In case you’ve been living under a rock—craft beer is all the rage right now in 2024. And the Gold Coast is leading the way, with local beerpreneurs shining a light on their brews of choice and boutique-style breweries popping up across the region. We'll drink to that.
Whether you’re a seasoned beer swiller or just like a reason to get out and socialise; we’ve rounded up 17 of the best breweries on the Gold Coast, or within driving distance, that are absolutely worth frothing over. Go on, drink up.
Burleigh Brewing Company
2 Ern Harley Dr, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Image Credit: Burleigh Brewing | Supplied
After 18 years in business, it’s fair to say these guys helped revolutionise the local craft beer scene that we know and love today. A gleaming beacon of awesomeness in an industrial estate, the Burleigh Brewing taphouse is open to the public from Friday to Sunday with brewery tours, live music and delicious food truck meals.
They’re always pouring famed brews such as Hef, Bighead and Tropical Pale Ale, as well as limited edition concoctions from their trial system. With a slew of brewing world gold medals under their belt, the husband-wife power couple that is Peta and Brennan Fielding have undoubtedly transformed the Gold Coast's independent craft brewing scene. Hands down, one of the Gold Coast’s best breweries.
Black Hops
15 Gardenia Grove, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220 &
671 Pine Ridge Rd, Biggera Waters QLD 4216
Run by three local lads who’ve gone from producing their first beer to opening a multi-award-winning brewery in just a few short years, Black Hops is easily one of our favourite breweries on the Gold Coast.
Black Hops HQ in Burleigh Heads is the original brewery where the magic first started and if you find yourself on the Northern Gold Coast, Black Hops II in Biggera Waters is their upscale production brewery and taproom, with eight core range beers and six major limited releases per year. All of the Black Hops venues are dog-friendly so bring your furry pal along while trying one of their quirky limited-release brews, one of their core range like the Hornet IPA or the beer that started the dream, the Eggnog Stout.
Balter Brewing Company
14 Traders Way, Currumbin Waters QLD 4223
Image Credit: Balter Brewing | Instagram
Legendary local pro surfers Mick Fanning, Joel Parkinson, Bede Durbidge and Josh Kerr, together with long-term mates and their main man, head brewer Scott Hargrave, launched their first beer—Balter XPA—in early 2016. These days, Balter has expanded exponentially, and is even known on an international level.
A household name countrywide, we can stand by with our chests puffed proudly, knowing the dream was born right here on the sunny Gold Coast. This weekend you should be drinking at Balter’s lush Currumbin headquarters and working your way through a rotating roster of experimental batches, complete with food trucks, live tunes and a cool crew.
Hard Fizz HQ Taproom
16 Hibiscus Haven, Burleigh Waters QLD 4220
If there's one thing the Gold Coast is never short on, it’s breweries. But one thing she hasn’t seen before is a seltzer brewery. In fact, no one has. The world’s first immersive hard seltzer brewery is located in Miami and we’re damn proud.
FIZZ HQ pours a rotating series of exclusive Hard FIZZ (FYI that’s sparkling alcoholic deliciousness), as well as fan favourites like orange and mango and watermelon. The iconic Mr Consistent is also on tap and FIZZ HQ slings up an extensive range of Gold Coast beers and artisan spirits. If all that hasn’t convinced you to head down to Miami, FIZZ HQ is seriously aesthetic. Think—bold neon signs, funky leopard-print bathrooms (prime for selfies) and a stunning wrap-around bar.
Lost Palms Brewing Co.
11 Oak Ave, Miami QLD 4220
Image Credit: Lost Palms | Jess Parkes
Miami’s colourful brew house Lost Palms Brewing Company is a bold and bright addition to the best breweries on the Gold Coast. You certainly won't miss their giant blush and mint green Miami warehouse, set against the street’s industrial backdrop and otherwise cement landscape.
