As a bunch of discernible consumers of all alcoholic beverages, it was only a matter of time before the Gold Coast began to take heed and give us craft distilleries. Gin is having a moment. Whisky has always grabbed a particular pocket of drinkers, and vodka is a staple that, although refreshing on its own, is an excellent base for many delicious cocktails we’ve come to love on the regular (espresso martini, anyone?).

Being one of Australia’s most innovative business start-up areas and having proximity to quality produce and botanicals from the Southeast corner of Queensland and the Northern Rivers, our distilleries were always going to be a success no matter what shape or format they came in.

As there’s a sizeable collection for you to consider either buying from or visiting, we run down the distilleries we deem must-visits and precisely what they offer.

Granddad Jack’s

This multi-award-winning backstreet distillery has seen explosive success since opening its doors. Aptly positioned in the ever-growing creative hub of Lemana Lane and surrounding streets, it’s a guaranteed good going-out spot. The portfolio of spirits is diverse, the atmosphere always on point, and the smiles forever beaming.
Where: 45 Lemana Lane, Miami

White Oat Distillery

Helping reinvent the once sleepier end of the Coast is Biggera Waters’ White Oat Distillery. Pumping out top-notch gins like a boss, the ‘Covid baby’ of three GC mates has quickly become a destination in itself. With award-winning distiller Tudor Duxbury’s fresh take on classic tastes, an on-fleek fit-out, and ‘wise but cool with a hint of old school’ vibe, it’s a must-visit.
Where: 13-14, 211 Brisbane Road, Biggera Waters

Six-Tricks

Owned by Chris Macklin and Teagan Peake, Six-Tricks Distilling Co. is the slick distillery shaking up Mermaid’s sip scene. Complete with a cool two million dollar price tag, the-state-of-the-art facility comes bearing a spacious indoor bar, a sunset deck and a dedicated barrel aging warehouse, along with some #mustsip artisan liquors. With the venue focusing on an innovative approach to the fundamental six spirits, the mouthwatering mixology selection includes creations such as the Mango & Rooibos Sour and Melon & Lime Highball, under head bartender James’ expert eye.
Where: 3 Brightlands Court, Mermaid Waters

Capricorn Distilling Co.

This small-batch distillery boasts premium spirits that promise to be ‘as real as it gets.’ Our northern friends may be familiar with Rockhamption’s Saleyards Distillery and now we are fortunate to have the same innovative team bringing their passion to the Goldy. You can expect Spiced Rum, Summer Gin and even Pineapple Rum (for those who love the fruit – even on their pizzas.) Worthy of a tour we think!
Where: 21 Ern Harley Drive, Burleigh Heads

Sunny Days Distillery

This Burleigh Heads gem brings laid back beach vibes to life with locally-crafted, premium vodkas. Born from a humble lockdown project, Sunny Days has exploded into an Aussie favourite, known for its top-shelf spirits and playful RTDs. Their 1100-sqm HQ features a vibrant taproom with 16 taps, vodka cocktails, and delicious eats from Fix On 66. Live music, DJs, and community events round out the experience, making this more than a distillery – it’s a celebration of good times and golden days.
Where: 25 Hutchinson Street, Burleigh Heads

Cauldron Distillery

This 18-acre working distillery is the darling of the Scenic Rim, featuring an established vineyard, lush rolling green meadows and a Prohibition style gin and cocktail bar. Earning a nod in Lonely Planet’s top ten destinations to visit in 2022, you won’t just fine amazing gins and Queensland inspired craft bevvies, but also mouth-watering Modern Australian tapas with native ingredients. Or keep it simple with a BYO picnic rug amongst the vineyards and complimentary lawn games.
Where: Cauldron Distillery, 89 Cauldron Estate, 123 Hartley Road, Tamborine Mountain

Hard Fizz

Consider this your sign to get fizzy at the world’s first seltzer brewery, Hard FIZZ HQ! This vibrant hotspot offers freshly brewed seltzers straight from the tap and even lets fans create their own personalized flavors. With a bar decked out in neon lights and beachy vibes, it’s the perfect place to sip on Gold Coast-made fizz, local beers, artisan spirits, and Mr. Consistent cocktails. Founded by local legends like DJ Paul Fisher and pro surfer Laura Enever, this fun-fueled venue is a Burleigh fave.
Where: 16 Hibiscus Haven, Burleigh Heads 

Wildflower Gin Distilling

As if we need another motive to love the Burleigh Heads/Varisty Lakes area…. Wildflower Gin Distilling is just another reason we’ll add to an already long list. This industrial feel space creates what they describe to be, in their own words ‘Burleigh in a bottle’. Gins are the main attraction, but the team also turn their hands to vodka, with their recent Lamington Cake vodka a must-try for something sweet and traditionally Aussie!
Offering: group table bookings — 2hr gin masterclasses where you can create your own spirit!
Where: 2/486 Scottsdale Drive, Varsity Lakes

