Your Guide to Distilleries and Breweries on Tamborine Mountain

Just 50 minutes from the Gold Coast, Tamborine Mountain is where grown-up indulgence meets nature’s magic. The mountain is peppered with boutique breweries and distilleries, each pouring liquid stories into your glass. 

A Spirited Escape into the Hinterland

Take a turn off the Pacific Motorway and head for Tamborine Mountain - before long the traffic will be replaced by  trees and as you ascend the winding roads you’ll be transported into a fairytale for grown-ups. Let the fresh mountain air fill your lungs as you settle in with a delicate glass of handcrafted gin bursting with botanicals, or an icy cold craft beer, as you gaze over beautiful views and sample a lovely, local drop. Welcome to Tamborine Mountain, the Hinterland escape that proves not all adventures require hiking boots.

Our Curated List of Tamborine Mountain’s Best Distilleries & Breweries

Below is your spirited trail map. From historic cellars and boutique breweries to gin gardens, each stop offers something unique, whether that’s behind-the-scenes tours, hosted tastings or just the kind of good vibes that make you want to linger until the afternoon fades into evening.

Tamborine Mountain Distillery

At the very top of the mountain sits the jewel in the crown. Tamborine Mountain Distillery, housed in a storybook Tudor-style building that looks plucked from another century. Step inside and you’ll discover one of Australia’s most awarded distilleries with over 350 international accolades and counting.
This family-run business has been crafting liqueurs, vodka, schnapps, gin and even a cheeky absinthe since the 1990s. Their flavours are as unique as the mountain itself. Think Orange Agave Liqueur, Wattle Toffee Gin and Eucalyptus Gum Leaf Vodka that would tickle a koala’s fancy.
Many bottles still carry the hand-painted artwork of the original distiller, Alla Ward, whose eye for design matched her flair for flavour. It’s a place where creativity flows as freely as the spirits, and no two visits ever feel the same.

Dive deeper into the craft with immersive onsite experiences. Sip through their award-winning range in a guided tasting, sniff your way through a tour of all the unique botanicals that infuse their spirits, and soak up the magic of Tamborine Mountain.

Location: 10 Macdonnell Road, Tamborine Mountain

Cauldron Distillery

Bubble bubble toil and tipple! Cauldron Distillery is stirring the pot in Mount Tamborine with their award-winning  Five-to-Five gin as well as single malt whiskey, vodka, vermouth and liqueurs. 

Set on an 18-acre property with rolling green hills, it’s a stunning spot to visit for a beverage and bites.  Sit out under umbrellas at picnic tables provided, or BYO picnic rug and camp chairs to settle in for a delightful afternoon overlooking lush meadows and vineyards. On weekends, live music drifts across the lawn as families (dogs included) sprawl out in the sunshine. A retro fire-truck-turned-food-truck is parked out front serving bites, while the bar staff shake, stir and pour signature cocktails. 

This Gold Coast gin distillery offers tours and masterclasses to teach you how botanicals are balanced, see the stills in action and maybe even craft your own blend to take home. There’s some debate around how their signature Five-to-Five gin got its name – is it the distillery’s 525m altitude, the perfect serving hours, or the irresistible lure of a G&T just before knock-off at 5pm? You’ll have to visit to find out for yourself.

Location: 89-123 Hartley Road, Tamborine Mountain

Loborn

The new kid on the block, Loborn distills classic Italian spirits with an Australian twist. Launching last year, the cool Euro vibes make it ideal to try something new. Crafted with native botanicals, their Amaro No1 and No2 offer light spritz-worthy sips or rich bittersweet Negronis, alongside Loborn Original Gin. 

Open Friday to Sunday, this small-batch distillery is redefining aperitivo hour, mountain-style. Visitors can book curated tasting experiences, often guided by the distillers themselves, who’ll happily chat about their craft and vision. If you’re looking for something modern, refined and distinctly different, Lorborn is your stop.

Location: 46-48 Main Street, Tamborine Mountain

Fortitude Brewing Co.

There’s nothing like a crisp cold beer after a hike (or shop) in the Hinterland. Fortitude Brewing Co. is a froth lovers paradise, with a large taproom and a beer garden to sip the afternoon away. There are 15 craft brews on tap from pale ales and IPAs to lagers and pilsners. Can't decide? Try a beer paddle so you can sample a selection. 

But it’s not just about the hops here. Fortitude shares its grounds with the Witches Cheese Company, which means cheese boards here are legendary. There are meals and snacks available to graze on too. It’s the kind of place where afternoons stretch lazily into evenings, and one round often leads to another.

Location: 165 Long Road, Tamborine Mountain

Boxer Brewing

Gloves are off at Boxer Brewing. Nestled next to Witches Falls Winery cellar door, you don’t have to choose between wine or beer - you can have both. This independent brewery has quickly gained a following for its bold, no-nonsense beers and ciders that hit all the right notes. From crisp lagers to adventurous seasonal drops, Boxer packs flavour into every pour.
Their small-scale, community-focused ethos makes this a friendly and approachable spot. Pull up a stool, have a chat with the locals, watch sports on the big screens and let the mountain air carry your worries away. With fresh renos just about finished, Boxer Brewing is a knock out.

Location: 79 Main Western Road, Tamborine Mountain

What To Expect (and Pack)

Now that you’ve got your trail map of Tamborine Mountain’s top sips, here’s how to prepare for your tasting adventure!
- Tamborine Mountain might be less than an hour from the Gold Coast, but its higher altitude means it’s a few degrees cooler, so while your flip-flops might cut it by the beach, up here you’ll be glad you packed comfy shoes and a jacket. The vibe is relaxed and casual, so feel free to wear your stretchy pants to handle all the sipping and snacking you’ll be doing.
- Essentials for your mountain crawl:
- Hydration is key when you’re tasting multiple tipples so ensure you bring water with you.
- All venues require ID for tastings, no matter how confident you are about looking over 18.
- Pack a cooler bag for taking home  some local produce, cheese, beer or a bottle (or three) of gin. The best souvenir is one you can eat or drink!
- The mountain roads are beautiful but winding, and you’ll want to enjoy your drinks without worry. Allocate a designated driver or even better, join a tour so all your crew can enjoy. 

If you really want to make the most of it, why not stay overnight? From charming B&Bs to rainforest retreats, the mountain offers plenty of accommodation options to turn your day trip into a mini getaway. After all, life’s better when you’re on top of the mountain with a drink (or two) in hand.

Keen to explore more? Check out 10 of the Gold Coast's finest boutique breweries.