Fan of a frothy? Us too, and if there’s one thing the Gold Coast does just as well as its beaches, it’s breweries. From hinterland hideaways to beachfront beer havens, we’ve scouted the ultimate list of spots for you to sip, sample, and savour. Whether you’re chasing a session ale, a crafty IPA, or just a place to chill with your mates (and maybe your dog), these breweries have got you covered.

So ‘hop’ on down to one this weekend. And every other weekend after that.

Fortitude Brewing Co
Froth fanatics, Fortitude Brewing Company sees you! This hinterland spot has 15 taps, each pouring something different from the range of Fortitude and Noisy Minor beers – all brewed on site! Visitors can nom their way through a variety of made-to-order pizzas whilst sinking a tasting paddle…or two, or… Enjoy the venue’s rugged exteriors and soft-hearted interiors and on weekends, soak up the beats from talented muso’s.
Beer to sip: Fortitude Pacer — the perfect session pale ale.
Where: 165 Long Road, Eagle Heights

Laughing Lizard Brewery
The good times keep on keeping on at Laughing Lizard with over 150 different beers! The best part, however, is that none contain any nasty chemicals or preservatives (yay, no hangover…well, that’s our story and we’re sticking to it…), and there’s even a gluten-free option #CeliacsRejoice! Here you’ll find a micro-brewery, beer and spirits shop, and every party planner’s besty – a keg hire service!
Beer to sip: You can’t go wrong with the Skini – light bodied, low carb, but full flavour.
Where: 27 Sinclair Street, Arundel

Hound & Stag
The Northern GC’s (not so) best kept secret is undoubtedly the Aussie farm styled Hound & Stag. The Coast’s largest taproom and live music precinct, it’s famous for its abundant beer (28 beer taps) and cocktail options, stellar Modern Aussie food menu, huge family-friendly outdoor beer garden, and hosting epic live music events. Always bulging at the seams, even Aussie music royalty like Darryl Braithwaite grace the stage regularly.
Beer to sip: Struggling to pick the perfect pint from the huge range on offer? You can’t go wrong with the award-winning Red Baron for a spritzy and refreshing brew.
Where: 13 Wrights Place, Arundel

SOPO Brewing Co
A hidden gem on the beer scene here on the Gold Coast, we reckon SOPO Brewing Co is one of the suburb’s best kept secrets. They’ve got house brews as well as monthly releases to keep those tastebuds on their toes, with the microbrewery delivering a tasty range of craft beers, lagers and ciders exclusive to the venue.
Beer to sip: When in SOPO one must drink the SOPO IPA of course!
Where: 146 Scarborough St, Southport

Madocke Beer Brewing Company
The ultimate Belgian beer experience awaits at Ashmore’s Madocke! Starting their commercial brewery in a tiny garage, proud owners Jimmy and Annelies are a bona fide local success story! Enjoy the complex flavours and richness of their brewskis at Thursday trivia nights, and pair your pitcher with some belly laughs at live comedy night every Friday. Skohl!
Beer to sip: The creamy and refreshing White IPA Celebration is the perfect night starter – see you on the d floor.
Where: 286 Southport Nerang Road, Ashmore

The Sporting Globe x 4 Pines
You’re always close to the action at The Sporting Globe x 4 Pines! Standing loud and proud on the ex-Hard Rock Café digs, this $6.5 million super venue serves up the ultimate trifecta; brews, bites, and a bumper line-up of the best sports viewing. Pouring everything from crisp Japanese-style lagers through to some sunny state-inspired limited release brews, this family-friendly sports bar is a beer (and sports) lover’s happy place.
Beer to sip: 4 Pines Pacific Ale
Where: Cnr Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise

BOB’s Beer
Beers near the beachfront – you’d be hard-pressed to find a better way to spend an arvo on the GC arvo. Whether you’re a local or playing tourist, BOB’s Beer is one of the best joints in Surfers for a cheeky brew, a seriously swanky fit-out with sky-high ceilings, and most importantly those glistening copper pipes delivering that expertly brewed amber nectar straight to our glasses.
Beer to sip: The Surfers XPA of course – a deliciously easy drinking pale ale brewed entirely out of local malt, perfect!
Where: 10/2 Elkhorn Ave, Surfers Paradise

