14 Best Gold Coast Breweries To Visit Now

Sit down with an ice-cold beer and enjoy.

Consider yourself a beer lover? The Gold Coast’s brewery scene has exploded over the last few years with new craft beer bars and tap houses opening, leading to the city quickly becoming the craft beer capital of Australia.

From Surfers Paradise to Burleigh Heads and over to Tamborine Mountain, it’s time to sip your way around the best breweries on the Gold Coast.

1. Hound and Stag Brewing Co.

The Gold Coast’s newest brewery Hound and Stag Brewing Co. is whole-heartedly into creating great beer within a spectacular venue to enjoy it. This stylish taproom and beer garden with a modern Australian cuisine menu and weekly live music is designed to be the brewery for everyone.

Address: 13 Wrights Place, Arundel

Hound and Stag Brewing Co. gold coast — Enjoy great beer, good food and live music.

2. BOBs Beer

An acronym for best of beers, BOBs Beer is the first and only brewery in Surfers Paradise, led by head brewer Ryan Fullerton who is passionate about tying the local Surfers’ culture into each beer he brews. BOBs Beers are brewed on-site so you can enjoy a pot just metres from where it was brewed.

three glasses of cold brew at BOBs — Head to BOBs for a no-fuss night of drinks.

Peckish? BOBs put as much thought into their food and strive to ensure their beer and food menus complement each other so all you need to worry about is when you’re going to fit in your next surf.

Address: 10/2 Elkhorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise

an elegant interior inside BOBs Beer — Pull up a chair inside their elegant drinking space.

3. Madocke Beer Brewing Company

Home to Australia’s champion European-style ale, Madocke Beer Brewing Company exclusively brews Belgian-style beers at its digs in Ashmore. This traditional Belgian beer comes from many factors including the brewing process, fermentation method, and knowledge of traditions handed down for centuries. On a visit to the taproom, get to know its Belgian range of craft beer and grab a bite from the food truck on-site.

Address: 286 Southport Nerang Road, Ashmore

Madocke Beer Gold Coast — Refresh yourself with an ice-cold beer at Madocke.

4. Lost Palms Brewing Company

Another recent addition to the burgeoning Gold Coast craft scene is Lost Palms , which has put a little fun into the brewery scene. Taking out any tough masculine elements associated with beer, this brewery and taphouse has a gorgeous pastel pink and mint colour scheme — hardly your average brewery, is it?

You’ll find Lost Palms in the neighbourhood of Miami across the street from the Gold Coast’s trendiest hang-out, Miami Marketta, which has pop-up bars, boho designers, eclectic live music, and a crowd that looks more Collingwood than Coolangatta. Look for modern takes on beer with brews like the Beetroot Sour, and take advantage of the daily food deals such as $12 burgers and fries on Fridays.

Address: 11 Oak Avenue, Miami

Lost Palms Brewing Company — You can’t miss this striking Gold Coast brewery.

5. Precinct Brewing Co.

Nestled in a different pocket of Miami is Precinct Brewing Co. — a converted workshop that’s now a full-working brewery. With beers on tap, a restaurant, and large communal spaces, along with open-air ceilings and transient artworks, you’ve got a contemporary, breezy, and welcoming brewery.

Address: 17 Christine Ave, Miami

Precinct Brewing Gold Coast — Step inside this converted workshop.

6. Burleigh Barrels Brewery

Close to the Burleigh surf break is Burleigh Barrels Brewery with award-winning beers and a delicious low ‘n’ slow BBQ smokehouse menu. With great vibes, live music, a dog-friendly beer garden, and plenty of events, it’s the perfect place to end a day or start a night out.

a BBQ smokehouse board at Burleigh Barrels Brewery, Gold Coast — Their BBQ smokehouse board is a must-try.

Address: 3-4/105 W Burleigh Rd, Burleigh Waters

7. Aardvark and Arrow Brewery

Aardvark and Arrow Brewery specialises in small-batch brewing and provides a wide range of beers, ciders, and seltzers to the Gold Coast community. On the third Friday of every month, you’re invited to their Friday Night Tasting events (5 to 8pm) to taste six of their brews via their self-serve taps (yes, you can help yourself!) and to feast on a BBQ dinner.

Address: 13 John Duncan Court, Varsity Lakes

8. Two Mates Taphouse

As the name suggests, Two Mates Taphouse was created by two mates, offering a delicious range of beer, cider, and kombucha. From its number one seller Lovemore Hazy Pale (a sunny yellow pale ale bursting with tropical and citrus notes) and Choc Cherry Porter to the Mango Pash Sour or Coconut Lime Cider, you’ll feel revitalised from the first sip. Want a bite on the side? The food menu included Buffalo wings, cheesy bread, burgers, and salads.

Address: 2/235 Varsity Parade, Varsity Lakes

the exterior view of the entrance at Two Mates Taphouse, Gold Coast — Sink a cold brew at Two Mates Taphouse.

