WHERE THE RAINFOREST MEETS THE SEA

There's a turn-off on St. Helena Road that most people drive straight past. Follow it to the end, though, and the hinterland opens into something unexpected — subtropical rainforest, a cellar door perched above it all, and views that'll make you forget you're on a detour.

CAPE BYRON DISTILLERY, HOME OF BROOKIE'S GIN, IS IN A CATEGORY ALL OF ITS OWN.

Tucked within the Brook family's macadamia farm and surrounded by more than 45,000 rainforest trees planted over nearly four decades, the distillery is a serious spirits destination. It's also a perfect afternoon out, an immersive experience, and a spectacular event venue — often all at once.

START IN THE FOREST

Thursday through Sunday, the cellar door opens from 11am to 6pm. Cocktails, whisky tours, and sweeping views are on offer, but the signature Rainforest & Distillery Tour is worth planning your visit around. Gin and tonic in hand, guests follow a guide through the regenerated Big Scrub rainforest, learning the history of the land and meeting the native botanicals — finger lime, aniseed myrtle, Davidson plum — that find their way into Brookie's award-winning Byron Dry Gin. Beautifully paced, immersive and insightful, it's an experience that turns first-time visitors into regulars.

THEN, THE WHISKY

Cape Byron also holds a quiet distinction: it's Australia's only B-Corp certified whisky distillery. That certification spans 350 criteria across environmental, social and ethical performance, such as off-grid water systems and minimal footprint, and speaks to a business built on genuine values. But it's the whisky that makes the most persuasive case.

Crafted in collaboration with legendary Scottish Master Distiller Jim McEwan, Cape Byron's single malts mature slowly in casks that breathe the salt-laced, humid air of the Byron hinterland. The result is a distinctly Australian range that showcases the full expression of the terroir — from the flagship The Original to limited releases like the Mac. Liqueur Cask, with its layered notes of butterscotch, macadamia and dark chocolate. A dedicated Whisky Tour takes guests into the barrel room for a 45-minute guided tasting that whisky lovers won't want to miss, while the fill-your-own-bottle experience lets you draw spirit directly from the cask, and take home a unique keepsake.

BEYOND THE BOTTLE

The cellar door is an ideal location for any private occasion. Whether you're planning a corporate retreat, a team celebration, a milestone birthday or a memorable client experience, Cape Byron Distillery offers something not easily replicated: a natural atmosphere. The rainforest balcony, the copper pot still as a backdrop, the guided tastings and cocktail sessions that can be tailored to your group, all adds up to an event people talk about long afterwards.

The team can create a bespoke experience for your group, blending tours, tastings, and cocktail hours into a seamless program for groups large and small.

For more information, visit www.capebyrondistillery.com or email at cellardoor@capebyrondistillery.com.

Cape Byron Distillery | 80 St Helena Road, McLeods Shoot