If there’s one thing we do well on the Gold Coast, it’s beer. We reckon it’s the hot, sunny climate – what else would you drink in this weather? Quench your thirst at one of these homegrown Gold Coast breweries.
Black Hops Brewery
In just six years, what started as three mates making beer for fun has turned into four taprooms, multiple awards and an impressive line-up of quality brews that are stocked in some of Australia’s best bottle shops and venues. Dan, Eddie and Govs have not one but two Gold Coast breweries – they’ve been running Black Hops from their Burleigh Heads taproom since 2016, but you can find them in Biggera Waters, too.
Burleigh Brewing Co
Peta and Brennan were fresh from Hawaii when they landed in town in 2006 with nothing more than a bright idea, but their Burleigh Heads brewery has become something of an institution since then. With an impressive selection, this place makes a fantastic launching pad into the world of craft beer. A bit tropical and a lot tongue-in- cheek, there’s a reason that in the sometimes fad-driven craft beer scene this place has stood the test of time.
Lost Palms Brewing Co
With funky neon colours and quirky palm tree sketches, this place totally embodies 1980’s Miami. Their creative and eccentric range of alcoholic beverages will have you dreaming about laying by a pool, lathered in tanning oil being served by muscled-up dudes in teeny tiny shorts – they’re that tasty. Try the beetroot sour (made with the best cold-pressed juice) or the American champagne. You can thank us later.
Balter Brewing Co
The Balter boys may have made a splash in the Gold Coast beer world, but they made a splash (literally) in the surfing world way before that. Bede Durbidge, Joel Parkinson, Josh Kerr (professional surfers) and Mick Fanning (professional shark-puncher) are just some of the brainchildren behind Balter, which has skyrocketed from a fun project between friends to an award-winning range of beers and a super-successful brewery. Get in on the action by visiting the Currumbin-based brewery for yourself.
Precinct Brewing Co
The Precinct story started, as all great stories do, in the garage of a share house. Now, the team proudly operates their Miami brewery and taphouse, connecting with other beer-obsessed locals over ‘exceptionally wonderful beer’ (their words, though we have to agree). Rivalling their mouth-watering line up of brews is their menu of appetizers and share plates, as well as their line-up of live music, comedy events and games nights.
Currumbin Valley Brewing
Since 2017, this hidden gem has grown from a small Currumbin Valley farmhouse artisanal brewery into a second brewery and taproom in Currumbin Waters. The original brewery still utilises wild yeast and spring water from in and around the facility itself, making delicious beer with minimal impact (fun fact: they meet Euro III emissions standards). While you can’t visit the OG brewery, the new taproom/brewery opened in September 2023 and is the perfect place to taste the farmhouse difference.
Still thirsty? Check out these local wineries we love.