The Lucky Squire
In case you haven’t put two and two together, this brewhouse brings to life the story of Australia’s first brewer, the rogue swindler James Squire (cue ‘aha’ moment). Celebrating quality craft beers and modern pub grub, the custom-designed full-functioning microbrewery pumps out small, exclusive batch brews, and it’s a cracking spot to round up your crew for an arvo sesh.
Beer to sip: Check out their limited-release small batch brews rotating the taps. Our current fave is Chivalry – because of course it’s not dead.
Where: 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach

Lost Palms Brewing
This pink and mint icon is a short stroll from the hot spots in Nobby’s and a ‘hop’, skip and a jump from Miami Marketta. Pull up a pew outside, sink some unique and refreshing brews, and make sure you grab some sweet snaps for your socials. Roll up for $1 Wings on Thursday nights and live music on Sunday arvo’s and see why this wicked brewery is a must-visit!
Beer to sip: Lost Palms Talle Daze Hazy Pale — one of their core range beers, named after the local Tallebudgera Creek.
Where: 11 Oak Avenue, Miami

Precinct Brewing
Bursting onto the Miami arts precinct scene with a rapacious welcome, Precinct Brewing now has solid status as the place to pull up a stool, grab a freshly made beer, and forget all of life’s woes. They make matters much more bearable with the tastiest of pizzas, stand-up comedy, and some captivating, limited releases like their recent Big If True, Hazy IPA — yummy!
Beer to sip: Check out their weekly Friday releases for exclusive flavours!
Where: 17 Christine Avenue, Miami

Black Hops HQ & Black Hops II
The runaway success of the original Black Hops in Burleigh spurred the creation of its spacious and upscale sibling, Black Hops II in Biggera Waters. Both serve up 16 beers on tap and have popular food trucks on site to feed hungry punters. So whether you’re north or southside, round up your mates, the fam and even your pooch for some award-winning amber ales.
Beer to sip: Black Hops Send It Session Ale — light, fruity, and not too strong
Where: 15 Gardenia Grove, Burleigh Heads and 671 Pine Ridge Road, Biggera Waters

SOBAH
If you love a social brew but you don’t love the idea of a potential hangover, then Australia’s first non-alcoholic brewery – SOBAH – is for you. Tucked away in Burleigh, the brewery and café boasts a range of full-flavour brews, bringing that real craft beer flavour you know and love without the sore head. Yes please!
Beer to sip: The Pepperberry IPA or Davidson Plum GF Ale are our regulars, celebrating the best of our native Australian ingredients.
Where: Unit 1, 314 Burleigh Connection Road, Burleigh Heads

Burleigh Brewing Co.
With gold medals for days from the World Beer Championships, you know you’re in for a good ale here! Famous for their paddle boards, relaxed atmosphere, big smiles and super friendly service, it’s the perfect way to spend a lazy Sunday arvo (or Friyay / Saturday sesh). There’s even awesome live music to set the mood while you quench your thirst. Cheers!
Beer to sip: Burleigh Brewing Burleigh Bighead — No carb, no-fuss big flavoured thirst quencher.
Where: 2 Ern Harley Drive, Burleigh Heads

Aardvark & Arrow Brewery
This Varsity based microbrewery may produce ‘petite’ batches, but their list of return customers is anything but small! Consistently producing and supplying chemical and preservative free beer and cider that exceeds expectations, the boutique beers here are on point. The staff are uber friendly and knowledgeable and the prices will blow ya mind (in a good way).
Beer to sip: For something fresh, opt for the GC Crisp – a seriously refreshing light coloured, crisp beer perfect for a brewery sesh.
Where: 13 John Duncan Court, Varsity Lakes

