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
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.
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.
Padre Brewing Co
Padre took three years to build and it shows – this is Ze Pickle’s old crew (Mitch Carlin and Pete Morris, alongside hospitality veterans Aaron Wilson, Nathan Zukerman and Joey Day) doing a full-scale brewery and kitchen on Ozone Parade in Miami. Expect retro-cool design, a dozen house-brewed taps running from crisp lagers to hop-forward IPAs, and a menu built for sharing – think New York-style pizza and birria tacos.
Roji Cat
Tucked down Lemana Lane next to Granddad Jack’s Craft Distillery, Roji Cat swaps typical brewery fit-out for neon signage, paper lanterns and a genuine slice of Tokyo backstreet energy. Head brewer Satoshi “Toshi” Tamura (ex-Black Hops) pours a rotating line-up of house beers, including a Japanese rice lager worth building the visit around, alongside an extensive sake list and a karaoke room for when the night gets away from you.
Hound & Stag
It seems strange to give Hound & Stag Brewing Co the ‘hidden gem’ treatment when it’s named as the largest taproom on the Gold Coast, but it certainly does feel underrated – especially amongst southern Gold Coasters. Since opening in Arundel in 2022, Hound & Stag has offered an impressive array of beer – 24, at last count – and even won awards for them. Stop by next time you’re in the area to sample their offering, sink your teeth into their menu or catch some live music (from local musos and big names like Darryl Braithwaite and Thirsty Merc alike).
Tap That
Justin Mistry spent years running physio clinics before swapping treatment tables for taps, and the result is Tap That Brewery & Keghouse. The Burleigh taproom is built on a simple belief: that a great schooner shouldn’t cost a small fortune. Head brewer Chris Smith (formerly of Burleigh Barrels, Catchment and Fortitude) pours everything made onsite, from beers to seltzers, sours and RTD cocktails. Settle in with a pizza and a game of shuffleboard (kids and dogs are welcome, too), or take a keg home.
Madocke Beer Brewing Company
Belgian-born and Gold Coast-based, the Madocke crew went from serving beers out of their home garage to running a full taproom in Ashmore. They even took out champion pale ale at the 2026 Royal Queensland Beer Awards. The name nods to a lost tale by the Belgian poet behind the Reynard the Fox stories, and the beers draw on centuries of Belgian brewing tradition. Pair your pour with Belgian-inspired bites, and bring the whole family: there are games for the kids and an on-lead dog-friendly outdoor area.
Still thirsty? Check out these local wineries we love.
