Questions and Answers
Questions people have ask.
The answers we can actually give, not empty promises.
What is Coffin Rock Distillery being built to do?
Coffin Rock Distillery is being developed as a tourism-led agri-tourism project, centred on place, history, and process. The site is designed to offer guided experiences, tours, and tastings that connect visitors to the land, the story of the property, and how spirits are made. Small-batch distilling forms part of that experience, supporting the tourism offering rather than defining it.
Where is the distillery located?
The distillery is located on a rural property near York in Western Australia that has been part of over 130 years of continuous family farming. The land has a long agricultural history, and that connection directly informs how the site is being repurposed, developed, and operated today. The project builds on that farming legacy rather than replacing it.
When will production begin?
Production is planned to begin once core infrastructure, equipment installation, and all required approvals are finalised. The project is currently around three years behind its original timeline, largely due to extended planning and approval processes outside the project’s direct control. As a result, timelines are approached cautiously, with a focus on long-term viability rather than speed.
When will the site be open to the public?
Public access is planned for later stages of the project. While production will commence earlier, a broader public opening is currently targeted for around 2028, subject to approvals, operational readiness, and site suitability.
What parts of the project will come later?
The initial phase focuses on production. Public-facing elements such as tastings, tours, and private functions, including weddings, are planned as later-stage additions. These will only be introduced once production is established and the site is demonstrably suitable for hosting visitors.
How is environmental impact being managed?
Environmental impact is managed by working within areas of the property that have already been cleared or previously used for rural and industrial purposes, rather than expanding into undeveloped farmland. The project focuses on repurposing existing buildings, hardstand areas, and access routes that were altered through historic agricultural use, avoiding unnecessary new disturbance.
Waste and by-products are handled through off-site removal using approved disposal pathways, preventing on-property discharge or reuse that could risk soil or water contamination. This approach reflects a long-term commitment to land stewardship and the ongoing viability of surrounding agricultural land.
Why does this project belong here?
The project is built around the principle of using what already exists. It repurposes abandoned and deteriorated farm buildings, draws on materials and crops grown on the land, and operates at a scale appropriate to a rural setting. The intention is to add value to the land and its history, not to overwrite it.
Will there be tastings or tours?
Tastings and tours are planned as part of the visitor experience, however there are no fixed schedules at this stage. Availability will vary depending on operating days, staffing, and the type of activity being offered. More structured offerings will be introduced gradually as the site becomes established.
What days and hours is the site expected to operate?
Proposed operating hours are currently planned as follows, subject to approvals and change:
• Production: Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 16:00
• Public access on production days: Monday to Friday, 10:00 to 16:00, limited to product sales and tastings only, with no general on-site consumption of alcohol
• Weekends and public holidays: Friday to Sunday and public holidays, 10:00 to 22:00, including broader public access
These hours reflect intended use rather than guaranteed opening times and may be adjusted as the project develops.
How will visitor numbers be managed?
Visitor numbers will be actively managed. The maximum public capacity is capped at 100 people at any one time, allowing for private functions and weddings. Outside of events, typical weekend visitation is expected to be significantly lower, generally in the range of 20 to 30 people at a time.
Will parts of the site be suitable for families?
Yes. Families are welcome in appropriate public areas. The site is being designed with family-friendly spaces, including planned play equipment for children and planned family events. Access to alcohol service areas will remain controlled and supervised in line with government regulations.
Is there an age restriction for entry?
Under Western Australian law, persons under the age of 18 are permitted to enter licensed premises, provided they are not supplied alcohol and are appropriately supervised. It is an offence under the Liquor Control Act 1988 (WA) to sell or supply liquor to a person under 18, or for a minor to purchase or attempt to purchase alcohol.
How is accessibility being considered for people with mobility needs?
Accessibility is being actively incorporated into site planning. This includes accessible parking bays, accessible toilet facilities, and ease of access to general public areas. Due to the nature of the site and existing buildings, some areas, particularly distillery tour spaces, may have limitations that are not fully accessible.
Do bookings need to be made in advance?
Advance bookings will be required for private functions. Place numbers may also be required for certain public events and distillery tours, depending on operating days, staffing, and the type of activity being offered. Walk-ins will be welcome for most tastings and general admission, subject to available capacity on the day.
What happens in poor weather?
Operations are assessed case by case in poor weather. The site includes both indoor and outdoor facilities, allowing some activities to continue. In certain circumstances, events may need to be postponed or adjusted. For private bookings, alternative arrangements may be discussed with customers depending on conditions and individual requests.
Will the site host public events or private functions?
