Noosa and the Sunshine Coast are known for their stunning beaches and natural beauty, but they’re also a fantastic destination for beer enthusiasts. With a thriving local craft beer scene and scenic hinterland wineries, this region offers a variety of brewery tours that blend flavor, scenery, and good company. Among our favorites is the Noosa Brewery Tour – The Best of Noosa, which stands out for its small-group intimacy and in-depth tasting experience. We love how it combines visits to three top breweries with a hearty local lunch, all while letting a knowledgeable driver-guide handle the logistics. It’s perfect for those who want to sample the best without the hassle of driving.
Another excellent option is the Noosa Hinterland Drinks Tour, which combines wine, beer, and spirits amid the lush scenery of the hinterland. This tour offers a more relaxed pace, with visits to a boutique vineyard, a craft brewery, and a rustic distillery, topped off with a homemade lunch. Lastly, for those who want a straightforward local craft beer adventure, the Sunshine Coast Brewery Tour with Lunch offers behind-the-scenes visits to three breweries, chatting with brewers, and tasting award-winning beers—all within five hours. Each tour provides a distinct experience suited to different tastes and schedules.
1. Noosa Brewery Tour – The Best of Noosa
At number one on our list, the Noosa Brewery Tour – The Best of Noosa is a standout for its small-group setting and comprehensive brewery visits. For around $190, you’ll spend about five hours exploring three of Noosa’s top craft breweries, all with a driver-guide making sure everyone stays safe and relaxed. The tour is limited to just 11 people, which means more personal attention and the chance to ask plenty of questions about the brewing process.
What makes this tour really appealing is the balance between education and tasting. Each stop allows at least an hour to sample beers and learn about how they’re made. Included is a hearty local lunch, which pairs nicely with your drinks. Guests consistently praise the personable guide, with one reviewer noting, “The trip was made even more enjoyable by our tour guide Dave.” This tour is perfect for those who want a structured but intimate experience, with the convenience of transport included. The focus on local breweries guarantees you’ll leave knowing more about Noosa’s craft beer scene than when you arrived.
Bottom line: A well-rounded, small-group brewery experience that combines tasting, learning, and local cuisine.
2. Noosa Hinterland Drinks Tour – distillery, winery and brewery
Second on our list, the Noosa Hinterland Drinks Tour offers a full day of exploring the region’s refined beverage scene. For just over $200, you’ll visit a boutique vineyard in Traveston for a guided wine tasting with a cheese platter, then move on to a craft brewery in Cooran, where you can choose between beer, cider, or a specialty drink. The highlight is a visit to a rustic distillery in Pomona, where a delicious sit-down lunch awaits, paired with local spirits or beers.
This tour is ideal if you want a broader taste of the hinterland’s beverage offerings in one day. The itinerary emphasizes scenic drives through rolling countryside, with plenty of time to relax and savor each stop. Reviewers mention the tour’s relaxed pace and enjoy the intimate, friendly atmosphere. It’s well suited for those who want to combine wine, beer, and spirits into a single day trip, especially if they appreciate a good cheese platter and a scenic setting.
Bottom line: A varied, flavorful experience showcasing the best of the hinterland’s craft drinks with a focus on leisurely exploration.
3. Sunshine Coast Brewery Tour with Lunch
Finally, the Sunshine Coast Brewery Tour with Lunch offers a no-fuss, straightforward introduction to the local craft beer scene. Priced at about $165, this five-hour tour takes you behind the scenes of three breweries, tasting a range of award-winning beers. The guides are local experts and ensure you get a real taste of the region’s brewing culture.
The stops include Moffat Beach Brewing Co, where you’ll see the brewing process firsthand, and Your Mates Brewing, famous for Larry, the Sunshine Coast’s most popular beer. The final stop is Sunshine Brewery, a smaller venue packed with memorabilia and unique brews. The tour includes a delicious lunch at one of the breweries, making it ideal for those who prefer a more relaxed, casual experience. While it doesn’t have reviews yet, its focus on local production and engaging tastings makes it appealing.
Bottom line: Perfect for beer lovers wanting a casual, behind-the-scenes look at Sunshine Coast breweries, with good food and a friendly atmosphere.
$165.30 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect Brewery Tour
When picking the right tour, consider your budget, time, and what kind of experience you’re after. If you’re a craft beer connoisseur who wants a small, intimate experience with a good meal, the Noosa Brewery Tour – The Best of Noosa is a great pick. Those interested in a broader beverage experience might prefer the Noosa Hinterland Drinks Tour, especially if they enjoy wine and spirits along with beer.
For travelers seeking a straightforward, laid-back brewery visit with a local guide, the Sunshine Coast Brewery Tour with Lunch offers excellent value and simplicity. Think about your schedule and whether you want a quick half-day trip or a full-day adventure to make the best choice.
To sum it up, Noosa and Sunshine Coast serve up a variety of brewery tours tailored to different tastes. The small-group experience, scenic hinterland explorations, and behind-the-scenes brewery visits all offer something special. If you’re a beer lover, these tours are a fantastic way to enjoy the region’s craft scene while soaking in the beautiful scenery. Be sure to book early, especially during peak season, and get ready for a flavorful day out.