ALL ABOARD THE BEERLLARAT EXPRESS

Australia Day arrives early in Ballarat.

A couple of days before the nation goes jingoistic the Victorian focal point celebrates some of the best beers the country has on offer.

The Beerllarat festival on January 21 has confirmed Pirate Life, Two Birds, Coopers and Brooklyn Brewery for the event.

But there will be 36 other brewers and around 150 beers on offer.

Ballarat Beer Festival Director Ric Dexter said the original craft beer festival keeps getting better each year.

“Before being festival director, I went to the festival a few times and it was one of the best, most enjoyable festivals I’ve ever been to,” Dexter said.

“It’s relaxed, it’s calm, the crowd is beautifully well behaved and it’s a fantastic event for everyone, not just those who have a passion for really great beer.”

A new setup for 2017 includes the Ballarat Brewers Backyard, comprising of Ballarat-based brewers Red Duck, O’Brien and The Athletic Club in their own fenced off area for festival attendees and locals to sit back and enjoy some local goodness.

The Athletic Club will also launch a brand new beer known as “Ballarat Betty Bitter” – inspired by the legendary Ballarat Bertie, dating back to 1926.

Tickets for the Ballarat Beer Festival start from $45 and are now available to purchase, as well as tickets to Friday night’s degustation dinner, from www.ballaratbeerfestival.com.au.