The Gold Coast’s Best Craft Breweries Worth Frothing Over

24th Nov 2025

Written by:

Danielle Read
Contributor | Urban List

Craft brews are having a moment in the sun. So it'll come as a refreshing notion that Gold Coast has homed renowned breweries for decades. We're lucky enough to access the golden nectar of many a beerpreneur right here on our shores. And even those for non-beer drinkers, too.

My love affair with a frosty beer definitely kicked off on balmy arvos overseas. There's something about finishing a sweltering day with a chilled sip. Though I must admit that in recent years I've come to love that same tongue-clicking 'ah' moment right here on the GC.

The Gold Coast offers an impressive selection of breweries that make their mark with beers, sure. But there are also seltzers, kombuchas and even non-alcoholic beers to get amongst. From microbreweries to renowned drops available across the country, go direct to the source for noteworthy cheersing.

Whether you’re a seasoned swiller or just like a reason to get out and socialise, here are 16 of the best breweries on the Gold Coast/Kombumerri Country (or within driving distance). And they're absolutely worth frothing over.

Burleigh Brewing Company

2 Ern Harley Dr, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220

Image Credit: Burleigh Brewing | Supplied

After 19 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, this is hands down, one of the Gold Coast’s best breweries.

INSIDER INTEL

They're famed for their Bighead, but don't go past the Citra Hop Pale Ale
They originally made waves with Australia's first zero card larger
Husband-wife power couple, Peta and Brennan Fielding, have undoubtedly transformed the Gold Coast's independent craft brewing scene

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 my 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.

INSIDER INTEL

All of the Black Hops venues are dog-friendly so bring your furry pal along
The Neverland Grapefrui Hazy IIPA is my pick for limited release enjoyment
The Eggnog Stout is the beer that started the Black Hops dream, rude not to try

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. For a session bev, I'm a big fan of their Captain Sensible, or for weekends in the sun, their multi-award winning Hazy is a juicy sip with big fruity flavours. It's basically summer in a can.

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Balter's lush Currumbin headquarters is home to trivia, live music and antics Wednesday through Sunday
No dogs allowed but plenty of events like Happy Tappy Comedy Nights

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 on the Gold Coast.

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.

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Weekend shenanigans at the taproom are next-level
If DJs and shoeys are your vibe, this is the Gold Coast brewery for you

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 my books.

INSIDER INTEL

It's the perfect spot to check out before an event at nearby Miami Marketta
Weekly deals include $6 core range schooners Thursday and Friday 4-6pm
There's a loaded burger menu for a bunch of dietary requirements

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Precinct Brewing

17 Christine Ave, Miami QLD 4220

precinct brewing
Image Credit: Precint Brewing | Brooke Darling

Opening in December 2020, Precinct Brewing Co. quickly made a name for itself as one of the Gold Coast’s best breweries. Precinct Brewing oozes industrial-chic vibes; the impressive metallic pour tanks contrast the timber beamed, open-air ceilings and polished concrete floors.

This joint's a fully functional brewery, with all beer made from scratch onsite and boasts twelve taps and four direct pour tanks. I did the math; that’s 16 different beers on tap at once. Favourites like smashed berry sour, Pacific ale and lager grace the menu or froth over unique, regularly rotating flavours.

INSIDER INTEL

Parking can be a bit hit and miss so rideshare, walk or public transport it in
WLong picnic style benches make this place perfect for groups
Order the tempura prawn bao with spicy mayo and teriyaki sauce

Hound & Stag Brewing Co.

13 Wrights Pl, Arundel QLD 4214

Hound & Stag is the Gold Coast’s biggest taproom which is a pretty big deal in my books. ,With live music, frequent events, and award-winning beers on tap, this dog-friendly brewery is a vibe in itself. There's also an epic food menu that’s bound to satisfy. Think pork belly bites, mushroom arancini, beef brisket nachos and a kids menu dedicated to little hounds 12 and under.

