Brisbane isn’t just a city of stunning skylines and lush parks—it’s also a fantastic place to explore Australia’s booming craft beer scene. The city’s mix of historic breweries, innovative microbreweries, and scenic riverfront locations makes it a perfect spot for beer lovers. We particularly like the XXXX Brewery Tour for its classic appeal and insider access, and the Brisbane Brewery Full Day Tour with Lunch for those eager to sample the best of multiple breweries with a knowledgeable guide. Whether you want a quick taste or an in-depth day out, Brisbane’s brewery tours deliver authentic experiences that go beyond just drinking a cold one.
For travelers who appreciate a blend of history, craft, and local flavor, these tours stand out. From the detailed tour of Queensland’s iconic XXXX Brewery () to the all-day exploration of Brisbane’s craft scene (), the list below offers options for every schedule and interest.
1. XXXX Brewery Tour
Rated 4.5/5 from over 300 reviews, the XXXX Brewery Tour gives a genuine behind-the-scenes look at Queensland’s most famous beer brand. For about $25, you get 90 minutes of exploring the historic brewery, where you’ll walk through the brewing, packaging, and bottling areas. It’s a solid choice for those interested in the production process, with an emphasis on learning and tasting. The tour starts at the visitor center, where you’ll hear about the brewery’s origins, then proceed to see the machinery in operation, including the bottling line—most weekdays, the packaging hall is running, offering a rare glimpse into commercial beer production.
What makes this tour special is the chance to pour your own beer after learning from seasoned brewers. The tastings are generous, often including a variety of XXXX beers. Plus, there’s an option to upgrade and enjoy a burger lunch, making it a good value. Some reviews mention that not every production area was operational during their visit, but guides make up for it with their knowledge and enthusiasm. This tour is perfect for those seeking a straightforward, informative, and fun experience with plenty of tastings.
Bottom Line: An excellent introduction to Brisbane’s most iconic brewery, ideal for fans of local history and craft beer alike.
2. Brisbane Brewery Full Day Tour with Lunch
At number 2, the Brisbane Brewery Full Day Tour with Lunch, scores a perfect 5/5 from 64 reviews. For around $142, you spend about six hours visiting four top breweries, making it ideal for those wanting a comprehensive taste of Brisbane’s craft beer scene. The tour includes visits to Green Beacon Brewing Co., Sea Legs Brewing Co., White Lies Brewing Co., and Future Magic Brewing Co.. Each stop offers guided tastings, with plenty of opportunity to chat with brewers and hear their stories.
What makes this tour stand out is the combination of variety and depth. It’s not just about tasting; the guide shares insights about the brewing process and the history of each brewery. The included hearty lunch complements the beer flights, ensuring you stay fueled for the day. Guests praise the tour for its friendly guides and well-organized logistics, plus the chance to sample a broad spectrum of beer styles. The only minor drawback might be the pace—if you’re not a fan of full days on your feet, it could feel a bit long.
Bottom Line: Perfect for dedicated beer enthusiasts wanting a full immersion in Brisbane’s craft beer culture, with the added bonus of local stories and good company.
3. Gold Coast Full Day Brewery Tour
Number 3 takes us to the Gold Coast, where a full-day tour visits four breweries including Lost Palms Brewing, Black Hops, Balter Brewing, and Burleigh Brewing. Priced at $141.70 and rated 5/5, this trip is ideal if you’re based outside Brisbane but want to explore Queensland’s brewing hotspots. It includes round-trip transport from the Gold Coast, making logistics hassle-free.
This tour emphasizes interaction with the brewers, with many stops offering behind-the-scenes looks at how their award-winning beers are made. You’ll enjoy tastings ranging from innovative new releases to crowd favorites, and a delicious lunch is included to balance out the drinking. The itinerary is flexible, and reviews highlight the friendly guides and the variety of beer styles sampled. If you’re a fan of local stories and want to see some of Australia’s best breweries in one day, this tour is a strong pick.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for travelers staying on the Gold Coast who want a relaxed, comprehensive brewery experience.
4. Afternoon Brisbane Half-Day Brewery Tour
Number 4 offers a shorter, more concentrated experience in Brisbane itself for about $107.80. The Afternoon Brisbane Half-Day Brewery Tour is rated 5/5 from 40 reviews and lasts just over three hours. It visits three breweries, including Future Magic Brewing, Green Beacon, and Sea Legs. This tour is perfect if you’re pressed for time but still want a good look at local craft brewing.
The tour includes behind-the-scenes visits where possible, with generous tastings at each stop. The guide is valued for their engaging storytelling and local knowledge, making the short trip feel full and satisfying. It’s a great way to get a quick taste of Brisbane’s craft scene without sacrificing the quality of experience. The convenience of transit included means you can focus on the beer and ignore the logistics.