9. Black Hops HQ

It started with three Brisbane mates who loved to drink beer together. Nothing too unusual about that in Australia, but what’s different about these buddies is that they’ve now created Black Hops Brewing which is rated among Australia’s top 10 breweries.

Located near the waves at Burleigh Point, Black Hops brewery is all about keeping it real, so you’ll be drinking from one of eight taps among stacks of kegs, fermenters, and malt sacks, but that’s what’s so great about Black Hops. It’s understated, yet somehow that makes it all the more trendy. Grab a tasting paddle and a bite to eat from the on-site food trucks every Friday and Saturday. If you fancy a change of pace, make sure to taste their refreshing Ginger Cider.

Address: 15 Gardenia Grove, Burleigh Heads

Black Hops Brewery Gold Coast — Sink a few cold ones at Black Hops (Image: Destination Gold Coast)

10. Black Hops II

Black Hops is so popular, they had to create a second taphouse in Biggera Waters. Check out their 16 beers on tap, Trivia on Thursday nights and food trucks from Thursday to Sunday.

Address: 671 Pine Ridge Road, Biggera Waters

11. Burleigh Brewing Company

It was the Burleigh Brewing Company that started the whole independent craft brewing phenomenon on the Gold Coast. In 2006, everyone drank the same beer because there wasn’t any other choice, then a Hawaiian bloke and a Gold Coast woman got together and put it all on the line, giving up their old careers to introduce the Coast to craft beer. The rest, as they say, is history.

a bartender pouring local craft beer into a glass at Burleigh Brewing Company — Chug bottomless beers at Burleigh Brewing Company. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

There have been stacks of World Beer Award Gold Medals along the way and today, their brewery is one of Burleigh’s trendiest spots, hosting live music on the weekend and food trucks. You can even bring your four-legged friends along!

Address: 2 Ern Harley Drive, Burleigh Heads

a hand reaching for craft beers lined on the table, Gold Coast — Have a taste of their craft beers while you’re at it. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

12. Balter Brewing Company

What screams Gold Coast more than a brewery set up by some of the world’s top surfers? Introducing Balter Brewing Company in Currumbin, their mission is uncomplicated — combine good beer with enjoyment, which they execute beautifully as proven by their first-place win in the GABS Australian Hottest 100 Aussie Craft Beers awards.

a bartender pouring tap beer into a glass at Balter Brewing Company, Gold Coast — Try their fresh craft beer on tap.

With a rotating roster of fresh, limited-release beers, the best regional food trucks sitting outside, and live music humming in the background, there’s no hipper place to be on the weekend. Put simply, they know they’ve done their job well if people are walking out smiling.

Fancy learning more about how the beer you’re holding came to be? Join the Balter Brewery Tour run by their in-house beer guru. Plus, they’ll shout the first round!

Address: 14 Traders Way, Currumbin

a group of guests drinking and dining at Balter Brewing Company, Gold Coast — Chill with a drink in hand at Balter Brewing Company.

13. Fortitude Brewing Co.

Sitting in the Gold Coast Hinterland is Tamborine Mountain’s Fortitude Brewing Co. The two founders of Fortitude became mates at school, but their future as beer brewers was sealed when they had their first beer together and they realised that this should become their life’s work.

Today, Fortitude delivers a range of beers that bring together top-quality ingredients and bold flavours that linger refreshingly. Known as the Goldilocks of beers, you won’t find Fortitude on taps everywhere but when you do get a taste, you’ll know it’s just right. Pop over to this idyllic spot for a lazy afternoon session.

Address: 165 Long Rd, Tamborine Mountain

Fortitude Brewing Co. Gold Coast Hinterland — Taste a range of beers with bold flavours.

14. Hop On Brewery Tours

Want to learn more about beer while enjoying a day out? Join a Hop On Brewery Tour and be chauffeured between the best Gold Coast breweries in a private, air-conditioned van. Choose between a half-day or full-day tour to see behind-the-scenes of your favourite beers.

a bartender preparing a Precinct Beer Paddle, Gold Coast — Start off your beer-tasting tour with a refreshing Precinct Beer Paddle.

For more activity ideas on your next trip to the Gold Coast, head to our Gold Coast travel guide.

Explore some of Australia’s most stunning coastlines on this epic route.

This scenic, 1800-kilometre Brisbane to Port Douglas road trip takes in some of Australia’s most beautiful landscapes, from the wildlife on Bribie Island to the rainforests of Far North Queensland. Our advice? Slow it down, take your time and really get to know this part of Australia.

Day 1: Brisbane to Noosa

Wake up in the luxurious Sofitel Brisbane Central , enjoy a hot buffet breakfast and a swim in the outdoor pool before hitting the road to travel north. Take the exit to Bribie Island to view the abundant wildlife.

aerial view of bribie island — Enjoy the beauty and animals of Bribie Island. (Image: TEQ)

In the afternoon, check into Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas hidden near Noosa National Park and spend the afternoon relaxing at the luxury Aqua Day Spa. Daredevils can book a seat on an Ocean View Helicopters tour and experience the adrenaline of exploring the Glasshouse Mountains from the air.