Yes. The site will offer space for private functions such as weddings, work functions, and private celebrations, which are organised by a person or group booking the venue rather than programmed by the distillery. Separately, some weekends may include occasional low-key public events such as live music, themed days, outdoor movie screenings, seasonal occasions like Easter or Valentine’s Day, and visits from food trucks.
How frequently are events expected to be held?
Event frequency is not fixed or scheduled. Events will occur intermittently and will depend on demand, approvals, staffing, and the type of activity being proposed. There is no standing program of regular or recurring events.
Are events separate from normal distillery operations?
Yes. Events are managed separately from normal distillery operations. Depending on the type of event and expected attendance, general public access may be limited or closed during private functions. Production activities may continue or pause depending on operational requirements and safety considerations.
How are events managed and controlled?
Events are planned to be structured, supervised, and time-limited, with management tailored to the size and nature of each event. The distillery provides the venue and certain services where appropriate, while catering, entertainment, and other external services are arranged by event organisers. Operations are approached cautiously to ensure events remain appropriate to the rural setting.
Is this going to turn the area into a party destination?
No. Coffin Rock Distillery is not intended to operate as a bar, pub, or nightclub. Events are limited in scale and frequency, and the focus of the site remains tourism, education, and production rather than late-night or high-intensity entertainment. The intention is to host occasional, well-managed events that respect the surrounding rural environment and community.
Will noise from the site affect nearby neighbours?
The nearest neighbouring residences are located approximately 700 metres from the site. An independent acoustic assessment undertaken for the project found that predicted noise levels remain below applicable criteria at surrounding residences, indicating minimal to no impact on nearby neighbours. The separation distance and rural setting provide a substantial buffer between site activities and neighbouring properties.
How will noise from events or live music be managed?
Where permitted, live or amplified music will be limited in scale and frequency and managed to suit the rural setting. Noise modelling undertaken as part of the project’s acoustic assessment indicates that proposed activities can be managed without unreasonable off-site impact. Event timing and sound levels will be controlled to ensure compliance with applicable requirements. Further detail from the acoustic assessment can be provided on request.
Will there be late-night activity on the property?
Day-to-day operations are not intended to run late into the evening. Some private events may operate until midnight, however this would be outside of normal operating activities, occur on an occasional basis only, and be subject to approval.
How will traffic and parking be managed during busy periods?
Traffic and parking arrangements have been assessed as part of an independent Transport Impact Statement prepared in accordance with WAPC guidelines. In peak scenarios, the assessment allows for the equivalent of around 25 to 30 vehicles arriving and departing within the busiest hour, which is classified as a moderate impact and was not found to require any remedial road works. On-site parking includes formal bays plus provision for a bus, with additional informal overflow areas available for occasional peak events. No road safety concerns were identified.
Will this change the quiet rural nature of the area?
No. The site is not intended to operate as a high-volume venue, bar, or nightclub. Activities are designed to be occasional, managed, and appropriate to a rural setting. The focus remains on agri-tourism, eco-education, and production, rather than ongoing entertainment or nightlife.
How will neighbour concerns or complaints be handled?
Concerns or complaints will be taken seriously and addressed directly. The intention is to manage issues openly and informally where possible, with clear points of contact available should neighbours wish to raise concerns or seek clarification.
What licences are required for Coffin Rock Distillery to operate?
Coffin Rock Distillery will operate under the relevant state and federal licences required for distilling, selling, and serving alcohol. This includes a Producer’s Licence, which limits sales to alcohol produced on site, along with the appropriate liquor and excise approvals. No third-party alcohol products will be sold.
Will alcohol be manufactured and sold on site?
Yes. Alcohol will be manufactured on site and may be sold both in person and online, subject to licensing conditions. Sales are limited to products produced under the Coffin Rock Distillery brand and do not include third-party or external alcohol products.
Will alcohol be consumed on site?
On-site consumption will be permitted only during approved hours and approved events, in line with licence conditions. This includes tastings and consumption associated with authorised activities. Weekday access is limited to sales and tastings only, with broader on-site consumption occurring during approved operating periods such as weekends and approved events.
How will responsible service of alcohol be managed?
Coffin Rock Distillery will be responsible for the service of alcohol on site. All alcohol service will be managed by appropriately trained staff in accordance with Responsible Service of Alcohol requirements. For private events, alcohol service will remain under the control of the venue and Coffin Rock Distillery, not external organisers, to maintain the standard expected for the site.
How is alcohol-related behaviour managed on site?
Alcohol-related behaviour is managed in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Staff are trained to monitor behaviour, refuse service where necessary, and take appropriate action to maintain a safe environment. These standards apply to general operations and private events.
