In 1924, Norwegian sailor Aksel Petterson was bound for Sydney when severe weather forced his ship into South Australia’s Boston Bay.
Not one to miss the opportunity, Aksel grabbed some biscuits, his best friend Johnny, and jumped ship, making a run inland where the pair befriended local farmers.
Without that leap of faith, there would be no Jump Ship Brewing in Port Lincoln to carry Aksel’s story forward.
Aksel Peterson was the great-grandfather of Steve Hankins, who began brewing beer in his backyard. Today, Steve and his wife Michelle have transformed that hobby into one of Port Lincoln’s best-loved breweries, restaurants and community spaces.
When Michelle first heard the story, she got goosebumps.
“It’s incredible to think that if Aksel hadn’t found the courage to make that split-second decision all those years ago, I wouldn’t be living the life I have today with my husband and our children,” Michelle said.
The story inspired not only the brewery’s name, but also a new chapter in 2023. Michelle, who has a background in teaching, and Steve, who wears a sparky hat most of the time, both took a chance and jumped ship into something very different.
Steve’s love of brewing stretched back years. While working as an electrician in Antarctica, making beer became part of life on the ice, before growing into a hobby back home in the backyard shed. Today, that hobby has become one of Port Lincoln’s best-loved breweries.
For the husband-and-wife duo, the goal was to turn the former tile shop into a big, open, light-filled venue that feels like a place for everyone… whether guests arrive with sandy feet from the beach, dressed for a business meeting, wrangling kids, travelling through Port Lincoln or simply looking for somewhere warm and welcoming to settle in.
That sense of welcome carries through to the food offering, with Jump Ship Brewing operating as a full-service restaurant with a menu catering to a wide range of dietary requirements.
It’s another part of the venue’s broader approach to making people feel comfortable, with big groups, families and four-legged friends all able to find a spot that suits.
Michelle said the venue was intentionally designed to be inclusive, with disability access, varied seating and spaces that cater to families and visitors of all ages and abilities.
At Jump Ship Brewing, their mission is to brew high quality craft beers which celebrate their pristine environment and connection with the community.
“Each of our beers celebrates the Eyre Peninsula and Port Lincoln,” Michelle said.
With 13 taps pouring year-round alongside a rotating range of limited releases, the brewery has built its range around local stories. Beers such as Fish N Ships IPA, Wanna Pale Ale and Happy Hour Lager all pay tribute to life on the Eyre Peninsula, from the fishing industry to coastal holidays and the relaxed lifestyle locals know and love.
Many of these beers will soon begin appearing in bottle shops across Adelaide, giving more South Australians the chance to experience a taste of Port Lincoln.
That sense of storytelling runs through more than just the beer. For Michelle and Steve, Jump Ship Brewing has also become a place for people to gather, connect and feel part of the local community.
“Now we can share that with our local community and welcome people into our inclusive social space,” Michelle said.
From live music and creative workshops to family-friendly school holiday activities, the venue has become a busy community hub. Be sure to head to Jump Ship Brewing’s ‘What’s On’ section for the latest events.
Nearly a century after Aksel Petterson made the split-second decision to jump ship, his family’s story continues in Port Lincoln through every beer poured and every person welcomed through the brewery doors.
Michelle hopes their story encourages others to back themselves when opportunity comes knocking.
“There’s a ship jumper in all of us. Sometimes you just have to close your eyes and take the leap.”
Jump Ship Brewing
When: Open Wednesday and Thursday from 12pm to 10pm, Friday and Saturday from 12pm to midnight, and Sunday from 12pm to 8pm; closed Monday and Tuesday.
Where: 11-13 Edinburgh St, Port Lincoln
For more info and all events, click here.