Tamborine Mountain Distillery

A drive out of town to nearby Tamborine Mountain will reward you with one of the country’s most decorated and awarded distilleries. The range of spirits and liqueurs available here is enormous, equating to everyone who visits finding at least one (if not more) favourite tipples. The venue itself is an eclectic mix of old-world charm with a sprinkling of Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory vibes, be sure to bring a crew and enjoy this space — and their tasty drops!
Offering: tasting room bookings — tailored events
Hours: 7 days 10am – 5pm
Where: 10 Macdonnell Road, Tamborine Mountain

Loborn

Bringing a taste of Italy with a distinctly Aussie twist, Loborn is Tamborine Mountain’s specialty amaro distillery that’s spicing up the local sip scene. Founded by local engineer-turned-distiller Thomas Drewett, Loborn crafts modern amaro infused with native botanicals and vibrant local citrus, including their signature blends: Amaro N01 (perfect for Spritz lovers) and Amaro N02 (ideal for Negroni fans). Nestled in the lush North Stores precinct, the sleek tasting room offers cocktail services, walk-in tastings, and masterclasses. With their herbaceous aperitifs and native citrus gin, Loborn’s locally born spirits are a must-try for any bitter enthusiast—spritz in hand, naturally.
Where: Shop 4, 46-48 Main Street, Mt Tamborine

Beech Mountain Distillery

Borrowing some real estate from neighbouring BFF, Pink Galah restaurant, Beech Mountain Gins expanded their offering – unveiling a brand new bar and tasting booths dedicated to their bespoke spirits. Julian Hoyle and Clyde Watts are the dynamic distilling duo known for churning out award winning small batch creations – such as the Siberian Route Gin, and Strawberry Gum Eucalyptus Olida Gin – winning silver and bronze respectively at the Australian Distilled Spirits Awards. With a stellar spirt selection, and prohibition style, old-world tavern vibes surrounded by lush, mountain surrounds, Beech Mountain Distillery is a must visit.
Where: 707 Beechmont Road Lower, Beechmont

Panezski Artisan Distillery

For a long time, vodka has had strong associations with the northern hemisphere. However, take a closer look at where some of the best vodkas are being produced, and you’ll notice such countries as the USA, France and Poland continually pop up — we may even see Australia soon in that mix. This family-owned distillery in Southport takes their Polish heritage seriously, dishing up some fine examples of vodka and gin with fantastic attention taken from the start, right through to bottling.
Offering: tasting room bookings — group events
Hours: Mon-Thurs: open from 4pm | Fri open from 2pm | Sat open from 10am, bookings highly recommended. Sunday (bookings only)
Where: 1/28 Activity Crescent, Molendinar

Beenleigh Rum Distillery

With the title of being Australia’s oldest operating distillery, you’re not only tasting rum here but a slice of history. This quality artisan producer is a must-try for those who enjoy their rums, with a sizeable collection of products and an ever-growing line for you to appreciate — and keep on appreciating! Parts of the distillery known as the Big Red Shed have been part of the setup from day one back in 1884 and are mixed with a modern venue space for all to enjoy.
Offering: various tasting experiences — Master of Rum craft your own rum experience — venue hire/functions
Where: 142 Distillery Road, Eagleby

Husk Distillery

Ok, so we cheated on this one (not technically a Gold Coast distillery, but we love it so much). Pretty hues of pink and purple have made Husk’s Ink gin one of the most recognisable sips in the past few years. Often punctuated with a sprig of rosemary, you’ll find yourself in a little slice of Northern NSW heaven at their picturesque distillery in the removed countryside spot of Tumbulgum. Although across the border, pack the car with blankets and friends and make an afternoon of it.
Where: 1152 Dulguigan Rd, North Tumbulgum

Words by Bianca Trathen and Belinda Symons

Okay, by now you’re probably well acquainted with the name Ink Gin, the unmistakable drink as stunning as it is sippable. But did you know the world class drop that’s taken our sips by storm, is distilled 100% locally – as in, a mere 20 minute meander down the road from Cooly?

It should come as little surprise that the masters behind the game changing bevvy that infinitely levelled up our cocktails, have also put together an equally gin-credible experience at their stunning Tumbulgum facility, boasting an immersive cellar door, bar and cafe for our R&R pleasure.

Here are six reasons Husk Farm Distillery is a must visit (hands down best gin going, aside):

Only 20 mins from the GC
Just a hop, skip and a jump over the border, we’re not even sure if a sneaky visit to the lush Husk grounds constitutes a day trip – but it’s certainly one of the more low effort, high reward outings Gold Coasters have at our fingertips. One of those elusive day trips that feels a world away, but with the kind of convenient proximity that barely gives us enough time to dust off the road-trippin’ playlist (or the boredom to set in… #arewethereyet)

Sample the good stuff (+ take home some for later)
It goes without saying one of the biggest perks of visiting the source of such deliciousness is the chance to sample, discover new faves and of course stock up on some souvenirs to replenish our personal bar stocks. Quite frankly, we’re as giddy as a kid in a candy store at the thought.

Our recommendation? Take your tastebuds on a very smooth sip around the signature Husk offerings with a tasting paddle to start. Opt to sample the sipping quality, farm to bottle cane juice Rums, or, if you’re yet to venture beyond the voddy, lime soda train, get your hands on the Ink Gin selection and prepare for your mind to be blown.