Balter Brewing Company
With awards up the wazoo, the amazing Balter Taproom never disappoints. Its line-up of founders includes some seriously famous sporting legends, and it just oozes chillax and cool in equal measure. Whether it’s from the tap or can, there’s a variety of styles to get your tastebuds singing. Kick back in the beer garden and enjoy live beats with your brew, along with food truck goodness.
Beer to sip: Balter XPA — Balter’s most awarded beer can be yours fresh from the production line.
Where: 14 Traders Way, Currumbin

Currumbin Valley Brewing
Complete with a 10hL Rolec copper cladded brew house (brew-speak for ‘legit’), the Currumbin Valley Brewing HQ offers choice aplenty, including 16 beers on-tap. This artisanal farmhouse brewery combine crafted burgers, bowls, bougee bar snacks, and boutique beverages in an environmentally-conscious space that is as much about community as it is craft beer.
Beer to sip: The Alley – Session IPA (aptly named after Currumbin Alley!)
Where: 27 Traders Way, Currumbin Waters

4 Pines Coolangatta
Another beachfront favourite of ours, but this time nestled on the Cooly shoreline is 4 Pines Coolangatta. The relaxed Southern Gold Coast vibe makes this little brew spot the perfect place stop in for a session. With six taps of their finest beers and two Keller door taps pumping out fresh flavours, as well as a dedicated Doggos of 4 Pines polaroid wall, it’s loved by locals for a reason.
Beer to sip: Nothing says 4 Pines like their Pacific Ale – fresh, fruity and floral, it’s impossible not to love.
Where: The Strand, 28/72 Marine Parade, Coolangatta

A LITTLE FURTHER AFIELD

Straddie Brewing Co
Just across the water, you’ll find this three-level architecturally designed showstopper. The ground floor welcomes you with double-height glass windows and the awe-inspiring brewery. Up the stairs you’ll find a 90-seat taproom with eye-popping art installations, and the top deck featuring panoramic views of the BrisVegas CBD skyline, the Glasshouse Mountains, and the stunning Redlands Coast #ShowUsYourSunsets. Plus there’s a menu with plenty of fancy local seafood inspired sharesies.
Where: 5 Junner Street, Dunwich, North Stradbroke Island

Perentie Brewing Co
Perentie Brewing Co. is an exciting new addition to the local brewery scene, located in Eagleby. This $6 million-dollar brewery, part of the Distillery Road Market (DRM) entertainment hub, offers authentic lager beers, seasonal bar bites, and a sprawling beer garden on the banks of the Albert River. With 68 taps of beer, including three signature products and a seasonal menu, Perentie Brewing Co. is set to become a central craft brew hotspot, attracting visitors from far and wide.
Where: 124 Distillery Rd, Eagleby

Ventura Brewing
Ventura Brewing is Australia’s first craft hard kombucha taphouse. With 12 taps, there’s an array of options to suit every taste. If you’re a fan of a destination venue that is serving up good vibes, tasty beverages and world-class views in spades, Ventura Brewing is your new favourite Sunday arvo sipping spot.
Where: 10/141 Lundberg Drive, South Murwillumbah

Words by Bianca Trathen

Being a Gold Coaster, you’re no doubt aware that a bike crawl is the perfect mix of a bike ride and a pub crawl complete with a personally curated crew and hopefully a whole lotta laughs.

Plus, you get to drink beer while also exercising and that, friends, is the Aussie way. Grab the gang and get on board our route from Palm Beach to Broadbeach, with stops at all the very best spots along the way. Let’s just call just go ahead and call it the Tour de Gold Coast.

Palm Beach
To start the day off and to build a proper exercising foundation, meet at one of Palm Beach’s delightful brunch joints. We love Sisterhood Coffee, Barefoot Barista and Custard Canteen, all of whom offer quite unique and super yummy breakfast options – start your crawl the right way with a mean feed to get you going.

Once you’ve fuelled up and consumed a coffee or two, it’s time to saddle up and spin those wheels along Jefferson Lane, en route to Burleigh admiring all the fancy pants beach houses along the way.

