International Beer Day – don’t mind if we do

Fan of a frothy? Us too. And it turns out it’s not just us, the beverage that really does need no introduction officially has its own day of honour – well overdue if you ask us. On Friday 4^th August we’ll be cracking open a coldy to celebrate International Beer Day, and in honour we’ve penned a list of the top breweries that the Gold Coast has to offer.

So ‘hop’ on down to one this weekend. And next weekend. And the one after…

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
Who said the north side wasn’t the place to be? Guarantee you’ll have a ‘beery’ good time at one of the newest breweries on the block, the old barn-style joint is the largest taproom on the Northern GC with 28 beer taps and an epic kitchen serving up Modern Australian food daily.
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 suburbs 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 free 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

BOB’s Beer
Beers near the beachfront – you’d be hard-pressed to find a better way to spend your International Beer Day, wouldn’t you? Whether you’re a local or playing tourist, BOB’s Beer is one of the best joints in Surfers for a cheeky brew, with a seriously swanky fit-out with 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 grab a freshly made beer, pull up a stool 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

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 going to be for you. Tucked away in Burleigh, the brewery and café will have their range of full-flavour brews on offer, bringing that real craft beer flavour you know and love without the sore head. We’ll have more of the inside scoop for you when the brewhouse opens Monday 7th August.
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

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

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
Another one with awards up the wazoo, the newly renovated Balter 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 new 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

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 2 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

Words by Bianca Trathen & Jacqueline Bojanowski.

Right, so we’re in isolation, chatting to our friends via video, baking copious amounts of banana bread and trying not to be bored but alas, being bored. Enter alcohol, a necessary addition to group chats (cheersing the screen is a good time) and the perfect companion to a bit of midday baking. What would we do without it?

You know what the best kind of alcohol is? Gold Coast alcohol. Made by local legends who are crafting the absolute goods when it comes to a tasty drop.

Since we’re all about supporting local and we know you are too, we comprised a list of local breweries and distilleries from whom you can purchase your iso alcohol direct, cutting out the middle man and giving them all a helping hand in this ridiculous time.

Here they are, get drinking (in moderation obvs).

Black Hops
The lads at Black Hops have two breweries on the Gold Coast, one in Burleigh Heads and one at Biggera Waters and both slinging takeaway cans for your sipping pleasure. They’ve got quite the array of beers available including Pink Mist (our fave) and the recently re-released Beach House. Not matter your preference, they’ve got you covered.
Where: 5 Gardenia Grove, Burleigh Heads and 671 Pine Ridge Road, Biggera Waters

Balter Brewing
As you’d expect the Balter boys are on the bandwagon serving up their beloved brews in the form of cans (of course) but also as long necks in singles or three packs. Which is a truly Aussie thing to do. All your Balter favourites are on offer and they can all be delivered should you not want/be able to get to the brewery. We’re big fans of all Balter’s beers and particularly love their branding. Buy yourself a long neck or three and check out what they’ve done with the paper bag. Too good.
Where: 14 Traders Way, Currumbin

Burleigh Brewing
The legends at Burleigh Brewing are makers of really, very excellent beer in a variety of flavours that we love equally. Big Head in particular is carb free, which is very handy at a time when we eat a lot and don’t get out much. You know what the greatest thing about Burleigh Brewing is right now though? They’re delivering across the Coast. Simply order online and get your goods dropped right at your door. Perfection.
Where: 2 Ern Harley Drive, Burleigh Heads

Mt Tamborine Distillery
Need some fancy, delicious liqueurs to sip on while you’re doing all that indoor stuff? Same. Mt Tamborine Distillery has you covered with their very extensive range. Jaffa, Choc Mint, Choc Chilli perhaps? They’ve also got a life changing Limoncello and spirits too, so pretty much everything you could possibly need. Add some of their new hand sanitiser to the mix and that’s you covered for the next week or so. Grab some from the tasting room if you live up that way or get it shipped directly to you.
Where: 10 Macdonnell Road, Tamborine North

Lost Palms Brewing
The pretty pink brewery has created a little takeaway window on site and from it they are selling all of their epic brews including the recently released Peach Hard Seltzer which we can tell you (from Hottest 100 day experience) is a taste sensation. It’s also low in calories, carbs and sugar making it pretty much good for you and our new fave thing. They also have many other delicious types that you should sample ASAP.
Where: 11 Oak Ave, Miami 

Granddad Jacks
The Miami crew are selling their delicious, delicious gin out of the distillery on Lemana Lane and there are a few to choose from in varying degrees of strength. There’s Two Pencils (our fave), 65 Miles (navy strength, fun) and Greenhouse, a botanical treat. They’ve also created their very own hand sanitiser because they’re clever like that, so you can pick up all the necessities in one go. Love.
Where: 45 Lemana Lane, Miami

Fortitude Brewing
Up at Tamborine Mountain, Fortitude Brewing are still making their tasty tipples for your sampling pleasure. They’ve got many a type of beer to choose from including your regular Pale Ale and Lager faves plus their very own ginger beer, which is one of the best around. If you’re up that way, pop through their new makeshift drive-thru and grab yourself a couple to take home and enjoy. Always a pleasure at Fortitude Brewing.
Where: 165 Long Road, Mount Tamborine 

Happy sipping friends.

Words by Kirra Smith

Hold onto your hats lovers of beer gardens and all things outdoor drinking in the sunshine (so everyone), have we got news for you.

The Surfers Paradise Beer Garden, Surfers Paradise icon and keeper of many secrets has undergone an absolutely next-level renovation transforming it from the venue we all knew, loved and spent way to much of our youth in, to a must-visit, outdoor sipping destination.

The multi-million dollar transformation has seen the roof removed from the space to make way for a rooftop beer garden that is the first of it’s kind on the Gold Coast and it’s opening this Friday August 16th for your ogling pleasure.

Here’s the gist of the absolutely mind-blowing overhaul. The interior has changed from an entirely indoor area to a sunlit courtyard type area complete with bench-style seating (each with a built in ice bucket) and many a Corona umbrella dotted throughout. The bar is all yellow and white stripes with fishing rope strung from the ceiling and plenty of lovely mood lighting and our favourite part, a section absolutely packed with large-scale games of Connect 4, Jenga, a pool slash soccer situation, air hockey with the air (that could have an actual name) and COITS. So much fun.

There are balconies overlooking the ever-entertaining streets of Surfers, 18 sports screens and sunset live acoustic music to bring the legendary venue back to its former glory. Plus a whole lot of new glory too.

The menu is large and filled with goodness which is, of course, our favourite kind of menu. Think eats like share-style seafood and antipasto platters, small plates to share along the lines of Blue Corn Nachos, Pulled Pork Sliders, BBQ Pork Ribs and Southern Fried Chicken. All of which are very generous servings and all of which are very beautifully presented.

There are also pizzas; we were particularly partial to the Blue Shroom with blue cheese, prosciutto and mushrooms and burgers that are stacked high and very delicious. Of course there are steaks and faves like Chicken Parmigiana and Corona battered fish and chips. All the good things.

The cocktail menu features some tasty takes on all your favourites and we were (and always will be) very much loved the prettiest of Peach Bellinis.

The new and improved Surfers Paradise Beer Garden opens to the public this Friday night from 9pm so you can head in there and check out the sparkly newness for yourself.

Live music will take place on a Sunday afternoon so you can be absolutely sure that’s where the party is going to be from now on friends.

Exciting times.

LOCATION: Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise
WHEN: August 16th, 2019

Words by Kirra Smith