This was published 3 years ago
My dream destination: Ben Kraus, beer brewer, Bridge Road Brewers
By Julietta Jameson
Ben Kraus of Bridge Road Brewers.
MY ONE DREAM DESTINATION IS STILL …
Tirol, Austria. It's the place I fell in love – twice: firstly with my wife Maria, and secondly with good beer. In fact I have just returned to Beechworth from an extended 18-month stay with Maria and our kids in Oetzal.
I first set foot in Tirol via Innsbruck around the time Sydney was hosting the Olympics. A re-routed midnight train from the Czech border saw a couple of Aussie backpackers looking for a place to crash in the pouring summer rain. There, I discovered a connection with big mountains, met my future wife, and found my profession: brewing.
Innsbruck, the capital of Austria's Tirol region.Credit: iStock
WHEN THIS IS ALL OVER I'M DREAMING OF VISITING …
British Columbia, Canada. As I have already hinted, I'm drawn to the mountains, and when I travel, my choice is centred around two themes, beers and bikes, especially mountain bikes. Whistler is a bucket list location for most mountain bikers, and one that I am keen to check off my list, and of course BC, like most of Canada, is peppered with great craft breweries.
MY DREAM TRAVEL BUBBLE DESTINATION IS …
You are getting to know me now – it's New Zealand, home to some of the best trails I have ridden. I am also in awe of the openness and hospitality of the Kiwis.
MY DREAM DOMESTIC DESTINATION IS …
Somewhere I haven't been before, which doesn't leave me many options. I'd like to check out Broome and head off into the Kimberley. Failing that, the beaches from Cape Naturaliste to the Leeuwin Peninsula in WA always hold a special place for me.
MY DREAM DOMESTIC TRIP SO FAR HAS BEEN ...
North East Tasmania, Derby and St Helens, home to some of the greatest landscapes and riding in Oz. The beers from Van Diemen and Little River Brewing are also worth checking out. Oh, how I long for a ride down Big Chook on the blue tier MTB trail for a pint of beer and a steak sandwich at the Weldborough pub.
Created by Ben Kraus and the Bridge Road team, the High Country Hop is a festival showcasing Australian beer and live music. It's on in Beechworth, Victoria, March 27 and 28. See www.thehighcountryhop.com.au
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