It wasn’t long ago that beer o’clock on the Gold Coast meant settling in at the local surf lifesaving club with an ice cold XXXX in hand. Nowadays the ‘Goldy’ has become witness to a beer revolution, so much so that it has recently been dubbed “the craft beer capital of Australia”.
The title comes after the speedy growth and success of craft breweries, microbreweries, and brew bars popping up all down the Coast, enticing beer lovers alike with liquid gold creations sure to quench the taste buds.
Grab the crew together and set off on the ultimate craft beer crawl; here are some of the best craft breweries in the region.
Balter Brewing Company
Currumbin, Gold Coast
Bring together a bunch of pro surfers, a grungy industrial location, and a selection of craft beer on rotation and you get Balter. The Currumbin-based brewery was founded by surfing legend Mick Fanning along with Joel Parkinson, Bede Durbidge, and Josh Kerr in 2016. Propped up in an industrial estate, Balter is now the place to be on a weekend, serving up a selection of experimental craft beers including its internationally award-winning Pale Ale. With food trucks lined up outside, DJ’s, and a laid-back atmosphere, make Balter your next weekend outing or after work hang-out spot.
Where: 14 Traders Way, Currumbin
When: Wednesday and Thursday 3pm-8pm; Friday 3pm-9pm; Saturday 12pm-8pm; Sunday 12pm-7pm
Specialty: XPA Pale Ale
Lost Palms Brewing Co.
Miami, Gold Coast
Lost Palms Brewing Co. has fast earned a reputation for its fun atmosphere and innovative craft brews. Supporting local artists, the brewhouse boasts a colourful pink and mint colour scheme along with artist-designed cans and packaging. Some drinks include sample IPA brews, Kombucha blends, and for something a little different, the chocolate Porter; a rich sweet ale infused with cocoa. This place is for craft beer fans looking for an Instagram-worthy photo op – the site also has a basketball hoop, food trucks, live music, and frequent art exhibits.
Where: 11 Oak Avenue, Miami
When: Friday 3pm-9pm; Saturday 12pm-9pm; Sunday 12pm-7pm
Specialty: Lost Palms Session IPA
Burleigh Brewing Co.
Burleigh Heads, Gold Coast
Pioneering the craft beer revolution on the Gold Coast, Burleigh Brewing Co. is a modern microbrewery serving up award-winning brews all on-tap. Husband and wife duo Brennan and Peta Fielding take pride in producing brews that are free of sugars, additives, preservatives and chemicals. All brewing, fermenting, maturing, filtering, and packaging is done on-site in the brewery, producing a 24-tap selection of beers ranging from a Pale Ale to Lagers. The brewery also provides takeaway cartons and growler refills, along with brewery tours, live music, and food trucks. Drop in for a tasting or register for one of the small group tours and experiences including ‘Backstage with the Brewmaster’.
Where: 2 Ern Harley Drive, Burleigh Heads
When: Friday 3pm-8:30pm; Saturday 3pm-8:30pm; Sunday 2pm-6pm
Specialty: Burleigh Brewing 28 California Pale Ale
Black Hops Brewery
Burleigh Heads, Gold Coast
Rated one of Australia’s top 10 breweries, Black Hops Brewery is all about keeping it real. Founded by three mates, Black Hops’ tap house serves up 14 taps of quality craft beer that is understated, smooth, and made for the sunny days and evenings on the Gold Coast. Open to the public five days a week, Black Hops offers tours, a range of core beers and exclusive creations on-site. The award-winning beers are un-pasteurised with no preservatives. Additional creations include the Eggnog Stout and the rosy-pink coloured Pink Mist Raspberry Saison. To follow Black Hops’ journey, tune into their podcast.
Where: 15 Gardenia Grove, Burleigh Heads
When: Wednesday to Friday 12pm-7pm; Saturday and Sunday 12pm-6pm.
Specialty: Send It (Session Ale)
Fresh beers on tap, great food, and entertainment on the Gold Coast
If you’re looking for a quality beer as well as a great meal and entertainment for all ages, make sure to get down to the Cooly Hotel.