Come for a chinwag with the friendly team, as you discover staple offerings like the summer and IPA brews, alongside more creative concoctions like their kombucha blends and inventive sour flavours. Cheerleaders for the local art community, these lads also collaborate on artist-designed cans and packaging, which is worth two thumbs up in our books.
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Precinct Brewing
17 Christine Ave, Miami QLD 4220
Image Credit: Precint Brewing | Brooke Darling
Opening in December 2020, Precinct Brewing Co. has quickly made a name for itself as one of the Gold Coast’s best breweries and it’s easy to see why. Precinct Brewing oozes industrial-chic vibes; the impressive metallic pour tanks contrast the timber beamed, open-air ceilings and polished concrete floors.
Precinct is a fully functional brewery, with all beer made from scratch onsite and boasts twelve taps and four direct pour tanks. We did the math; that’s 16 different bars on tap at once. Favourites like smashed berry sour, Pacific ale and lager grace the menu or froth over unique, regularly rotating flavours.
Hound & Stag Brewing Co.
13 Wrights Pl, Arundel QLD 4214
Another northern number, Hound & Stag Brewing Co. offers something for everyone. Cocktails for people who aren’t so into hoppy brews, Gold Coast’s biggest taproom, and an epic food menu that’s bound to satisfy. With live music, frequent events, and award-winning beers on tap, this dog-friendly brewery is a vibe in itself.
Whether you’re dropping in for a Pale Ale or exploring their creative beer lineup, Hound & Stag always keeps things fresh and exciting.
Roji Cat Brewery
47 Lemana Ln, Miami QLD 4220
Image Credit: Roji Cat | Two Birds Social
The new kid on the block, Roji Cat Brewery has fast become one of the best breweries on the Gold Coast, and you’ll see why once you step inside. Their neon-lit, Japanese-inspired vibe isn’t the only thing they do well; Roji Cat also serves up some seriously good froth.
Alongside their Japanese-style beers—think smooth lagers and punchy pale ales—they also dish up scrumptious snacks and top-tier cocktails for those so inclined. It’s all set to a backdrop of vibrant Tokyo-esque lights and chic interiors that make it a go-to spot for locals and newcomers alike. And did we mention their electric dart boards?
Currumbin Valley Brewing
27 Traders Way, Currumbin Waters QLD 4223
Currumbin Valley Brewing is all about the wild and unique, with new brews constantly coming out. These legends keep us on our toes with concoctions like the Lemon Mango Myrtle Sour, Cherry Ripe Porter, and Muddy Pastry Stout.
Alongside their inventive creations, they offer a range of Southern Gold Coast-inspired classics, like The Alley Session IPA, named after our beloved Currumbin Alley. With a laid-back taphouse and a calendar of fun events (stand-up comedy night, anyone?), you’ll be sipping a creaming soda sour beer in no time.
Madocke Beer Brewing Company
286 Southport Nerang Rd, Ashmore QLD 4214
Globalisation is becoming increasingly popular, and if it means we get authentic Belgian brews like the ones being poured at Madocke Beer Brewing Company, then we’re all for it. Northern Gold Coasters are blessed with this Ashmore-based gem, boasting 14 rotating taps of award-winning beers.
Classics like lagers, blondes, and session ales sit alongside specialties like Spéciale Ale, Witbier, and a zesty ginger cider. Madocke delivers Belgium's finest, direct to our local scene—c'est magnifique.
4 Pines Coolangatta
The Strand, 28/72 Marine Parade, Coolangatta QLD 4225
Another gem down south, this Coolangatta outpost of 4 Pines has everything you’d want from a small-scale beachside brewery. Sip a crisp beer with the salty sea breeze in the air, just steps from the shoreline.
Known Australia-wide for its reliably good brews, 4 Pines Coolangatta also offers a full food menu available all day, and regularly hosts lively events. It’s the ultimate spot for laid-back, beachy vibes, great beer, and good company; the perfect combination to make it one of the Gold Coast’s best breweries.
