Questions and Answers
Straight answers where we can give them, and no empty promises.
Coffin Rock Distillery is a craft distillery being developed near York, Western Australia, producing gin, vodka and whisky, with tours, tastings and events planned as the site reaches operational stages.
This page covers the most common questions about Coffin Rock Distillery, including how the project is being developed, what a visit may look like, how events are managed, and the approvals and operating standards we plan to work under.
If something is not covered here, email us and we will point you in the right direction where we can.
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The Project So Far
What we are building, where it sits, and how the project is staged.
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.
Coffin Rock Distillery is located at 615 Ashworth Road, Daliak, near York in Western Australia. The property has over 130 years of continuous family farming history, and that heritage informs how the site is being repurposed and developed today.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Plan Your Visit
What a visit may include, how access works, and what to expect on site.
Tastings and tours are planned as part of the visitor experience. Guided tastings, self-guided tasting options and distillery tours are all intended to be offered once the site is operating. Details, timings and booking requirements will be confirmed closer to opening.
Proposed operating hours are currently planned as follows, subject to approvals and change:
- Production: Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 16:00 *
- Friday to Sunday: 10:00 to 22:00, including broader public access
- Public holidays: 10:00 to 22:00
These hours reflect intended use rather than guaranteed opening times and may be adjusted as the project develops.
* Public access on production days, is limited to product sales and tastings only, with NO general on-site consumption of alcohol *
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Practical Details
Common travel, access and day-to-day questions.
Coffin Rock Distillery is located approximately 7 minutes from the centre of York, Western Australia. Travel times from elsewhere will vary depending on your starting point, road conditions and route taken.
The drive includes some lovely Wheatbelt scenery and a number of other local attractions, so we encourage visitors to drive to the conditions and take the opportunity to enjoy their time in York.
The drive includes some lovely Wheatbelt scenery and a number of other local attractions, so we encourage visitors to drive to the conditions and take the opportunity to enjoy their time in York.
Yes, online sales are planned, subject to licensing conditions. Once available, purchases will be restricted to persons aged 18 years or over and will include age verification requirements.
Shipping to Perth and Interstate locations is planned once the distillery opens, subject to licensing conditions and carrier requirements. Shipping costs will vary depending on destination and order size and will be shown before purchase.
Dog access will depend on the area of the site and the type of day being held. As the site is on a rural property and includes working areas, some zones will not be suitable for pets. Clear rules will be published once public access is active.
On-site parking will include formal bays and provision for a bus. Larger vehicle access will be managed based on site conditions and the type of booking. Once bookings open, we will publish practical arrival and parking details for caravans and group transport.
Food service is planned as part of the later-stage public offering, particularly on weekends and public holidays. Early-stage operations will be more limited and may focus on tastings and product sales only. Details will be confirmed closer to opening.
Gatherings and Events
How events work, how often they may happen, and what the site is not trying to be.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Being Good Neighbours
Noise, traffic, late nights, and how we handle concerns.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Approvals and Licensing
How alcohol licensing and compliance will be handled once the site is operating.
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.
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.
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.
Coffin Rock Distillery will be responsible for all alcohol service on site. Alcohol will only be served by appropriately trained staff in accordance with Responsible Service of Alcohol requirements. Staff will monitor behaviour, refuse service where necessary, and manage service consistently across normal operations and private events. For private functions, alcohol service will remain under the control of Coffin Rock Distillery rather than external organisers.
Visitors are expected to behave responsibly and follow staff directions while on site. Any person who is intoxicated, behaving inappropriately, or creating a risk to themselves, other visitors, staff or the property may be refused service or asked to leave. Where necessary, transport may be arranged or authorities contacted.
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.
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 We Plan to Operate
Safety, access control, and how we manage risk on a working rural site.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Future Plans
What may evolve, what is not intended, and how change would be handled.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Need More Information?
If your question is not here, reach out, or stay connected for updates.
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.
info@coffinrockdistillery.com.au
info@coffinrockdistillery.com.au
Join the mailing list for the important stuff, opening dates, new releases, and major project updates.
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 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.
For general enquiries, feedback, or clarification, email us at info@coffinrockdistillery.com.au.