Felons Brewing Co. hops on board the Manly Fast Ferry
Felons Brewing Co. has partnered with Manly Fast Ferry to introduce the brewery’s beer range on the Sydney to Manly service, including the first public availability of Felons’ Japanese Rice Lager in cans.
Launched on 27 July, the new partnership reflects the natural connection between Manly Wharf and the Manly Fast Ferry, bringing together a shared passion for community, hospitality and Sydney Harbour.
Felons Brewing Co. was established in 2018 in Brisbane by Adam Flaskas, Paul Henry, Luke Fraser, Dean Romeo and Tom Champion.
In October 2024, the team brought Felons to Sydney, opening Felons Manly on the wharf beside the ferries.
Now passengers will be able to enjoy Felons’ range of beers throughout the journey, alongside a curated selection of Australian-made food and beverage products.
The on-board range includes Felons’ Crisp Lager, Australian Pale Ale, Galaxy Haze, Crisp Light and Jinga Ginger Beer, together with Japanese Rice Lager.
The offering will also feature Australian-made products including CopperTree Farms Beef Chips, Hiatus non-alcoholic lager, Ester Spirits Aperitivo Spritz, Papa Salt Paloma RTD and Somewhen Wines.
Nigel Ellsmore, Chief Operating Officer for NRMA Marine, said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to supporting Australian businesses and enhancing the passenger experience.
“Manly Fast Ferry has long connected the city and the Northern Beaches, carrying thousands of passengers across Sydney Harbour every day,” he said.
“Felons has quickly become a valued part of the Manly community, making this a natural partnership. We’re proud to introduce an Australian-owned brewery to our on-board offering, support the first public availability of Japanese Rice Lager in cans, and give passengers another reason to enjoy the journey across the harbour.”
Manly Fast Ferry is the first customer to stock Felons’ canned Japanese Rice Lager. Brewed with jasmine rice and barley, the crisp, refreshing beer was developed specifically for Manly.
The brew honours Felons’ harbourside home through its partnership with Seabin, the Australian environmental organisation behind floating Seabins that collect plastic, microplastics, oil and other pollutants from the harbour.
Since launching the initiative, the partnership has helped remove more than 25,000 pieces of plastic and microplastics from Sydney Harbour.
Bringing the beer aboard Manly Fast Ferry allows passengers to directly contribute to the health of the harbour and builds on Felons’ commitment to the Northern Beaches community.
“Since opening at Manly Wharf, we’ve been focused on creating a place where people come together over great beer, food and live music, while becoming part of the local community,” said Romeo, brand director of Felons Brewing Co.
“This partnership comes at a defining moment for us as we prepare to brew our very first beers from our new state-of-the-art brewery at Manly Wharf. Soon, people will be able to enjoy a taste of Manly from Circular Quay before arriving at the brewery or continue the experience with a beer in hand as they head back across the harbour. Every can of our Japanese Rice Lager supports our partnership with Seabin, making it an easy way to give back to the harbour that brings us all together.”
Since arriving in Manly the brewery has also contributed more than $150,000 to local charities and community organisations, donated more than 6,500 cans of beer to local initiatives and events, and supported organisations including LocalKind Northern Beaches, Bold & Beautiful Swim and Manly Surf Life Saving Club.
The partnership with Manly Fast Ferry will continue throughout the year with seasonal onboard experiences and community activations.
To celebrate the partnership, Manly Fast Ferry will offer $6 Felons beers aboard until 2 August and further planned initiatives include knock-off specials, sunset sessions, and loyalty offers linking on-board purchases with the brewery venue.