Definitely stop in for a dip at Talle Creek once you’ve set yourself up with some of your Custard goodies (can confirm the Portugese Tarts slay), maybe check out some cute pups at the dog beach, snap an Insta pic (because if you don’t, were you even there) and off you go.

Burleigh Heads
After cruising around Burleigh Hill you’ll find yourself in beautiful Burleigh Heads and here your options are endless.

If you’re lucky, The Village Markets will be in full swing (they’re on the first and third Sunday of the month), so why not check out some local designers and shop up a little storm before drink time.

Once you’re done there, grab a baked treat at Tarte Bakery & Cafe, a bangin’ bacon & egg roll from Two Yolks, or head straight to Burleigh Pavilion for some pizza, cocktails and a balmy ocean breeze.

Feeling like some good ol’ pub grub? Head to Local or Apres Surf. If you’re after something a little bit different Mr Hizola’s and Jimmy Wah’s have your upmarket Asian cravings covered. On a budget? No problem, try Wahoos for some fish tacos or just pull up some grass on Burleigh Hill with a few takeaway pizzas from Justin Lane and watch the surf roll in.

Back on your bike and you’re off along the esplanade to Nobby’s, but don’t forget a quick stop at Palm Springs for a spicy marg – it’s one of their signature cocktails for good reason.

Nobby Beach
By now it’s probably early arvo and Nobby’s is sure to be in full swing. Park your pushies and head into The Arc for pizza and live music or Bine Bar & Dining next door for a pint or two of specialty craft beers and their cult favourite 75cent chicken wings (happy hour runs daily from 3pm to 6pm – you’re welcome).

Holliday Coffee is the next stop on the list, perfect for a caffeine hit (we’re assuming you’ll need it after all that biking) and a jaffle because carbs = life.

If you’re not up for a sneaky Sunday drink and more into the physical benefits of a bike crawl, BSKT has a huge range of healthy eats that will give you the fuel you need to push those pedals – they do also have wine and beer if you fancy a cheeky sip. If something more fancy is up your alley, try Ally Chow for delish Asian eats before heading upstairs to Tropic Vice for rooftop bar vibes and cocktails that taste like summer.

Once you’ve had your fill, it’s back on your bike and on the way to Mermaid Beach.

Mermaid Beach
Trek along Hedges Avenue through Mermaid and choose from a HUGE range of spots to stop along the way. Goccia is serving up all the very best Italian eats (carbs for energy obviously) while Poke Poke has tasty poke bowls and curries for days.

If you’re in need of another sweet treat (energy fuel of course) it would be rude not to have a pit stop at Bam Bam Bakehouse. Rumour has it an almond croissant is all you need to keep those legs moving because we’ve got another few stops on the map.

A little further along, the Mermaid Beach Surf Club has all of the icy cold beers to enjoy while overlooking the ocean and, once you’re suitably refreshed, it’s time to pedal on.

Broadbeach
The final destination is in sight, Broadbeach (if you’ve made it this far), with a HUGE array of eating and drinking holes to satisfy any desire.

Who needs food if you can have beer? Skip dinner and head straight to The Broadbeach for a huge, high vibin’ Sunday session.

Up for a little after beverage sweetie? Check out what’s swirling at cult favourite fro-yo joint Yo-Chi.

If you’re after something more relaxed, Kurrawa Surf Club has big meals and lots of cold drinks again, overlooking the ocean – plus, after all the riding no doubt you’ve worked up a hefty appetite.

For dinner, try Spice Kitchen & Bar for some next level Thai or Sofia’s for a pasta fix – both at The Oasis Shopping Centre. If work’s off the menu for Monday and more drinks are in order, Marilyn’s Bar is just a short ride away and the perfect small bar vibe to round out the night.

And you’re done! What a time. Make sure you’ve locked up your bikes, share an Uber home and pick up your loyal companion Monday arvo.

*Bicycles are considered vehicles under QLD Law, so are subject to alcohol laws. Make sure to check out the QLD Laws here before undertaking a Bike Crawl.

