Noosa and the Sunshine Coast are renowned for their stunning beaches, laid-back vibe, and excellent local food and drink scene. What many travelers don’t realize is that this region offers some outstanding drinking tours that let you explore local breweries, distilleries, wineries, and even participate in fun pub crawls. We especially like the Noosa Brewery Tour for its focus on craft beers and the inclusiveness of a hearty lunch—all without the hassle of transport. The Sunshine Coast Brewery Tour with Lunch also stands out for its behind-the-scenes access and regional flavor. Whether you’re a craft beer devotee, someone interested in wine and spirits, or just looking for a fun group activity, these tours serve up a taste of Noosa and Sunshine Coast’s drink scene.
If you’re after an intimate, personalized experience, the Noosa Hinterland Drinks Private Tour with gin, mead, and wine tastings offers a luxurious, all-inclusive day. For those with limited time or a tight budget, the Sunshine Coast Bar Crawl provides a quick, app-led adventure to discover local hotspots. Each of these options offers something unique, whether it’s exclusive tastings, scenic drives, or the chance to learn about the craft behind your favorite drinks.
1. Noosa Brewery Tour – The Best of Noosa
At number 1, the Noosa Brewery Tour is perfect for craft beer lovers who want to sample some of the best local brews without the worry of driving. This 5-hour small-group tour limits itself to 11 participants, ensuring a personal experience. The highlight is visiting three top breweries, where you not only sample a variety of beers but also learn about the brewing process from knowledgeable guides. Included in the price is a hearty lunch, which pairs nicely with the beers you try along the way.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on quality and local flavor. The guide, often praised for their enthusiasm—like Dave, who “made the whole trip enjoyable”—brings insight into each brewery’s unique story. The tour’s balance of tastings, education, and food makes it excellent value for the $190.14 you pay. It’s suited for anyone interested in craft beer and eager for a relaxed, social afternoon.
Bottom line: For craft beer fans wanting a guided, well-rounded experience, this tour hits the mark.
2. Noosa Hinterland Drinks Tour – distillery, winery and brewery
Coming in at number 2, the Noosa Hinterland Drinks Tour is a full-day adventure that combines wine, beer, cider, and spirits. Over roughly 6 hours, you’ll explore four different stops, starting with a boutique vineyard in Traveston, where guided tastings are paired with a cheese platter. Then, you’ll visit a local craft brewery in Cooran, an atmospheric distillery in a picturesque village, and finally enjoy a delicious sit-down lunch at an iconic distillery.
This tour is great because it offers a broad taste of the region’s drink offerings, with each stop providing a different experience. The guide’s relaxed style and the scenic countryside drive add to the enjoyment. It’s ideal for those who want to sample multiple types of drinks in one day—wine, beer, cider, and spirits—without driving themselves. The $203.72 price includes most tastings, making it a good value for a diverse experience.
Bottom line: Perfect for those wanting a comprehensive taste of Noosa Hinterland’s drink scene, especially if you enjoy wine and spirits as well as beer.
3. Noosa Hinterland Drinks Private Tour with Gin, Beer, Mead & Wine Tastings
The number 3 spot goes to the Noosa Hinterland Drinks Private Tour, which offers a luxurious, all-inclusive experience tailored to small groups or private parties. This 6.5-hour tour visits several premium locations, including a meadery, gin distillery, vineyard, and craft brewery. The itinerary is carefully curated, starting with a mead tasting at an award-winning estate, followed by gin tasting in Pomona, wine and cheese at Dingo Creek Vineyard, and finishing with a local brewery.
What sets this tour apart is its focus on quality and exclusivity. The host provides detailed tastings and insights at each stop, making it ideal for connoisseurs or those celebrating a special occasion. The $433.76 price reflects the premium experience, including tastings and transport. Guests have praised the guide’s knowledge and the relaxed, personalized atmosphere.
Bottom line: For those seeking a private, all-inclusive luxury experience and a deep dive into the region’s craft drinks, this tour is hard to beat.
4. Sunshine Coast Bar Crawl Sippin on Sunshine
If you’re on a budget or prefer a more spontaneous, app-led adventure, the Sunshine Coast Bar Crawl offers a quick taste of local nightlife. For only $14.99, this 1.5-hour bar crawl guides you through several popular venues, with interactive challenges, trivia, and puzzles that make for a fun, social experience.
While it doesn’t include tastings or meals, it’s perfect for groups looking to explore multiple bars in a short time, especially if you’re into discovering hidden spots or competing with friends. Since reviews are currently zero, it’s best suited for those comfortable with a lively, informal atmosphere. It’s a flexible option if you want to combine it with a day on the beach or other sightseeing.
Bottom line: Best for budget-conscious travelers or groups wanting a lively, social bar-hopping experience.
$14.99 per person
5. Sunshine Coast Brewery Tour with Lunch
Rounding out the list, the Sunshine Coast Brewery Tour with Lunch offers a 5-hour guided experience visiting three local breweries. The tour includes a behind-the-scenes look at how beer is brewed at Moffat Beach Brewing Co, visits to Your Mates Brewing Co., and Sunshine Brewery. Each stop features tasting sessions, and the tour ends with a tasty lunch and more sampling.
This tour balances education and tasting, making it ideal for those interested in learning about craft brewing while enjoying regional flavors. The local guides are knowledgeable, and the inclusion of lunch adds value for the $165.30 price. It’s well-suited for craft beer enthusiasts who want to see the process and enjoy a relaxed day out with a group.
Bottom line: An excellent option for beer lovers who want a comprehensive, guided experience with food included.
$165.30 per person
How to Choose the Right Drinking Tour in Noosa and Sunshine Coast
When selecting the best tour, consider your budget, interests, and how much time you want to spend. For craft beer lovers who want a guided, relaxed day, the Noosa Brewery Tour offers great value. If you prefer a broader taste of the region’s drinks—wine, spirits, and beer—the Noosa Hinterland Drinks Tour provides a full-day experience. For a luxury, private outing, the Noosa Hinterland Drinks Private Tour is ideal.
Budget travelers or those wanting a quick night out might enjoy the Sunshine Coast Bar Crawl, while craft beer enthusiasts who want a behind-the-scenes look with lunch should consider the Sunshine Coast Brewery Tour with Lunch.
In general, booking early is wise, especially for private or popular tours, and consider the length and focus of each experience to match your personal interests.
In sum, Noosa and the Sunshine Coast offer a variety of drinking tours that cater to different tastes and budgets. Whether you want to learn about beer brewing, sample regional wines and spirits, or explore multiple venues in one day, there’s a tour suited to your style. For craft beer fans, the Noosa Brewery Tour is a standout, while those seeking a more luxurious, all-inclusive experience should look at the private tour options. Whichever you pick, these tours promise a fun, authentic way to enjoy the local beverage scene—so don’t wait, book early!