If you’ve ever driven down Caves Road in Western Australia, you know the vibe. It’s all towering karri trees, sprawling vineyards, and that salty Indian Ocean breeze hitting you through the window. But tucked away among the posh wineries is something a bit more down-to-earth. We’re talking about Cheeky Monkey Brewing Co., a place that basically redefined what it means to grab a pint in the Margaret River region.
People go for the beer. They stay because it’s one of the few spots where you can actually relax without feeling like you need a tuxedo to drink a fermented beverage.
The brewery launched back in 2012. It wasn’t just another shed with a fermentation tank; it was a massive, ambitious bet on the idea that people wanted high-quality craft beer in a family-friendly environment. Honestly, before they showed up, the "family-friendly brewery" concept was a bit of a gamble. Now? It’s the gold standard.
The Caves Road Vibe vs. The Varnish of Perth
There’s a massive difference between the original Margaret River site and their newer "Cheeky Monkey HQ" in Varnish Road, Canning Vale. The Caves Road location is the soul. It’s got that huge playground that parents swear by, sprawling lawns, and a lake that makes your Instagram look way more peaceful than your life actually is.
Canning Vale is different. It’s the engine room. This is where the heavy lifting happens—the massive production lines, the canning, the logistics. If Caves Road is the beach house, Canning Vale is the skyscraper. You can visit both, but the energy shifts from "holiday mode" to "industrial craft" real quick.
I’ve noticed that tourists often get confused by the two. Look, if you want the views and the wood-fired pizzas, head south. If you’re a local in Perth looking for a fresh pour straight from the source without the three-hour drive, the HQ is your spot.
What Are You Actually Drinking?
Let’s get into the liquid. Cheeky Monkey Brewing Co. doesn't just stick to the basics, though their Pale Ale is a staple for a reason. It’s approachable. It’s what you give your friend who says they "only drink Lager" to convince them that hops aren't the enemy.
But the real nerds—the ones who track every release on Untappd—know that the limited releases are where the magic happens.
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The West Coast IPA: This is a punch in the face in the best way possible. It’s piney, resinous, and bitter. It’s a throwback to when IPAs weren't all just fruit juice.
The Hazy Series: They’ve leaned hard into the New England style lately. These are thick, opaque, and smell like a tropical fruit salad.
Seasonal Sours: This is where they get weird. I’ve seen everything from salty Goses to fruit-heavy sours that taste more like a smoothie than a beer.
They don't just guess what's good. The brew team, led over the years by some of the sharpest palates in WA, focuses on consistency. That’s the hardest part of craft beer. Anyone can make one good batch. Making ten thousand batches that taste identical? That’s the real trick.
The Secret To The Sauce
Water chemistry. Most people forget that beer is mostly water. In Margaret River, the water profile is unique. It’s soft. This allows the hops to shine without being overshadowed by harsh mineral notes. When you drink a Cheeky Monkey beer, you’re literally tasting the geography of the South West.
The "Family Friendly" Elephant In The Room
There’s always a debate in the craft beer world: should breweries be for adults only?
Cheeky Monkey says no. They leaned into the "cheeky" name by building a massive playground. For years, this was controversial. Some purists wanted a quiet place to sip a Stout. But the reality of the Margaret River market is that it’s a massive destination for young families.
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By creating a space where kids can burn off energy while parents enjoy a mid-afternoon Hazy IPA, they secured their business model. It’s smart. It’s practical. And honestly, it’s why they’re still expanding while other breweries are tightening their belts.
The food menu reflects this too. It’s not "fine dining" and it doesn’t try to be. It’s burgers. It’s pizzas. It’s wings. It’s the kind of food that survives a 20-minute wait while you’re chasing a toddler.
Why The "Monkey" Still Matters In 2026
The craft beer market in Australia is crowded. Like, really crowded. You can’t walk five feet in Fremantle or Margaret River without tripping over a new brewery. So, how does Cheeky Monkey stay relevant?
It’s the branding. It’s bright. It’s recognizable. When you see that monkey logo in a bottle shop in Sydney or Melbourne, you know exactly what you’re getting. They’ve successfully moved from being a "local secret" to a national brand.
They also haven't been afraid to pivot. When the seltzer craze hit, they didn't scoff. They looked at what people wanted and delivered. Same goes for the non-alc movement. Being a "cheeky" brand means not taking the "rules" of brewing too seriously. If it tastes good and people want it, they’ll brew it.
Sustainability Isn’t Just A Buzzword
You can't operate in a place as beautiful as the South West without thinking about the footprint. They’ve invested heavily in solar power and water recycling systems. In an industry that is notoriously resource-heavy—it takes a lot of water to make a little bit of beer—these steps aren't just for PR. They're about survival in a changing climate.
The Local Impact
It’s easy to look at a big brewery and see a corporate entity. But in Margaret River, Cheeky Monkey is a major employer. They hire locals. They source ingredients from nearby farms when they can.
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When you buy a pint there, you’re supporting a massive ecosystem of hop growers, grain maltsters, and hospitality workers. It’s a symbiotic relationship that keeps the Margaret River economy humming during the off-peak winter months.
How To Do It Right
If you’re planning a trip, don’t just wing it.
- Go early. The Caves Road spot gets absolutely slammed by 1:00 PM on Saturdays. If you want a table with a view of the lake, get there at 11:30 AM.
- The Tasting Paddle is your friend. Don't commit to a full pint of a 9% Double IPA if you haven't tried it. The paddles let you sample the range without ending up under the table.
- Check the "Specials" board. Often, there are small-batch brews available at the cellar door that never make it into cans.
The Real Talk On Pricing
Craft beer isn't cheap. You’re going to pay more for a Cheeky Monkey pint than you would for a generic commercial lager at a pub in the city. Why? Because the ingredients are expensive. The hops are often flown in from the US or New Zealand. The malts are premium. You’re paying for the quality and the location. It’s an experience, not just a drink.
Actionable Steps For Your Visit
If you want to experience the best of what Cheeky Monkey Brewing Co. has to offer, here is the move.
First, start at the Caves Road location. Order the West Coast IPA and a wood-fired pizza—the spice of the pepperoni cuts through the bitterness of the hops perfectly. Take a walk around the grounds. If you have kids, let them loose on the playground while you sit on the grass.
Second, if you’re a real beer enthusiast, make time for the Canning Vale HQ on your way back through Perth. It’s a different vibe, more focused on the "how" of brewing. You can often see the canning line in action, which is surprisingly hypnotic.
Third, keep an eye on their social media for "Gweilo" collaborations. They often team up with other breweries to create one-off experimental beers that push the boundaries of what you think beer can be.
Finally, join their "Monkey Club" or whatever loyalty program they're currently running. If you're going to buy the beer anyway, you might as well get the discounts and first dibs on the limited release "Cult of the Monkey" drops.
The craft beer scene will keep evolving, but as long as people want cold, fresh beer in a place that feels like home, the monkey isn't going anywhere.