Words by Kirra Smith and Jacqueline Bojanowski.

It’s been an exciting few months on the Gold Coast, we’ve emerged from hibernation (and let’s keep it that way hey), had some absolutely magical winter days and seen plenty of new venue openings. What a time.

In honour of that, here’s everything that has opened recently across the Coast so you can tick them off the list quick smart.

Bonnie’s Industrial Café
First cab off the rank after iso times was Bonnie’s Industrial Café in Ashmore. Bonnie and her team are serving up absolutely epic stacked burgers, 14-hour slow cooked meats, fresh salads and coffee to go. It’s café food, made amazing. Get involved.
Where: 2/26 Expo Court, Ashmore

Mazi
The Coast’s favourite multi-venue space, The Collective Palm Beach gained an exciting newbie in the form of Greek eatery Mazi. It’s traditional food with a modern twist including dishes like Saganaki with honey soaked raisins and Sage and Garlic Charcoal Baked Half Shell Scallops. There are also large share plates with all the amazing meats. Prepare to bust your pants.
Where: The Collective, 1128 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

The Lucky Squire
The latest in the James Squire family is our very own version, found in Broadbeach at Oracle and boasting two whole storeys of beer-soaked good times. The north-facing beer garden is the best spot for an arvo of drinks in the sunshine and you can taste the entire range while also devouring exceptional pub-style eats. Bring on summer at The Lucky Squire.
Where: 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach

Wildflower Gin
There are very few things better than a local distillery of any kind, particularly one creating a beautiful batch made up of local botanicals. Which is exactly what’s happening at Varsity’s new gin distillery Wildflower Gin. Not only that goodness, you can also book yourself into a gin making workshop so brew up your own tasty concoction. SO fun.
Where: 486 Scottsdale Road, Varsity Lakes

Common Ground
A stunning space in Burleigh Heads was recreated to open as a stunning new brunch venue known as Common Ground. It’s the work of two local hospo legends Euan and Bella Lovell, part owners of Broady’s Fig + Frankies and their partner Matt Tranter and it’s very, very good. The menu is made up of beautiful plated eats, all with a little something special. You’re going to want to try it all, trust us.
Where: 2/2 Hibiscus Haven, Burleigh Heads

Le Bon Choix
Sweet dreams are made of Pacific Fair’s new treat haven, Le Bon Choix. The newbie is filled with colourful French-renaissance-style sweets and savouries and they are all perfectly prepared by hand. Think delights like eclairs, chocolate tarts, lemon meringues, danishes and the pièce de résistance, pain au chocolats. Try them all.
Where: Level 1 next to David Jones, Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, Broadbeach

Whisky Lounge Mudgeeraba
If there was one thing the Gold Coast needed, it was a dedicated whisky lounge and now we have one. Whisky Lounge can be found within the leafy surrounds of yep, Mudgeeraba and it’s a lovely little spot to sample over 100 varieties of whisky (maybe not in the one night) from across the world. It’s cosy and the crew are a very knowledgeable bunch. Big fans.
Where: Shop 2A, 58 Railway Street, Mudgeeraba

Miss Mee
South-East Asian bar and eatery Miss Mee opened in Nobby Beach with all the neon lights and Bubble Tea cocktails. It’s the work of the crew at Justin Lane and with a rooftop bar and downstairs dining room, there’s plenty of colour-filled spots to hang out. To eat, there are of course many a South-East Asian delight including classics like Nasi Goreng, Pad Thai, Massaman Beef, Green Curry and Whole Deep Fried Fish to name a few. Try it for yourself.
Where: 2235 Gold Coast Highway, Nobby Beach

Panezski Distillery
Another distillery, this time of the vodka variety opened in Southport recently and they’re creating some quality sips you absolutely must try. It’s the work of a passionate family who have put a lot of love into creating the perfect varieties of vodka including a rye, wheat and aged vodka. All tried, tested and adored by us. You can grab bottles to go or sit in with a cheese platter for the ultimate in relaxation.
Where: Unit 7/55 Bailey Crescent, Southport

