Brisbane is a city that loves to celebrate its craft beer scene and vibrant nightlife. With a growing number of breweries, lively small bars, and even adventurous helicopter pub crawls, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy a drink in this dynamic city. We particularly like how some tours like the XXXX Brewery Tour offer behind-the-scenes insights and tastings, while others such as the Brisbane Brewery Full Day Tour with Lunch give you a full day of craft beer exploration with a hearty meal. Whether you prefer a relaxed afternoon or an all-day drinking spree, Brisbane provides options for every beer lover.
One thing that stands out is how Brisbane’s tours often combine local culture with authentic beer experiences—like visiting small bars with street art or riding in helicopters to iconic pubs. These tours are not just about drinking; they’re about discovering Brisbane’s unique atmosphere, meeting local brewers, and soaking in the city’s lively energy. Want to see what makes Brisbane’s craft scene so special? Check out the river cruise brewery tour for a fun way to enjoy Brisbane’s waterways and beer.
Quick Overview
Our list includes a variety of drinking tours: from brewery visits that highlight Queensland’s brewing heritage, like the XXXX Brewery Tour, to full-day brewery adventures such as the Gold Coast Full Day Brewery Tour. For those who want a more urban experience, small bar and street art tours, like the Brisbane Small Bars and Street Art Tour, are perfect. And if you’re looking for something truly extraordinary, the Helicopter Pub Crawl takes drinking to new heights—literally.
Below, each tour is broken down with details on what makes them stand out, who they are best suited for, and what you can expect from each experience.
1. XXXX Brewery Tour
At number 1, we start with the classic XXXX Brewery Tour—a must for fans of Brisbane’s most iconic beer brand. This 90-minute tour takes you behind the scenes at Queensland’s historic XXXX Brewery, where you learn about the brewing process and the stories behind the famous label. You’ll walk through the brewing areas, observe machinery in action (most weekdays), and sample a range of XXXX beers. It’s a straightforward, well-reviewed experience rated 4.5/5 from 319 reviews.
What makes this tour stand out is its in-depth look at a brewery that’s been part of Brisbane’s identity since 1924. The knowledgeable guides share entertaining stories, and the tastings are generous. You can upgrade to include a burger lunch, making it perfect for a casual afternoon. The only downside is that some areas might not operate every weekday, so plan accordingly.
Bottom line: A fantastic choice for beer novices and enthusiasts wanting an authentic brewery experience with a friendly atmosphere and a taste of Queensland’s most famous brew.
2. Brisbane Brewery Full Day Tour with Lunch
For around $142, the Full Day Brewery Tour offers an immersive experience across four craft breweries in Brisbane. This 6-hour tour includes tastings at Green Beacon, Sea Legs, White Lies, and Future Magic breweries, with a tasty lunch included. Your guide, a passionate beer lover, shares detailed insights and stories at each stop, often chatting with brewers behind the scenes, which elevates this experience beyond just drinking.
Guests rave about the friendly atmosphere, the variety of beers, and the educational component. It’s ideal if you want to understand Brisbane’s craft beer culture in a relaxed setting and enjoy a full day of sampling. The round-trip transit from central Brisbane makes logistics easy, freeing you from transport worries.
Bottom line: Best suited for beer enthusiasts wanting a comprehensive, social day out that combines education, tasting, and good food.
3. Gold Coast Full Day Brewery Tour
Number 3 on our list is the Gold Coast Full Day Brewery Tour. Also priced at about $142, it visits four popular breweries like Lost Palms, Black Hops, Balter, and Burleigh Brewing across the Gold Coast region. The trip includes tastings, a delicious lunch, and opportunities to chat with brewers about their craft. Plus, round-trip transfers from Brisbane or the Gold Coast make it hassle-free.
Travelers love how this tour combines regional diversity with a laid-back vibe, especially if they’re staying on the coast. The breweries are well-chosen for their quality and reputation, and the tour’s 6-hour duration offers good value for money. If you’re curious about Gold Coast’s brewing scene, this is a popular, highly-rated choice.
Bottom line: Perfect for those wanting to explore beyond Brisbane’s city limits while enjoying a full day of craft beer and scenic views.
4. Afternoon Brisbane Half-Day Brewery Tour
Number 4 is the Afternoon Brisbane Half-Day Brewery Tour. This 3.5-hour experience offers a quick but comprehensive look at Brisbane’s vibrant beer scene, visiting three breweries including Future Magic, Green Beacon, and Sea Legs. Along the way, you go behind the scenes and sample a variety of beers, all while your guide shares interesting stories about the local brewing culture.
