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The Gold Coast is home to a thriving craft beer culture that has taken the city by storm. Whether you're a seasoned beer enthusiast or a curious visitor eager to explore, this article introduces you to the most prestigious, popular, and unique breweries across the Gold Coast.
These Gold Coast breweries are creating some unique, delicious and award-winning ales, pilsners, lagers, stouts and sours that have put us on the map when it comes to Australian beer. Get ready for a delightful journey as we raise our glasses to excellence and uncover the finest brews the Gold Coast has to offer.
Burleigh Heads
1. Burleigh Brewing
The couple behind this beloved brewery were the pioneers of Gold Coast’s craft beer culture and the boutique operation has become a local empire. Since 2006, Burleigh Brewing been producing award-winning beers with balance, character and soul, that are now found in fridges and bottle shops all over Australia.
Pay a visit to their taphouse where you can sip on an ever changing lineup of brews that aren’t available anywhere else, alongside their core range of favourites including Twisted Palm Pale Ale and Big Head No Carb Larger. The taphouse is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and you can get a look at the love and dedication that goes into every drop on a behind-the-scenes brewery tour. Enjoy a local drop alongside live music and food truck fare and hang out with the locals who flock to their favourite watering hole.
Location: Location: 2 Ern Harley Drive, Burleigh Heads
2. Black Hops Brewing
It began with three Gold Coast mates brewing a stout in their backyard and now Black Hops Brewing has expanded into two taprooms (Burleigh Heads and Biggera Waters) and a portfolio of very tasty and multi-award winning beers. In 2022, they took out the prize for Australia’s Best Craft Brewery in the Beer Cartel Craft Beer Survey.
There are drops like the Liquid Schwartz, a black coffee lager; the Caribbean Haze, a fruity, rum-soaked Hazy IPA and a varied selection of Gold Coast craft beers with unique and delicious flavours. Drop into their original HQ and try and tasting paddle or sample one of the 16 beers on tap. Visit from Wednesday to Sunday, bring your mates and your dog to this family friendly venue. Grab a bite to eat from their resident food truck from Thursday.
Location: 15 Gardenia Grove, Burleigh Heads
Currumbin
3. Balter Brewing
Their mission is simple; good beer with enjoyment. Mission accomplished because Balter Brewing's upmarket taproom delivers both of those things in abundance. Nestled in the heart of Currumbin on the Gold Coast, this is a brewery where everyone is welcome, no matter your level of beer knowledge.
With a rotating roster of fresh, limited-release beers, live music, and food from the best regional food trucks, you’ll be wearing a smile on your face that matches their logo. After all, six of their beers won a spot in the GABS Hottest 100 (a prestigious people’s choice beer award). After a recent expansion, the original warehouse-style set-up now includes a sun-drenched beer garden and mezzanine bar. With plenty of taps and plenty of beer nooks to settle into, kick back and enjoy Balter beer just metres from where it was made.
Location: 14 Traders Way, Currumbin Waters
Miami
4. Roji Cat
Say Kon'nichiwa to Roji Cat! This Gold Coast craft brewery transports you to the back alleys of Tokyo - even during the day it’s a dark, vibey venue lit by coloured lanterns and neon signage. A bar made from rows of red milk crates complements the laneway aesthetic.
Order a freshly shaken cocktail or one of the dozen craft beers brewed onsite by Japanese brewmaster, Satoshi Tamura. The Rice Larger is superb. Highlights from the mouthwatering menu of Japanese street eats include succulent yakitori, karaage chicken burgers and curry poutine. With a private karaoke room that feels like your lounge at home, plus an electronic darts room, locals love it and so will you.
Location: 47 Lemana Lane, Miami
5. Precinct Brewing Co
The people behind Precinct were passionate about creating first-class craft beer and a great place to enjoy it. Mission accomplished with this amazing Miami venue that’s become a firm favorite in our local craft brewery culture.
The bright, airy space is home to not only a slew of locally brewed frothies, but a menu packed with wood-fired pizzas, weekly trivia and of course, live music - all the best drinking accompaniments. Precinct Brewing has created superb sips including a Tropical Stout and a Strawberry Sour and every drop to be poured in this place is delicious and they’re open every day of the week. Hot top: Precint and Roji Cat are within easy walking distance of each other.
Location: 7 Christine Ave, Miami
6. Padre Brewing Co
Locals are frothing over this new Miami brewery that celebrates community, creativity, and quality brews. Founded by a group of mates with a passion for good beer and great company (and considerable hospitality experience) Padre Brewing Co is the kind of place where you go for ‘just one’ and end up staying until last drinks are called.
Choose from indoor or outdoor seating with communal tables to encourage socialising. The stylish interior showcases a blend of skate and street influences that reflect the team's creative roots. The sun drenched red brick courtyard is the perfect spot to enjoy a refreshing, icy brew and catch ups with like-minded beer lovers. Bring your crew, pull up a chair and make yourself at home.
Behind the bar, you’ll find 14 house-brewed beers and patrons can enjoy a diverse selection ranging from crisp lagers and IPAs to seasonal specialties like the Mango Weiss Beer (inspired by the tropical icecream) or Chilly Bun, an NZ style pilsner. If you’ve worked up an appetite Padre provides tasty eats with elevated pub classics like New York-style pizzas, birria-style tacos, and soft pretzels made in collaboration with local micro bakery Burnt Croissants.
