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.
1Breweries Miami1. 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.
Open SundaysView venue4.9(282)· Google65Spot ScoreWorth a Look
2Breweries Southport2. 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.
Open SundaysView venue4.9(210)· Google64Spot ScoreWorth a Look
3Breweries Burleigh Heads3. 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.
Open SundaysView venue5.0(131)· Google64Spot ScoreWorth a Look
4Breweries Currumbin4. 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.
Open SundaysView venue4.7(411)· Google64Spot ScoreWorth a Look
5Breweries Surfers Paradise5. 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.
Open SundaysView venue4.8(312)· Google64Spot ScoreWorth a Look
6Breweries Surfers Paradise6. 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.
Open SundaysView venue4.8(188)· Google63Spot ScoreWorth a Look
7Pubs Burleigh Heads7. 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.
Open MondaysView venue5.0(111)· Google63Spot ScoreWorth a Look
8Breweries Broadbeach8. 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 Look
9Breweries Surfers Paradise9. 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.
Open late (after 10pm)Open SundaysView venue4.5(441)· Google62Spot ScoreWorth a Look
10Breweries Surfers Paradise10. Burleigh Brewing Company
Burleigh Brewing Company rounds out the Surfers Paradise cluster, offering another choice for those staying in the main tourist area.
Open SundaysView venue4.5(214)· Google59Spot ScoreWorth a Look
11Breweries Hope Island11. '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.
Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen SundaysView venue4.8(70)· Google59Spot ScoreWorth a Look
At a glance
| Venue | Spot Score | Price | Suburb | Top feature | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roji Cat Beer Bar | 65/100 | 4.9(282) | — | Miami | Open Sundays |
| Black Hops Brewery Biggera Waters | 64/100 | 4.9(210) | — | Southport | Open Sundays |
| Hard Fizz HQ Taproom | 64/100 | 5.0(131) | — | Burleigh Heads | Open Sundays |
| Balter Brewing Company | 64/100 | 4.7(411) | — | Currumbin | Open Sundays |
| Black Hops Brewery Burleigh Heads | 64/100 | 4.8(312) | — | Surfers Paradise | Open Sundays |
| Madocke Beer Brewing Company | 63/100 | 4.8(188) | — | Surfers Paradise | Open Sundays |
| Tap That Brewery & Keghouse | 63/100 | 5.0(111) | — | Burleigh Heads | Open Mondays |
| Aardvark and Arrow Brewery | 62/100 | 4.9(110) | — | Broadbeach | — |
| Hound and Stag Brewing Co | 62/100 | 4.5(441) | — | Surfers Paradise | Open late (after 10pm) |
| Burleigh Brewing Company | 59/100 | 4.5(214) | — | Surfers Paradise | Open Sundays |
| 'The Kennel' Tap Room & Sports Bar at Boxer Brewing Co. | 59/100 | 4.8(70) | — | Hope Island | Open 7 days |
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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