Rated 5/5 from 40 reviews, this tour is ideal if you’re short on time but still want a quality experience. The included transit and focus on local favorites make it a good pick for travelers seeking a relaxed, social afternoon. The tour strikes a balance between education and casual fun, with multiple tastings and behind-the-scenes access.
Bottom line: Excellent for time-restricted visitors who want a taste of Brisbane’s craft beer without sacrificing authenticity.
5. Brisbane Small Bars and Street Art Tour
This small bars and street art tour provides a different flavor—an urban adventure combining local small bars and artistic murals. Over 3 hours, you’ll explore hidden bars in Burnett Lane and Fish Lane, learning about street art and enjoying drinks in intimate settings. It’s a great way to experience Brisbane’s creative side, perfect for solo travelers, couples, and those who enjoy a lively, artsy atmosphere.
Reviews are limited but enthusiastic, with one praising the host Nicole’s engaging storytelling and the fresh perspective on the city’s evolution. It’s a good choice if you’re interested in Brisbane’s nightlife beyond just beer, with a focus on culture and local hangouts.
Bottom line: Ideal for art lovers and nightlife explorers who want a relaxed, authentic evening with a drink in hand.
6. Half Day Gold Coast Brewery Tour
Number 6 is the Half Day Gold Coast Brewery Tour. This 3-4 hour tour visits three top breweries like Lost Palms, Black Hops, and Burleigh Brewing. With a small group capped at 11, everyone gets personal attention, and the guide takes care of all the logistics, including tastings and transport.
It’s a straightforward way to sample the best of the coast’s craft scene without overextending your day. Guests appreciate the friendly guides and the chance to chat with brewers directly, making it a popular choice for casual beer lovers.
Bottom line: Great for a compact, enjoyable experience focused on regional favorites with excellent value.
7. Brisbane: Small Bars and Street Art Tour with a Drink
Number 7 offers a smaller, more intimate version of the previous small bars experience, with a focus on quirky bars and street art. Over 3 hours, you’ll explore two different routes—either in the city or West End—and see murals by some of Brisbane’s best artists.
Perfect for travelers who want to combine urban art with local bar culture, this tour is highly rated for its friendly atmosphere and insider knowledge. It promises a lively, social evening with new friends and some of the city’s coolest hidden spots.
Bottom line: A fun choice for art and nightlife enthusiasts wanting an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience.
8. Brisbane And Gold Coast Helicopter Pub Crawl 3 Stops
Number 8 is the Helicopter Pub Crawl, an unforgettable adventure combining helicopter rides and visits to three regional pubs. Over 4 hours, you’ll travel in style from Archerfield to Tamborine Mountain and the Gold Coast, enjoying panoramic views and exclusive pub visits.
Rated 5/5, travelers love the experience’s uniqueness, professionalism, and breathtaking scenery. It’s perfect for those seeking a thrill and a story to tell, with the convenience of having the pilot organize pub stops.
Bottom line: An excellent pick for travelers wanting a once-in-a-lifetime experience with spectacular views and premium hospitality.
9. Brisbane and Gold Coast Helicopter Pub Crawl 5 Stops
For a full-day extravaganza, the 5-stop helicopter pub crawl offers an 8-hour journey with five pub visits. Starting and ending at Archerfield, this tour is suited for larger groups or special celebrations. It includes multiple pub stops, helicopter flights, and plenty of drinks (with responsible moderation).
Rated 5/5, reviewers mention how memorable and fun the experience is. It’s ideal if you want to combine sightseeing, social drinking, and adventure in one package—just remember, it’s on the pricier side.
Bottom line: Best for groups celebrating a special occasion or those who want a high-end, memorable pub-hopping experience.
10. Brewery Tour River Cruise in Brisbane
Number 10 takes a different approach with the Brewery Tour River Cruise. This 3.5-hour evening cruise combines boat travel with visits to two top breweries—Sea Legs and Brisbane Brewing Co.—plus a third stop. It includes one free drink and discounts, with onboard restrooms for comfort.
Rated 4.5/5 from 8 reviews, it appeals to those wanting a relaxed, scenic way to sample Brisbane’s craft scene. The boat adds a leisurely vibe, making it suitable for couples or small groups wanting a mix of sightseeing and drinking.