Location: 9 Ozone Parade, Miami
Central Gold Coast
7. Madocke Beer Brewing Company
Belgian beer culture dates back to the 12th century so they know a thing or two about brewing. The Belgian owner/ operators of Madocke Beer Brewing Company are passionate about their craft and sharing stories, traditions and techniques. There are 14 beers on tap to try - sample a selection with a tasting paddle. Madocke brews are characterised by their complex flavour and richness, like Nobel, a strong ale that strikes the perfect balance between strength and sweetness. Or try Framboos, a delicious and unique fruited witbier.
With a warm atmosphere and friendly vibe, the taphouse house is a popular venue on the Central Gold Coast. They hold regular comedy and trivia nights and Italian restaurant, Double Zero, has partnered up with Madocke so you can also feast on woodfired pizzas, antipasto and desserts. Proost!
Location: 286 Southport Nerang Rd, Ashmore
Northern Gold Coast
8. Hound and Stag Brewing Co
Northern Gold Coast has joined the craft brewery scene with the addition of Hound and Stag - an epic venue that celebrates good food, good times and great beer. Built using lots of recycled materials, it’s got a rustic barn vibe and plenty of space to spread out in.
Whether you’re a fan of hoppy ales, smooth stouts, or crisp lagers, Hound & Stag Brewing Co has something for everyone. Their rotating tap list features a variety of small batch brews, so you can try something new with every visit. The crowds come for live gigs and stay for the atmosphere, and the amazing menu will have you in a spin about what to order because it all looks so good.
Location: 13 Wrights Place, Arundel
Mount Tamborine
9. Boxer Brewing Co
Boxer Brewing has opened their new tap house The Kennel, and you can now enjoy exceptional craft beers in the laid back sports bar with a Mount Tamborine twist. Whether you're seeking the complex flavours of their carefully curated craft brews, or craving a refreshing pint of pale ale, their bold , no-nonsense beers hit all the right notes. From crisp lagers to adventurous seasonal drops, Boxer packs flavour into every pour.
Head brewer here is Abbey Heslop, whose family are the founders of Witches Falls Winery, which is on the same property - very handy for those who can’t decide between beer or wine. Boxer Brewing is named for the Heslop’s favourite breed - their dogs have always been boxers and the fermentation tanks in the onsite brewery are named after beloved pets. As you’d expect, it’s a dog friendly venue.
Pull up a stool, have a chat with the locals, play a game of pool or watch a game on the big screens. One side of the venue is wide windows that open up to let in the fresh mountain air and leafy vistas. With comfy couches and armchairs scattered between bar tables, it’s somewhere you can settle in with an excellent brew and soak up the simple pleasures.
Location: 79 Main Western Rd, Tamborine Mountain
10. Fortitude Brewing
Housed in an beautiful sprawling venue with a sprawling alfresco deck to take advantage of the mountain sunshine, Fortitude Brewing brings fresh, clean, full-bodied, well-balanced craft beer to the Hinterland. They describe themselves as the Goldilocks of beer; not so crafty that the flavours will overwhelm your palette, not so mainstream that they’re found everywhere - but just right.
All beer is brewed on site and you can sample it to your heart’s content with a tasting paddle to sample five of their core range, along with limited releases to add some creative craft beer flair. They also serve fabulous wood-fired pizzas and a few tasty fried plates to go with your beverage.
Location: 165 Long Rd, Tamborine Mountain
Gold Coast Brewery Tours
Hop On Brewery Tours
Hop on board with Queensland's original craft brewery adventure, Hop On Brewery Tours, for a unique day out where you’ll sample a range of craft beers, meet the brewers, explore new Gold Coast locations and find a favourite new brew. These guys are bonafide beer aficionados and their passion for pale ale, larger and the like is contagious. You’ll feel like a VIP on their Coldie on the Goldie tour, where you can select four breweries to visit and be escorted around them, while learning about local neighbourhoods and tasting a beautiful variety of brews. A delicious lunch is included too. Half day tours available if you’re tight on time.
Crafted Beer Festival
Across one weekend in September the shady surrounds of Kurrawa Park in Broadbeach are transformed into a beer lovers utopia as Crafted Been Festival comes to town. This annual celebration of craft brews, live tunes and good times brings over 400 delicious drops from all over Australia are on offer to sample, savour and skull. Froth over 50 different breweries including locals like Burleigh Brewing, Lost Palms and Black Hops. Gourmet food trucks, awesome live music by major acts and the beautiful beachside location make Crafted Festival a firm favourite on the Gold Coast events calendar. This year, the brews, bites and bands roll into town on September 9th and 10th.
Discover Gold Coast's finest craft beer from Burleigh to Surfers Paradise, with each suburb hosting unique breweries and brews. For more foodie adventures be sure to explore the myriad of wineries the Gold Coast has to offer.
Check out more Destination Gold Coast blogs for holiday inspo.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
Experience Gold Coast acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we are situated, the Kombumerri families of the Yugambeh Language Region.
We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continuing connections to the lands, waters and their extended communities throughout Southeast Queensland.