Steph and Mike Colman. Photo Regional Lifestyle Magazine and Jennifer Harden Photography.
It’s been two years since Steph and Mike Colman opened the doors to Bulla Creek Brewing, just outside of Young, and in that time, their boutique brewery has grown into one of the region’s most beloved weekend destinations. From the beginning, Steph admits there were questions about whether the idea would work.
“We weren’t sure if people would actually travel out, down a dirt road, to visit a brewery,” she says with a laugh.
“But they do and not just once. We’ve built a really lovely community of regulars, as well as new visitors who are discovering us for the first time.”
The taproom, nestled on their family property, has proven to be the heart and soul of their business. While they do some wholesale, Steph says it’s the in-person experience that really makes Bulla Creek special.
“We thought whole sale would be a bigger part of our business, but the taproom has definitely become our core. Every Saturday we host a visiting food truck, and people come out to enjoy a drink, grab a bite to eat, and just relax in the country setting.”
Their brewery is more than just a destination for beer lovers. Steph and Mike have created a space that is welcoming for all ages and preferences even for those who aren’t beer drinkers.
“We always have local wine available, and it’s very family-friendly,” Steph says. “A lot of people are surprised when they visit for the first time they might have never been to a brewery before. But it’s casual, it’s open, and there’s plenty of space for kids to run around. We want it to be a place for everyone.”
Steph, who grew up in Young, and Mike, who developed a passion for brewing while living away, returned to the area to bring their dream to life. Opening in June 2023, Bulla Creek is now celebrating its second birthday and looking ahead with quiet confidence.
“There’s no huge expansion planned, but we’re always working on small improvements and listening to what our customers want. We love creating seasonal beers and trying new things based on feedback. The taproom is always evolving.”
The brewery is also beginning to branch out into more local events, attending markets and collaborating with other businesses. But the taproom will always remain the heart of what they do.
For those looking to visit or even host a special event, Bulla Creek offers flexibility and charm in equal measure.
“We’re open every Saturday and sometimes Sundays,” Steph says. “We’re also available for private functions, birthdays, corporate events, and we’re actually hosting our first wedding this year, which is exciting. It’s a relaxed atmosphere, and people can get in touch to organise something.”
As Bulla Creek Brewing Co enters its third year, it’s clear that this local gem is not just about good beer it’s about creating a welcoming space where the community can come together, one glass at a time.
-Liam Stuart
The South West Slopes Times covers an area approximately the size of Fiji in country NSW. We look after a population of more than 50,000 people with our staff servicing 7 major towns and dozens of villages with our story telling footprint.
We offer weekly print editions at $3 a copy and we also offer digital subscriptions across 3 months $30, 6 months $60 and 12 months $120.
We are one of the last truly local independent family run newspaper businesses in the state.
Contact us today to find out how we can promote your business or organisation across our huge network by emailing ads@thetimes.net.au or by calling 0413 763 216.
If you have a news tip, lead or scoop for us please make contact as we love celebrating our communities. You can contribute articles via our South West Slopes Times website.