BOBs Beer
10/2 Elkhorn Ave, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
Image Credit: BOBs Beer | Brooke Darling
Surfers Paradise might not be where you expect to find a fully functioning brewery, but BOBs Beer is mixing things up in the best way possible. If you haven’t heard about BOBs, you’re sure to notice it—the striking, three-storey white-washed brewpub commands the bustling corner of Elkhorn and Orchid Avenue, its copper sign shining out like a beacon to thirsty patrons.
The name says it all—BOBs is actually an acronym for Best of Beers—but the beers attest to it. The brewhouse is led by famed ex-Red Duck, Clifton Hill and Bad Shepherd brewer Ryan Fullerton, so you know something good is a’brewin. At the time of writing, BOBs currently offers 13 beers on tap, as well as a regularly rotating lineup of guest taps.
Sobah Brewery & Cafe
314 Burleigh Connection Rd, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Who said all breweries had to serve alcohol? We’re all for a healthy time out with friends, as are our mates at Sobah, who serve their beer sans alcohol (and sans hangover, for that matter). Sobah is on a mission to normalise a good time without alcoholic beer or wine, offering delicious alternatives with a bush-tucker twist.
Expect unique, flavour-packed brews like their Lemon Aspen Pilsner or Pepperberry IPA that showcase native ingredients, perfect for those looking to explore something different while keeping things alcohol-free. Thier Gold Coast brewery runs throughout the day, alongside their delicious cafe, serving up alcohol-free beers alongside our other favourite brews; the caffeinated variety.
Fortitude Brewing Co.
165 Long Rd, Tamborine Mountain QLD 4272
Fortitude Brewing Co. is one of the Gold Coast originals. First opening in 2012, this hinterland-based brewhouse has an inviting indoor-outdoor beer garden for sampling their staple range or a punchier brew from their other label, Noisy Minor.
What do we love most about this brewery, aside from its scenic mountain-top home? The fact it’s attached to a cheese-making factory. Order a tasting paddle of Fortitude brews with a plate of drool-worthy Witches Chase cheeses and crackers on the side. A heaven-sent combination.
Stone & Wood Brewery
100 Centennial Cct, Byron Bay NSW 2481
Ah, where would life be without Stone & Wood? We shudder to think about it. Just a short drive down the M1 to Byron Bay, join a brewery tour for just $20 per person and learn what it takes to be rated one of the country’s best breweries.
The stunning 1,160-metre-squared space in Byron’s Arts & Industry estate has a whopping 31 brewing tanks pumping out all their much-loved classics like the Pacific Ale as well as Stone & Wood’s experimental Pilot Batch beers and limited one-off beers. After your tour, pull up a stool in the taphouse and sip on all your frosty faves like Pacific Ale and Green Coast Lager, direct from the source.
Ventura Brewing
Unit 10/141 Lundberg Dr, Murwillumbah NSW 2484
Award-winning craft hard kombucha—need we say more? Located down south in Murwillumbah, Ventura Brewing’s taproom offers stunning views of Wollumbin (Mt Warning) and a lineup of craft kombucha and beer infused with fresh herbs and botanicals.
For those looking for something beyond beer, they also serve natural wines and non-alcoholic options, making it a perfect day-trip destination. Paired with delicious, easy bites from the kitchen, Ventura Brewing offers a refreshing twist on a brewery visit that’s absolutely worth the scenic drive.
Boxer Brewing Co.
79 Main Western Rd, Tamborine Mountain QLD 4272
Our Gold Coast Hinterland friends are now spoiled for choice, with another stellar brewery opening on Tamborine Mountain in the form of Boxer Brewing Co. What could be better? Well, they’ve thought of that too, by combining their brewery with a sports bar—good times just got even better.
The team at Boxer Brewing Co. take crafting a beer seriously, and you can taste the difference. Started by ‘The Kennel,’ a famed watering hole on Tamborine, Boxer Brewing Co. brings the chill vibes and killer brews the Hinterland was waiting for.
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Main image credit: Precinct Brewing | Brooke Darling Photography
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