Before dinner, head to the Original Eumundi Markets just 25 minutes away or explore the nearby trails in the national park. For dinner, book a table at Park & Cove located just near your hotel and feast on a locally-sourced menu that changes with the seasons.

table spread at Park & Cove Novotel Sunshine Coast — Refuel at Park & Cove.

Day 2: Noosa to Bundaberg

Wake up to sounds of the rainforest outside your window and take the opportunity for a quick swim before you dive into a freshly cooked buffet breakfast at Park & Cove. After breakfast and an expertly brewed coffee, stroll down the hill and spend the morning shopping along Hastings Street in the various boutiques, or hire a kayak or surfboard and conquer the waves.

After lunch, head north for the three-hour drive to historic Bundaberg . If you feel like feeding a kangaroo or wallaby, visit the Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary . Once in Bundy, head to Spitter’s Farm just outside of town. This 160-acre property offers a unique experience in their deluxe glamping safari tents, where you can listen to the cows mooing as the sun sets.

baby kangaroo at australian wildlife Sanctuary — Say hello to the adorable creatures of Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary. (Image: Jewels Lynch)

Day 3: Bundaberg to Rockhampton

Before getting back on the road, take time to visit the many museums, and, of course, the famous Bundaberg Rum Distillery for a tour. Then head to the Beef Capital of Australia, Rockhampton.

Although, ‘Rocky’ is surrounded by beef cattle farms, your first stop should be to the impressive Rockhampton Museum of Art , which features an art collection valued at over $16 million. Rest your head at the centrally-located Mercure Rockhampton overlooking the mighty Fitzroy River. Grab a quick swim in their outdoor pool before enjoying a steak at their in-house restaurant.

Day 4: Rockhampton to Mackay

Grab a strong coffee at your hotel and drive the short distance to the nearby Capricorn Caves for a morning tour of these natural limestone beauties. Then hit the road for the four-hour drive to Mackay.

Reward yourself with a swim in the large, resort-style pool at the Mantra Mackay . Overlooking the marina, it’s the perfect location from which to explore the city, before enjoying a sundowner and dinner at the popular Latitude 21 on the hotel terrace.

woman exploring the Capricorn Caves in queensland — Explore the Capricorn Caves. (Image: TEQ)

Day 6: Mackay to Townsville

Grab your breakfast to go, then head just out of town to Finch Hatton Gorge. Here, spend the morning ziplining 25 metres above the rainforest floor with Forest Flying . Head to Airlie Beach for lunch and a swim in the famous Airlie Beach Lagoon , before heading north to Townsville.

Hop on a 20-minute ferry – they leave regularly – and check into the stunning Peppers Blue on Blue Resort . Spend the evening swimming in their two pools with views across the private marina to Mount Cook National Park, before feasting on fresh seafood at their on-site restaurant, Boardwalk Restaurant and Bar.

aerial view of beach at Airlie Beach queensland — Dive into the crystal clear waters around Airlie Beach. (Image: TEQ)

Day 7: Townsville to Cairns

After a morning swim on one of Magnetic Island’s beautiful beaches, hop back on the ferry and travel north to the sleepy Mission Beach for lunch. You’ll be sandwiched by rainforest on one side, and the beach on the other.

Continue on to Cairns and check in at the centrally-located Novotel Cairns Oasis, where the lagoon-style pool and swim-up bar alone is worth the visit. Or continue north for 25 minutes to the coastal village of Palm Cove.

Once there it’s a tough choice between the luxurious, five-star Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple, or the beautifully designed Peppers Beach Club and Spa Palm Cove , where the pool has its very own beach.

two people in deck chairs by Novotel Cairns Oasis' lagoon-style pool — Relax by Novotel Cairns Oasis’ lagoon-style pool.

Day 8: To Port Douglas

No matter where you spent the night, your journey to Port Douglas will be one of the most scenic road trips you’ll ever experience. Following the coastline, travel past champagne-coloured beaches, offshore islands and submerged reefs, before rolling into town at Port Douglas.

Although you’ll be spoilt for choice with hotels, two of the best are Peppers Beach Club Port Douglas, which is closer to town (think stunning pool and walking distance to Macrossan Street) and the famous, five-star Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa , located a little further down the beach. If the 3000-metre-squared lagoon-style pool isn’t enough at this hotel, you’ll also find the exclusive Vie Spa and popular restaurant, Aluco Restaurant & Bar , widely known as being one of the finest restaurants in Port Douglas.

aerial view of pool at Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple — Revive from road-tripping in one of the best pools in Port Douglas.

Start planning your Queensland adventure at all.com.

14 of the best craft beer breweries on the Gold Coast