. Since that moment four years ago the business has gone from strength to strength, tripling its output with new equipment and package production.
Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific caught up with Paul for a quick chat on the inspiration behind Block ‘N Tackle Brewery, and to hear about some of his favourite local spots on the Central Coast.
Tell us about Block ‘N Tackle Brewery, and give us a suggestion for someone experiencing it for the first time
We pride ourselves on producing small batch beers of varying styles. We like to have something different to the norm and enable our customers to experience styles of beer they may have never had, heard of or be able to try unless they go overseas. We encourage taking the time to get a tasting paddle and trying something new.
Do you have a personal favourite beer?
Favourite beer would be a traditional English Ale – simple but always easy drinking.
What’s the most interesting limited release you’ve ever produced and what was the feedback?
We’ve done a few but the one that gets the most feedback or notoriety from people that we meet at festivals would be the Red Frog Saison. It smelt of red frog, tasted of red frog but still had the essence of a traditional saison. The problem was the 7.6% ABV was not detectable until you got through the schooner!
What is it about the Central Coast that makes it a great base for independent makers and creators?
The Central Coast has a loyal local customer base and a diverse range of businesses that make the area attractive to visitors.
Of the other stops on the Central Coast Makers Trail, which is your favourite and why?
Little Creek Cheese – great product, great people.
How would you spend a perfect day on the Coast?
I’d spend the morning having a lazy breakfast at one of the 100s of great cafes. Then a lunch/arvo catch-up at either the brewery or local pub/beer garden.
Tell us something about the Central Coast that first-time visitors might not realise
The historical elements of the Coast – ship building around Brisbane Water, timber production etc.
Your favourite:
Beach: Toowoon Bay
Cafe: Looloo’s Coffee Warehouse
Restaurant: The Cowrie
Attraction: Australian Reptile Park
Shop: Salt Pig Deli
Walk: Great North Walk
Activity for a rainy day: Movie or the pub
More information
To learn more about Block ‘N Tackle Brewery visit centralcoastmakerstrail.com.au/makers/block-n-tackle
Address: Unit 1, 11/13 Cochrone St, Kincumber
Phone: +61 466 623 233
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.