The Best Breweries on the Gold Coast
The Gold Coast has developed a serious craft beer scene over the past decade. Whether you're after a neighbourhood spot with a strong local following or a larger taproom with food and sports on the screens, there's a brewery worth visiting across the city's beachside suburbs and hinterland edges. Here are the venues leading the charge.
1
Breweries Coolangatta1. Earth Beer Company
If you're exploring the southern end of the coast, Earth Beer Company in Coolangatta makes a natural stop. It's positioned as a local gathering point at the quieter end of the Gold Coast strip.
View venue4.9(300)· Google66Spot ScoreWorth a Look2
Breweries Miami2. Roji Cat Beer Bar
Roji Cat Beer Bar brings a dedicated beer-focused bar experience to Miami, just north of Surfers Paradise. It's worth a detour if you're interested in a curated selection rather than a production-heavy taproom.
View venue4.9(282)· Google65Spot ScoreWorth a Look3
Breweries Southport3. Black Hops Brewery Biggera Waters
Black Hops operates two locations on the Gold Coast; the Biggera Waters site near Southport offers a full production brewery experience if you want to see the operation behind your beer.
View venue4.9(210)· Google64Spot ScoreWorth a Look4
Breweries Burleigh Heads4. Hard Fizz HQ Taproom
Hard Fizz HQ Taproom sits in Burleigh Heads, a vibrant beachside hub. It's a solid central location if you're combining a brewery visit with other activities in the area.
View venue5.0(131)· Google64Spot ScoreWorth a Look5
Breweries Currumbin5. Balter Brewing Company
Balter Brewing Company is based in Currumbin, slightly inland from the main strip. It offers a more relaxed, neighbourhood brewery vibe away from the tourist-heavy suburbs.
View venue4.7(411)· Google64Spot ScoreWorth a Look6
Breweries Surfers Paradise6. Black Hops Brewery Burleigh Heads
Black Hops' second location is listed in the Surfers Paradise area, making it accessible if you're staying in or near the city's main tourist hub and want easy access to their range.
View venue4.8(312)· Google64Spot ScoreWorth a Look7
Breweries Surfers Paradise7. Madocke Beer Brewing Company
Madocke Beer Brewing Company is another Surfers Paradise option, useful if you're based in the central Gold Coast and want variety without leaving the main precinct.
View venue4.8(188)· Google63Spot ScoreWorth a Look8
Pubs Burleigh Heads8. Tap That Brewery & Keghouse
Tap That Brewery & Keghouse combines brewing with a pub atmosphere in Burleigh Heads, so it works well if you want beer and food or a more social, sports-friendly environment.
View venue5.0(111)· Google63Spot ScoreWorth a Look9
Breweries Broadbeach9. Aardvark and Arrow Brewery
Aardvark and Arrow Brewery is located in Broadbeach, another beachside hub with broader dining and entertainment options nearby, making it good for a brewery-inclusive night out.
View venue4.9(110)· Google62Spot ScoreWorth a Look10
Breweries Surfers Paradise10. Hound and Stag Brewing Co
Hound and Stag Brewing Co is yet another Surfers Paradise brewery, useful for visitors based centrally who want multiple options within walking or short driving distance.
View venue4.5(441)· Google62Spot ScoreWorth a Look11
Breweries Surfers Paradise11. Burleigh Brewing Company
Burleigh Brewing Company rounds out the Surfers Paradise cluster, offering another choice for those staying in the main tourist area.
View venue4.5(214)· Google59Spot ScoreWorth a Look12
Breweries Hope Island12. 'The Kennel' Tap Room & Sports Bar at Boxer Brewing Co.
Boxer Brewing Co.'s tap room, The Kennel, is based on Hope Island on the city's northern edge. It's worth the drive if you want a quieter location with sports viewing and a dedicated bar space.
View venue4.8(70)· Google59Spot ScoreWorth a Look
At a glance
| Venue | Spot Score | Price | Suburb | Top feature | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Earth Beer Company | 66/100 | 4.9(300) | — | Coolangatta | — |
| Roji Cat Beer Bar | 65/100 | 4.9(282) | — | Miami | — |
| Black Hops Brewery Biggera Waters | 64/100 | 4.9(210) | — | Southport | — |
| Hard Fizz HQ Taproom | 64/100 | 5.0(131) | — | Burleigh Heads | — |
| Balter Brewing Company | 64/100 | 4.7(411) | — | Currumbin | — |
| Black Hops Brewery Burleigh Heads | 64/100 | 4.8(312) | — | Surfers Paradise | — |
| Madocke Beer Brewing Company | 63/100 | 4.8(188) | — | Surfers Paradise | — |
| Tap That Brewery & Keghouse | 63/100 | 5.0(111) | — | Burleigh Heads | — |
| Aardvark and Arrow Brewery | 62/100 | 4.9(110) | — | Broadbeach | — |
| Hound and Stag Brewing Co | 62/100 | 4.5(441) | — | Surfers Paradise | — |
| Burleigh Brewing Company | 59/100 | 4.5(214) | — | Surfers Paradise | — |
| 'The Kennel' Tap Room & Sports Bar at Boxer Brewing Co. | 59/100 | 4.8(70) | — | Hope Island | — |
Frequently asked questions
Which Gold Coast brewery is best for a first visit?+
That depends on where you're staying. If you're in Surfers Paradise or Burleigh Heads, you have the most choice and can walk to several venues. If you want a production-focused experience, Black Hops Brewery Biggera Waters and Balter Brewing Company in Currumbin are both solid anchors. For a pub-style atmosphere with beer, Tap That Brewery & Keghouse works well.
Are there breweries outside the main tourist suburbs?+
Yes. Coolangatta in the south, Currumbin slightly inland, and Hope Island in the north all have brewery options and tend to attract more local crowds than central Surfers Paradise.
Can I get food at these breweries?+
The listings provided indicate that Tap That Brewery & Keghouse operates as both a brewery and a pub, which suggests food may be available there. For others, we'd recommend checking directly with the venue, as not all breweries offer full food service.
Do these breweries have live music or events?+
That information isn't confirmed in our current data. Contact the venues directly or check their social media to find out about upcoming events, live music, or special evenings.
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