Whether you’re dropping in for a Pale Ale or exploring their creative beer lineup, Hound & Stag always keeps things fresh and exciting.

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They pour cocktails for people who aren’t so into hoppy brews
This brewery will fill your keg with their beer
Experimental brewes rotate regularly. Current fave is the Red Baron raspberry Berliner Weisse
Use your liquid courage for good and join in for Wednesday and Thursday night line-dancing

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 I mention their electric dart boards?

INSIDER INTEL

The golden trifecta of incredible beers, cocktails and people
There's karaoke and it'll transport you to Tokyo

Madocke Beer Brewing Company

286 Southport Nerang Rd, Ashmore QLD 4214

The authentic Belgian brews poured at Madocke Beer Brewing Company are seriously something out. 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.

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It's fronted by Belgian born beer brewers who now call Gold Coasr home
Ask about the story behind your drop and strap in for its tale

4 Pines Coolangatta

The Strand, 28/72 Marine Parade, Coolangatta QLD 4225

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.

INSIDER INTEL

Check out regular events like musical bingo and comedy nights
This crew's B-Corp certified and '1% for the Planet' members
Father-son duo first opened a microbrewery in Manly, now there are six venues with one on our shores

Surfers Brewery

10/2 Elkhorn Ave, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217

bobs
Image Credit: Surfers Brewery | Brooke Darling

Surfers Paradise might not be where you expect to find a fully functioning brewery, but Surfers Brewery (previously BOBs Beer) is mixing things up in the best way possible. If you haven’t heard about this brewery, 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 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, there are currently12 beers on tap, as well as a regularly rotating lineup of guest taps.

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It's original namesake was Best og Beers (BOBs)
Flavours are creative, like the azure coloured Pinat Blueberry and stunning Mango fruited sour
Beers are available in pot, punt, stein and 3-litre towers

Sobah Brewery & Cafe

314 Burleigh Connection Rd, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220

Who said all breweries had to serve alcohol? Our mates at Sobah 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 that raise positive awareness and promote First Nations' culture, arts, language and history.

Expect unique, flavour-packed brews like their Lemon Aspen Pilsner or Pepperberry IPA that showcase native ingredients.

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Ingredients and knowledge are ethically sourced
Their Gold Coast brewery serves 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, and it's on Tamborine Mountain (not in Fortitude Valley which you'd be forgiven for assuming). 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.

Aside from its scenic mountain-top home, I love that this brewhouse is 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.

INSIDER INTEL

Tasting paddles are the best way to sip through a selection of brews
Weekends feature local musicians in the beer garden
Grab takeaway pastries from Franquette Bakery while you're in the area

Stone & Wood Brewery

100 Centennial Cct, Byron Bay NSW 2481

Ah, where would life be without Stone & Wood? I shudder just thinking about it. A short road trip down the M1 to Byron Bay, join a brewery tour for just $45 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.

INSIDER INTEL

There's a Murwillumbah Stone & Wood Brewery which opens one day a hear for an open-plan beer festival with all profits going to charity

Ventura Brewing

Unit 10/141 Lundberg Dr, Murwillumbah NSW 2484

Award-winning craft hard kombucha—need I 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.

INSIDER INTEL

All bevs are crafted in limited small batches using premium grade, natural ingredients
Stay tuned for pop up dinners at this brewery
This whole place is an absolute vibe

Boxer Brewing Co.

79 Main Western Rd, Tamborine Mountain QLD 4272

This brewhouse's taproom is known as The Kennel and it's wickedly on-brand. The newest stellar brewery to open on Tamborine Mountain, Boxer Brewing Co. is a sports bar open seven days. The team take crafting a beer seriously, and you can taste the difference.

INSIDER INTEL

Doggos welcome
There's complimentary popcorn at the bar
It's founded by Jon Heslop, the mastermind behind acclaimed Witches Falls Winery

Looking for more? Check out:

Main image credit: Precinct Brewing | Brooke Darling Photography

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