History of the Mildura Brewery

Opening in late 1924, the Astor Theatre was one of many in the district, but after a complete remodelling in 1937, the theatre boasted a seating capacity of 914. The Astor enjoyed its heyday during the 1930s and 1940s, but the advent of the drive-in theatre in the 1950s followed by television spelled the end for the popular indoor cinema. It closed in the late 1960s.

The disused theatre was sold with the Mildura Grand Hotel when the hotel was acquired by Don Carrazza and his family in 1989. Don had a vision to transform the space into a brewery which would become a drawcard for tourists; he could see its potential as part of a tourism and cultural narrative embedded in the economy of their distinctive region.

After much planning, the Mildura Brewery was opened in December 2004 by Deputy Prime Minister John Anderson. Beautifully appointed with art deco elements such as original decorative wall panels and an impressive Chicago-style bar, the interior dining and lounge area had full view of the brewing facility. Patrons ascended a spiral staircase to an elegant mezzanine function space with access to the original projection room of the former cinema.

The craft beers on offer reflected what is the essence of the region - the sun, the landscape, the strength of local people and the occasional unpredictability of the climate. They were duly called Sun (light), Desert (lager), Mallee Bull (strong ale) and Storm (cloudy ale).

All family members were involved in the business from its opening, contributing to its success.

From 2012 Donata Carrazza and Stefano de Pieri (AM), award winning celebrity chef of Stefano’s restaurant and advocate of the region, continued Don’s vision by creating and promoting crafted beer and pairing it with Stefano’s food recommendations. Under their management a monthly event guide featured film nights, beer and food dinners, music, theatre and author talks.

In 2017 the Mildura Brewery was sold to another company and closed its doors in 2020.

In late 2023, The Mildura Brewery and the associated Mildura Brewery Pub re-opened and the in-house brewing has recently re-commenced.