Bottom line: A charming option for travelers who like combining a river cruise with beer tasting in a peaceful setting.
11. 1 Hour Private Flight Tour with Paired Inflight Beer Tasting
If you’re after something truly unique, the Private Flight with Inflight Beer Tasting offers a 1-hour scenic plane ride paired with curated beer tastings. You’ll fly over Brisbane’s scenic spots and nearby islands, enjoying an onboard tasting of paired beers like Jumpinpin IPA and others.
Rated 5/5, it’s perfect for adventure-seeking travelers who want a combination of aerial sightseeing and fine craft beer. The private aircraft ensures exclusivity and comfort, making it a memorable highlight.
Bottom line: Ideal for couples or small groups craving a personalized, high-end experience that blends flight and tasting.
$406.61 per person
12. Brisbane: Island Pub Crawl with Lunch and High-Speed Boat
This Island Pub Crawl is a full 8-hour adventure, combining high-speed boat rides and visits to North Stradbroke and Moreton Islands. It features a delicious lunch at Amity Tavern and stops at iconic island bars, with chances to see marine wildlife like dolphins and turtles.
Rated 3.5/5, it’s well-suited for active travelers who want a day outdoors, combining beach, boat, and beer. The trip’s length lets you enjoy a laid-back island atmosphere while tasting local drinks.
Bottom line: Best for beach lovers who want a full-day escape with fun boat rides, scenic views, and island bars.
$115 per person
13. Brewery Tour and Beer Tasting in Brisbane
Number 13 offers a door-to-door experience—Brewery Tour and Beer Tasting. Over 6-7 hours, it visits several breweries including Brisbane Brewing Co., Catchment Brewing Co., and BrewDog, with all transportation and tastings organized for you.
Rated 0/5 due to limited reviews, but the concept is attractive for travelers who prefer a comprehensive, stress-free outing. The guide’s knowledge ensures you get a taste of Brisbane’s evolving craft beer scene in comfort.
Bottom line: Suitable for those wanting a full, relaxed day with all logistics handled.
$101.20 per person
14. Brisbane Bar Crawl in Fortitude Valley
Perfect for a lively evening, the Fortitude Valley Bar Crawl is an app-led adventure through Brisbane’s famous nightlife district. Over 1.5 hours, you’ll visit various bars and explore the neighborhood’s vibrant scene.
While reviews are not yet available, it’s an excellent option for solo travelers or groups eager to discover trendy spots and meet new people without the hassle of planning.
Bottom line: A fun, social way to experience Brisbane’s nightlife in one of its most energetic districts.
$14.99 per person
15. Island Pub Crawl with Lunch and High Speed Boat Tour in Brisbane
Finally, the Island Pub Crawl provides a 10-hour mix of boat rides, beach relaxation, and pub visits on North Stradbroke and Moreton Islands. Expect marine wildlife, sandy beaches, and lively island bars, making for a full-day outdoor adventure.
Rated 0/5, it’s perfect for those who want a laid-back day with plenty of scenery, swimming, and drinks.
$101.20 per person
How to Choose Your Drinking Tour in Brisbane
When picking the right tour, think about your budget, the amount of time you want to spend, and whether you’re looking for a relaxed experience or a full-on adventure. For example, if you love a casual afternoon, the Half Day Brewery Tour is a solid choice, whereas the Helicopter Pub Crawl is perfect for thrill-seekers.
Those interested in urban culture will enjoy the Small Bars and Street Art Tour, while craft beer lovers will find the Full Day Brewery Tours and River Cruise appealing. For the ultimate experience, the Helicopter Pub Crawl offers unforgettable views and exclusive access.
Remember to book early—these tours are popular, especially in peak seasons—and confirm availability, as some experiences run only on specific days.
Final Thoughts
Brisbane truly offers a diverse range of drinking tours that cater to different tastes—from the classic brewery visit to luxurious helicopter pub crawls. For a laid-back, authentic taste of Queensland brewing, the XXXX Brewery Tour is hard to beat. If you’re after a full day of exploration with food and tastings, the Brisbane Full Day Tour hits the mark.
Travelers seeking adventure will love the Helicopter Pub Crawl, while those wanting a cultural twist can enjoy the Small Bars and Street Art Tour. Whatever your style, Brisbane’s drinking scene is lively, diverse, and ready for you to explore—so don’t wait too long to book your favorite experience.