Alternatively, just jump straight into the cocktail menu for the best of Husk showcased for your sipping pleasure. Either way, you won’t be disappointed.

Go behind the scenes with Distillery Tours
There’s a lot more to a bottle of this tasty drop than its good looks would let on. Daily distillery tours give the chance to go behind the scenes and see the magic (hard work) that goes into their range of premium spirits.

A first hand look at the unique process involved with Husk’s farm to bottle rare rums offers a fascinating (and tasty) experience like none other.

It’s sure to give you a whole new appreciation for your faves (not to mention, an extra chance to sample the goods).

Fantastic food
Not only have they mastered treats of the thirst quenching variety, the Husk Farm kitchen offers up a selection of top notch eats to rival their signature spirits selection. As you’d expect, the menu has been designed to complement the sips, with a mouth watering array of share-style bites such as Grazing Boards and Ploughman’s Platters. Though, if it’s a full blown feast you’re in the mood for, the Husk kitchen is up to the task (Slow cooked lamb shoulder, Bam Bam rum jus, garden rosemary, need we say more)

Stunning surrounds
Framed by the spectacular Wollumbin (Mount Warning) rolling hills as backdrop and nestled among the sugar cane fields, the architecturally designed modern industrial Husk facilities are every bit as gorg as their surrounds. The lush Messenger family farmland Husk calls home is Northern Rivers scenery at its finest – if the GC wasn’t also a certified stunner, we’d be insanely jealous, tbh.

The expansive lawn offers sun-soaked alfresco vibes just begging for you to perch up for a lazy long lunch, with tables and large umbrellas at which to settle in for the arvo. There’s plenty of space to run around for those with kiddos in tow (and for parents, the ever elusive chance to #sit-ervise). Glorious.

They know how to host a party
Now that the weather is getting warmer it’s time to start thinking about Christmas parties (side note: I’m sure last time I looked this year had only just begun). Why not try something a little different and head to Husk? I mean, last year’s Christmas party may have been great, but did it have sugarcane javelin? On top of delicious food and cocktails for up to 200 people Husk offers a range of fun activities and tastings. Lock it in Eddy.

Words by Kellie Leader.

STORY SPONSORED BY HUSK DISTILLERS.

Get ready to shake up your summer nights! Burly Gin is taking over Currumbin’s bar scene and we’re gin-uinely excited about it! Nestled in The Warehouses on Currumbin Creek Road, this innovative venue combines a modern aesthetic with a bold, flavour-forward approach to gin. It’s where sleek sophistication meets a spirited good time.

The Warehouses, the latest creation from the Cornerstone Stores crew, brings together work and play in an airy, industrial-style space that captures our coastal charm. Among the first to call The Warehouses home was Lobby, the go-to spot for your morning brew. Now, as the sun sets, Burly Gin takes centre stage, lighting up your nightlife.

The brainchild of Piri Bennett, Richard Bennett, Airhia Bennett and Rob Sendall, Burly Gin began as a passion project fueled by Piri’s time in New York. A seasoned bourbon distiller at Brooklyn’s renowned Kings County Distillery, Piri returned to the Gold Coast armed with expertise and a dream of creating a gin perfectly tailored to the subtropical climate. The result? A trio of gins – cucumber, citrus and berry – that redefine refreshing.

Step inside Burly Gin’s tropic-meets-New York lounge, designed by Will Rathgeber of Studio Plenty. From the industrial-chic elements crafted by Glenn Warren Projects to the bespoke furniture from Atelier, every detail whispers sophistication, with a mezzanine-level lounge perfect for private dining and events.

Will Rathgeber said, “it’s eclectic continental influence restrained by Japanese sensibilities – an experimental composition set in a masterful industrial redevelopment.”

Once seated, prepare for a gin-spiration overload. The bar serves the entire Burly Gin range through a dazzling cocktail repertoire. Not sure where to start? We recommend the tasting pallet – serving up all three signature gins – cucumber, citrus and berry – with your choice of mixer.

Then, take a walk on the herbaceous side with the Garden Smash, a mix of cucumber gin, lime, basil, cardamom and elderflower foam.

As the sun goes down, the Sunset Negroni of citrus gin, Davidson’s plum, rosé vermouth and orange tastes like a golden hour in a glass.

These libations pair seamlessly with a menu masterminded by Harry Robbins, previously of Stable Coffee and Kitchen. The culinary offerings lean into modern Australian cuisine, with standout dishes like the Anchovies with Egg Butter served on Toasted Focaccia.

For a zesty pop, there’s the Kingfish Ceviche with Fingerlime Ponzu. And for a comfort dish you didn’t know you were craving, the Roast Cauliflower with Cheese Sauce and Gremolata is a crowd pleaser.

Whether you’re a seasoned gin aficionado or just beginning to dabble in juniper delights, Burly Gin promises an gin-tastic experience. Like what you sipped? You can grab a bottle of Burly Gin directly from the bartender, making it easy to recreate your favourite cocktails at home.

So, why not gin-vest in your next night out? Drop by and let Burly Gin charm you one sip at a time.

Where: 60 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin
When: 4pm – late, daily