Beer consumption in Australia hits a 66 year low, but wine is still going up, according to figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

The downwards trend in beer consumption started in the 1970's while wine consumption is on the rise, the national statistical agency noted.

ABS health national statistics center director Louise Gates said beer is now at its lowest point in 66 years, even so, that means that there are still 4.1 litres of pure alcohol available from beer for every person in Australia aged 15 years and over.

"In terms of pure alcohol available for consumption, beer was down 2.3 percent in 2011-12 (compared with the previous year) while wine rose 1.9%," Gates added.

"Ready-to-drink beverages have also seen a drop and were down by 2.5 percent, while spirits have seen the largest fall, down by a full four percent."