Bottom Line: An ideal choice for travelers with limited time who still want a meaningful brewery experience.
5. Half Day Gold Coast Brewery Tour
The Half Day Gold Coast Brewery Tour offers a more relaxed, smaller-group exploration of three breweries, with a price of just under $108. This tour is rated 5/5 from 21 reviews and lasts about 3 to 4 hours. It features visits to Lost Palms, Black Hops, and Burleigh Brewing, with each stop offering tastings and behind-the-scenes insights.
What sets this tour apart is the personal touch: small groups (limited to 11), and the guide taking care of all logistics, so you can focus on tasting. It’s perfect for travelers who want a deeper connection with the local brewers and enjoy a more intimate setting. The included tastings showcase a variety of styles, and reviews mention the enthusiastic guides and the quality of beer.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those seeking a relaxed, intimate atmosphere with a focus on local craftsmanship.
6. Brewery Tour River Cruise in Brisbane
For something a little different, the Brewery Tour River Cruise combines sightseeing with beer tasting. Rated 4.5/5 from 8 reviews, this $36 tour lasts about three and a half hours. It includes visits to Sea Legs Brewing and Brisbane Brewing Co. with the added fun of cruising along the Brisbane River.
Traveling between breweries by boat offers a relaxing way to experience the city, plus the cruise includes exclusive offers and skip-the-line access. The industrial-style Sea Legs brewery, located beneath the Story Bridge, gives a distinctive experience, with the boat ride offering scenic views and a laid-back vibe. It’s well-suited for solo travelers or small groups wanting a memorable evening out without the hassle of planning transport.
Bottom Line: A unique, scenic way to experience Brisbane’s brewing scene, especially suited for night outings or those interested in combining city views with craft beer.
7. Brewery Tour and Beer Tasting in Brisbane
At the top end for length and depth, the Brewery Tour and Beer Tasting covers 6–7 hours and visits several breweries, including Brisbane Brewing Co., Catchment Brewing, and BrewDog. Priced at $101.20, it includes door-to-door transport in a Mercedes Benz bus, making it especially comfortable and convenient.
This tour is designed for serious beer fans who want an extended day of tasting, learning, and exploring Brisbane’s craft scene. The itinerary focuses on varied breweries, each offering different styles and stories—perfect for those who want to deepen their knowledge. The guide is highly attentive, and reviews praise the quality of tastings and the inclusive feel. A drawback could be the lengthy schedule, so it’s best for those with full days available.
Bottom Line: For dedicated craft beer lovers who want a comprehensive, guided experience with organizational ease.
$101.20 per person
8. Hop on Hop off Brewery Adventure
Finally, the Hop on Hop off Brewery Adventure offers flexible exploration at your own pace. For $66.79, you get unlimited access to buses that visit Fortitude Brewing, The Kennel Tap Room, and Tamborine Mountain attractions, including wineries and distilleries. It’s a self-guided tour with the added benefit of exclusive discounts at select breweries.
This experience is great if you prefer to customize your visit, hopping between different stops when you like. The buses are air-conditioned and operate on a flexible schedule, which allows you to spend as much or as little time at each brewery as you wish. It’s perfect for travelers who want control over their day and enjoy a mix of brewery visits and regional sightseeing.
Bottom Line: Ideal for independent travelers or those who prefer a flexible, self-paced approach to brewery hopping.
$66.79 per person
How to Choose the Right Brisbane Brewery Tour
When selecting a brewery tour, consider your time, budget, and interests. If you want a deep dive into Queensland’s most famous brewery, the XXXX Brewery Tour offers a solid intro. For those craving variety and a full-day experience, the Brisbane Brewery Full Day Tour with Lunch provides excellent value. Budget travelers or those seeking a quick overview should consider the Afternoon Brisbane Half-Day Brewery Tour.
If your schedule is tight but you still want quality, the Half Day Gold Coast Brewery Tour offers a relaxed pace and personal interaction. For a night out, the Brewery Tour River Cruise combines sightseeing with craft beer in a scenic setting. And if you like to chart your own course, the Hop on Hop off Brewery Adventure lets you customize your day.
Booking early is wise, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred date and ensure a spot on these popular tours.
Brisbane’s brewery scene is lively, diverse, and full of surprises. Whether you’re after a quick taste, an educational experience, or a full-day exploration, these tours are sure to deepen your appreciation for Queensland’s craft beer culture. For beer lovers, each offers a chance to connect with local brewers, learn about the process, and—most importantly—enjoy some excellent beers. Cheers to discovering Brisbane’s best brews on your next trip.