El Camino Cantina
Frozen margaritas, all of the colour and tasty Mexi eats, what more could you want? Nothing, same. You can get all that and more at Robina’s new El Camino Cantina. The menu is packed with delights like wings served with blue-cheese mayo (three levels of heat available), nachos covered in melted cheese, fresh chargrilled fajitas and eight types of tacos, so all the best things. Pop in for a good time.
Where: The Promenade, Robina Town Centre, Robina

Burleigh Baker
Baked goods are life. Particularly those by the team at Burleigh Baker who have made the lives of Gold Coast locals better for many years. Everything from the very best pies, sourdough in so many amazing flavours (hello olive), custard tarts and the very best of croissants can be found at Burleigh Baker. They opened a new venue at Paradise Point recently and it’s every bit as good as the first. Right near the water too. Perfection.
Where: 6 Bruce Avenue, Paradise Point

Jordy’s
Southern newbie Jordy’s is serving up some of the very best pizza around, not to mention delightful share plates and Heven-yah gelato for dessert. The menu is packed with fresh, comfort-style food and absolutely everything is sourced from the surrounding Northern Rivers area, Tweed Heads to Byron Bay so you know it’s of the highest quality. Well worth a little drive.
Where: The Commons, 480 Casuarina Way, Casuarina

Lost Kingdom
Welcome to Surfers Paradise’ new jungle experience in the form of a nightclub called Lost Kingdom. Featuring lush greenery and bamboo throughout, you’ll be taken on a sprawling journey through the jungle before finding the final destination, which is of course, the bar and dancefloor. There’s lots of jungle-themed drinks to sip on too, like the Island Boat with 10 singular shots on board, along with a Treasure Chest cocktail. Good times.
Where: 15 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Trio Café
Trio can be found inside Glow on Energy Circuit and it’s a beautiful, welcoming space decked out in lots of bright white. To eat, there’s brunch delights like Açai Bowls and crowd favourites Avocado Toast (with marinated feta, housemade dukkah and lemon oil thank you very much) and Bacon and Egg Rolls, plus a Chicken Ranch Salad if you want something a little lighter. At lunchtime, there are some absolutely stacked burgers including a Korean Fried Chicken Burger that might change your life.
Where: 10 Energy Circuit, Robina

Made
A sleek new space that’s both a barber and a barista in one, it’s a new Tugun spot you’re going to want to try ASAP. Brit and Josh have created a sweet community hub where you can pop in for a Moonshine brew and then get yourself a little trim (dudes only). There are baked goods by the team at Fuel Bakehouse too so it’s pretty much the best time you can have.
Where: 2B/417 Golden Four Drive, Tugun

Kylie’s Cupcakery
The Coast’s cult cupcakery opened a new store in Nerang and it instantly became one of the most popular spots around. For good reason too. Kylie is creating absolute masterpieces when it comes to cupcakes including flavours like The Unicorn, complete with edible glitter, Nerds, Turkish Delight and Lemon with Elderflower Buttercream. Yep. There’s also an incredible Unicorn Shake you’re going to want to sample. And take many Insta snaps of.
Where: 6 Lavelle Street, Nerang

D Point 10
The donut kings are absolutely taking over the Gold Coast and with good reason, they’re making some absolutely incredible flavours of donut. Think Gaytime, Oreo, Red Velvet and their latest creation, Caramilk. There’s minis and regular sized donuts and they’re all absolutely amazing. Get one of each just to be sure.
Where: A2/201 Varsity Parade, Varsity Lakes

The Backyard Cafe
The latest of the bunch is The Backyard Cafe, by the team behind Bine Beer Bar, Hideaway Kitchen and Bar and a few other venues you know and love. The newbie can be found at the site where The Yard once lived and it’s going to be both a cafe and a restaurant with pop up food trucks with lots of good old fashioned family and community vibes. Stay tuned for more details as we get them but rest assured, this is going to be a good one.
Where: 17 Lavarack Road, Nobby Beach

Words and photos by Kirra Smith