It seems that every road trip I manage to find a place that holds my attention for more than five minutes. People that know me well realise that is saying something. Last year is was Shear Outback, the terrific shearers museum at Hay. Today, I have just spent a couple of hours thoroughly enjoying myself at The Great Aussie Beer Shed. Run by Neil Thomas with help from his father Jack and mate Laurie, this is a must see if you are ever in Echuca. Being a fan of beer AND Australiana, this place had me under its spell for a good couple of hours. Jack, who is 83 and full of life, met me in the car park and showed me the Police lock up they have in the car park. Explaining how it was bought out from England and assembled on site, he then pointed to a raised section of timber at the back of the 3m x 3m hut, and asked what did I think it was. I had no idea I told Jack. “Its a pillow.” he said with a smile. I knew right away he was a bit of a larrikin.

We went into the museum and Jack explained there would be a tour. I wandered around until he was ready to go. 16,000 beer cans and loads of other things to see. I was in heaven.

Jack started the tour and showed us a World War 1 canon that was once in the main street of Echuca, but ended up in the local tip. Old fence posts, can openers, ice scrapers and the list went on. It really is a treat to be shown the things that I have heard my grand parents talk about.

It was about this time that Neil arrived and took over the tour. I thought Jack was a larrikin. Neil may be a collector of beer cans and other bits of aussie history, but he is also a showman. He engages his visitors like not many exhibitors I have seen. You can’t help but like the bloke. He has a great sense of humour and you can see he has a passion for the things he collects.

I hung around after the tour to get a shot of these 2 unique aussies. See photo below. I had a quick chat with Anthony from the Riverine Herald and he took a photo of Neil and I for an article next month. I then had a complimentary beer with Neil’s mate Laurie who also helps out around the place. Neil was kind enough to give me a cap and stubby holder as momentos of my visit.

I can’t recommend The Great Aussie Beer Shed highly enough. There really should be more places like this. Neil and all involved should be proud. If you are ever in Echuca, make sure you drop in and say hi to Neil and Jack.