How is compliance with state regulations ensured?
Compliance is managed through a combination of internal policies, staff training, and adherence to licensing conditions and regulatory requirements. Beyond formal compliance, the project is operated with consideration for its rural setting, including how activities, operating times, and visitor behaviour may affect the surrounding community. Ongoing oversight is used to ensure obligations are met as operations evolve, while maintaining the quiet, low-impact character expected in a rural area.
Who oversees licensing and compliance for the project?
Licensing and compliance are overseen directly by the operators of Coffin Rock Distillery, with engagement from relevant regulatory bodies as required. Responsibility for compliance sits with the business, not external event organisers or third parties.
How is safety managed on site for visitors and staff?
Safety is managed through site design, operating procedures, staff training, and controlled access to higher-risk areas. Public areas are clearly defined, and activities are structured to ensure visitors can safely experience the site without exposure to operational hazards.
Will visitors have access to production and distillery areas?
Access to production and distillery areas is by guided tour only and may require a booking. Some elements of the distillery, such as fermentation vessels or stills, may be visible from general public areas for viewing purposes. Entry into production spaces is otherwise restricted and supervised at all times.
How are risks around equipment, machinery, and chemicals controlled?
Equipment and machinery visible to the public are physically barricaded and intended for viewing only. Higher-risk operational areas are located behind locked doors or gates and are accessible only under guided supervision. Chemicals used in production and cleaning are stored in designated, secure areas and handled in accordance with relevant safety requirements, with no public access.
What happens in the event of an emergency?
Emergency procedures are in place and staff are trained to respond appropriately. This includes first aid capability, evacuation processes, and coordination with emergency services where required. Procedures are reviewed as operations evolve.
Are there rules or conditions visitors are expected to follow?
Yes. Conditions of entry apply to protect visitor safety, the site, and the surrounding agricultural land. These are communicated through signage and staff direction. Visitors are expected to follow instructions, remain within designated public areas, and comply with any biosecurity or environmental requirements.
Will the project expand beyond what is currently proposed?
The project is not designed to expand beyond its existing footprint on the rural site. Development is focused on optimising the use of existing buildings and previously disturbed areas. If production capacity were to outgrow the site, any future expansion would occur at a separate location in an appropriate industrial zone, preserving the rural land and agri-tourism intent of the property.
Could the scale or intensity of operations increase over time?
The scale and intensity of operations are intended to remain consistent with what has been described. Changes are focused on improving efficiency and refining operations within the current footprint, not increasing activity levels or altering the character of the site.
Will additional buildings or infrastructure be added in the future?
The project prioritises repurposing existing structures. Limited additional infrastructure may include the use of up to two sea containers for storage purposes. If storage requirements exceed what can be accommodated on site, additional storage would be sourced off-site rather than expanding development on the rural property.
Could operating hours change in the future?
The operating hours described elsewhere represent the maximum intended hours. If changes occur, they are expected to involve reducing operating or opening hours based on lifestyle considerations or demand. There is no intention to extend operating hours beyond those already proposed, other than occasional special events where permitted.
Will the nature of events change over time?
Event themes and formats may vary, however the overall character of events is intended to remain consistent. The site is not intended to shift toward higher-intensity, high-frequency, or nightlife-focused activities. Events will continue to align with the low-key, rural, tourism-focused nature of the project.
How will future changes be assessed and approved?
Any change that would materially alter the scale, intensity, or impacts of the project would be subject to further assessment and approval in accordance with relevant planning, licensing, and regulatory requirements. Changes are not undertaken informally and would be reviewed through the appropriate channels if required.
Can’t find your question?
If your question is not covered above, feel free to email us and we will get back to you if we can. Some details may not yet be ready for public release, but we will always point you in the right direction.
coffin.rock.distillery@gmail.com
Where can I learn more?
You can also follow along on social, where we post quick updates and project moments. Instagram Facebook
Join the mailing list
Join the mailing list for the important stuff, opening dates, new releases, and major project updates.
How can I get involved?
If you want to be part of the build from the ground up, the Founding Members Crew is where it happens. It’s for people who want to contribute time, ideas, contacts, or just lend a hand when things need doing.
What that can look like:
Setup days and a bit of hard labour, shared knowledge and problem-solving, connecting us with people or resources that can help, early access to updates as things take shape, and most importantly, being recognised for backing the project while it’s still dust, plans, and good intentions.
That recognition may include first access to limited releases, special events, early product access, and the odd bit of merchandise that says you were here at the beginning.
Contact us
For general enquiries, feedback, or clarification, email us at coffin.rock.distillery@gmail.com.