Understanding Australian Hops: From Galaxy to Ella

Australian hops have become synonymous with unique and vibrant flavour profiles, distinct from the more traditional hops used in European and North American brewing. With native varieties that impart tropical fruit and citrus notes, Australia has carved out a niche in the global hop industry.

To fully appreciate these hops, it’s essential to understand their history, the regions where they thrive, and the producers who have helped grow the industry into what it is today.

A Brief History of Hop Growing in Australia

Hop cultivation in Australia began in the early 19th century, with European settlers bringing hop plants to the southern regions.

In 1804 Colonel Paterson planted the first hop vines in his garden at Port Dalrymple in Tasmania. By the 1820s, the rise of local breweries and a favourable climate created the conditions for commercial hop production.

In 1822, William Shoobridge successfully established Tasmania’s first hop plantation in Providence Valley, North Hobart. Over time, the Shoobridge family expanded their farming ventures, particularly in the Derwent Valley, which became Tasmania’s key hop-growing region by the 1840s.

By the 1870s, Tasmania’s hop industry was well-established, supplying both local and mainland markets. Advances in cultivation, irrigation, and oasthouse construction boosted productivity, and the hop-growing regions expanded to areas such as the Tamar and Mersey Valleys in the north, Little Swanport on the east coast, and the Huon Valley, Glenorchy, Margate, and Kingston in the south. Hop picking became a major source of seasonal employment, with entire families participating in the harvest.

However, the industry faced challenges during the economic downturn of the 1920s and 1930s, when overproduction led to a decline in acreage and the collapse of many smaller growers. Larger hop agents, like Henry Jones and Co., took on more control during this period. The industry rebounded from the 1940s to the 1960s, expanding to new regions such as Scottsdale and Gunns Plains. By the late 20th century, the introduction of high-yielding hop varieties and mechanical harvesting further modernised the industry, helping it continue to thrive.

On the West Coast, hop farms in Pemberton, Western Australia, were established by J. Bunn and W.E. Gardner in the late 1920s and early 1930s. Bunn, originally from Victoria, brought hop varieties like Golden Cluster to Pemberton, setting up a thriving farm that eventually expanded to around 12 acres by the late 1930s. The local Swan Brewery became a major buyer of hops from the region, with Pemberton hops playing a significant role in the brewery’s production through the mid-20th century.

Despite the initial success, the hop farming industry in Pemberton faced challenges, particularly due to competition and changing brewery requirements. By the 1970s, as Swan Brewery shifted to using pelletised hops, the demand for whole hop cones declined, leading to a downturn in local hop farming. However, remnants of the industry can still be seen today, with places like Lake Beedelup (created to irrigate the hop farms) and roads like Hop Garden Road serving as reminders of the region’s hop-growing past.

Fast forward to the 90’s, and the rise of the craft beer movement, both locally and internationally, spurred a new wave of innovation in hop breeding.

With Hop Products Australia (HPA) breeding program focusing on creating uniquely Australian hop varieties that would stand out for their bold flavours and adaptability to local conditions.

This breeding program led to the development of now world-renowned varieties such as Galaxy, Ella, and Vic Secret. These hops were not only suited to Australia’s climate but also offered brewers around the world new and exciting flavour profiles.

Popular Australian Hop Varieties

Australia has introduced some of the most sought-after hop varieties in the brewing world. Each variety is prized for its distinct aromas and flavours, often featuring tropical fruit, citrus, and floral characteristics. Here are a few of the most popular:

• Galaxy: Perhaps the most famous of all Australian hops, Galaxy is known for its intense tropical fruit flavours, especially passionfruit, peach, and citrus. Its high alpha acid content makes it an excellent choice for IPAs and Pale Ales, delivering both strong bitterness and aromatic complexity.
  
  
• Ella: A more subtle hop compared to Galaxy, Ella offers a mix of floral and spicy aromas with hints of tropical fruit. It’s versatile, used in both hop-forward beers and lighter lagers, adding complexity without overwhelming the palate.
  
