Great Ocean Road Brewing to take over Sou’West Brewery’s former site in Torquay

Great Ocean Road Brewing will finally have a home on the Surf Coast after it takes over a Torquay brewery that was forced to close last month.

Great Ocean Road Brewing co-owners Mick Ranger and Matt Shortal. Picture: Brad Fleet

A South Geelong business will expand into the former site of a Surf Coast brewery, which had links to high-profile AFL stars, that was forced to close last month.

Great Ocean Road Brewing, owned by mates Matt Shortal and Mick Ranger, will move into Sou’West Brewery’s former site in the coming months.

Administrators from KordaMentha were appointed to the Torquay-based businesses on May 15 due to financial issues and up to 30 staff lost their jobs.

Sou’West Brewery is part owned by Carlton star Charlie Curnow, his brother, former Blues player and now Lorne coach, Ed Curnow and Port Adelaide midfielder Travis Boak.

The brewery, which opened three years ago, was located at the former Quiksilver warehouse in Baines Cres and was converted into a beer hall, play area, tasting pavilion and open-air terrace.

Great Ocean Road Brewing co-owner Matt Shortal said he was excited for the business to be taking over the space.

“We’ve purchased all the assets of the business, which includes the brewery equipment,” he said.

Great Ocean Road Brewing beer is currently made at a facility in South Geelong, which produces up to 150,000 litres per year.

The former Sou’West site can produce 500,000 litres per year.

“We will be able to increase our brewing potential,” Mr Shortal said.

“For us, it’s a great opportunity.”

KordaMentha’s Andrew Knight said it was a good outcome that the business was able to find someone willing to take over the site that already had a strong brand in the market.

It is understood Sou’West Brewery employees will receive their entitlements.

Mr Shortal said his business, which was established in September 2021, always had the goal of being located on the Great Ocean Road.

“The location links perfectly to the brand,” he said.

“It’s got the potential to be an iconic venue, right in Torquay at the beginning of the famous Great Ocean Road.”

Mr Shortal hopes the Torquay facility will be up and running by early September.

“The beauty with this venue is it’s pretty much ready to go, it’s a beautiful fit out,” he said.

“We want to hit the ground running in the spring when everyone gets back outside to enjoy a beer.”

The content summaries were created with the assistance of AI technology, then edited and approved for publication by an editor.

Originally published as Great Ocean Road Brewing to take over Sou’West Brewery’s former site in Torquay