  
• Vic Secret: This hop shares some similarities with Galaxy but has its own identity, featuring a more herbal and piney aroma alongside notes of tropical fruit. It’s often used late in the brewing process or in dry hopping to maximise its aroma without adding excessive bitterness.
  
  
• Enigma: This relatively newer hop variety is becoming popular for its complexity, offering everything from raspberry and red currant to melon and stone fruit flavors. Its versatility makes it suitable for both IPAs and more experimental brews.
  
  
• Topaz: Known for its earthy and resinous notes, Topaz also provides some fruit character, making it a popular choice in both bittering and aromatic applications.

Hop Growing Regions in Australia

Australia’s diverse climate allows for hop cultivation in a variety of regions, each imparting unique terroir to the hops grown there. However, the most significant hop-producing areas are concentrated in cooler, temperate regions with well-drained soil and consistent rainfall.

• Tasmania: Tasmania is the heartland of Australian hop growing, with a climate similar to that of Southern England or the Pacific Northwest in the U.S. The Derwent Valley is the most prominent hop-growing area, where the combination of cool temperatures, long daylight hours, and fertile soils produces hops with high aromatic qualities. Galaxy, Ella, and Enigma are all cultivated here.
  
  
• Victoria: The state of Victoria, particularly in regions like Myrtleford and the Ovens Valley, is another important hop-growing area. With its rich soils and cool autumns, Victoria has become a hub for both traditional and experimental hop varieties. Hops grown in Victoria often feature bright citrus and floral notes, due to the longer growing season and relatively mild summers.
  
  
• New South Wales: Though not as large a producer as Tasmania or Victoria, New South Wales has some hop-growing activity, particularly in the cooler highland regions. This area is more experimental in nature, with smaller growers testing new varieties and cultivation techniques.

Primary Hop Producers

Australia’s hop industry is dominated by a few key producers, each contributing significantly to the country’s output and global recognition.

• Hop Products Australia (HPA): The largest hop grower in the country, HPA operates across both Tasmania and Victoria, controlling around 90% of the hop market. Their breeding programs have been responsible for the creation of Galaxy, Vic Secret, and Ella, among others. HPA is known for their commitment to sustainable farming practices, including water conservation and soil health.
  
  
• Ellerslie Hop Estate: Operating out of Victoria, Ellerslie has been growing hops since the early 20th century and remains one of the country’s key suppliers. Their portfolio includes both Australian-grown hops and imported varieties, catering to local brewers with a wide range of options.
  
  
• Ryefield Hops: This small, family-owned hop farm in New South Wales focuses on growing organic hops, offering brewers a more boutique selection of Australian-grown varieties. Their hops are often sought after by craft brewers looking for something unique and locally sourced.

By The Numbers

• In recent years, Australia produced approximately 1,500 to 2,000 metric tons of hops annually, contributing a relatively small but high-quality share to the global hop market.
  
  
• In 2024, the approximate wholesale price range for Australia hop cones is between US$ 14.32 and US$ 23.19 per kilogram or between US$ 6.49 and US$ 10.52 per pound(lb).
  
  
• The majority of Australian hops are exported to international markets, with over 80% of the production destined for overseas, especially to the U.S., Europe, and Asia.
  
  
• Craft breweries across the world, particularly in the U.S., value Australian hops for their distinctive flavours and aromas, which offer unique profiles in IPA and pale ale styles.
  

Final Thoughts

Australian hops have come a long way since their introduction, thanks largely to the efforts of dedicated hop breeders, growers, and producers.

With varieties like Galaxy and Ella leading the charge, the country’s hop industry continues to thrive, offering brewers around the world new ways to explore flavour and aroma.

The diverse growing regions and innovative hop producers ensure that Australian hops will remain at the forefront of the global craft beer movement for years to come.