Ah, Brisbane, one of the most underrated cities in Australia. From what I gathered from my Aussie friends is that Brisbane has taken some time to figure itself out. That it might have lacked identity for a while, especially in comparison to its famous counterparts, Sydney and Melbourne. But on my visit, the city seemed to be coming together in it’s own eclectic way and one thing that really stood out to me, the fantastic breweries in Brisbane.
From industrial design to some of the best views in the city, from creative concoctions to local standards, breweries in Brisbane have a lot to offer. I found the task of seeking them out to help me explore more of the city, including a lot of neighborhoods that would likely get overlooked. Although I was not in town long enough to visit every single Brisbane brewery, I have made a list of my favorite breweries in Brisbane that you don’t want to miss. Read on 😉
The Best Breweries in Brisbane to add to your Bucket List
Felons Brewing
Felons might be one of the best locations in all of Brizzy. Maybe that’s just my opinion as an outsider but the view here is insane. Located right under the iconic Story Bridge on the Brisbane River, you have a perfect view of the city. We went to Felons on our first night in Brisbane and got caught in an insane thunderstorm. Luckily at Felons, you can sit right on the edge of the covered patio, beer in hand and watch the storm pass over the city. It was STUNNING. Nowhere else I would have rather been at that moment.
As for the beer, it’s good! Not super versatile or surprising but tasty none the less. You will definitely find a nice easy drinking beer, no matter your preference. Plus this place is a full restaurant so you can get wine, cocktails and delicious food as well. They even have wood fired pizzas!
5 Boundary Street, Brisbane City QLD 4000
Sea Legs Brewing
This was one of my favorites for a number of reasons. The owners are super friendly, the beer is well thought out, and it takes you to a whole new part of town. We walked from Fortitude Valley, over the Story Bridge, and into Kangaroo Point, an adorable little suburb within the curve of the Brisbane River.
The space is industrial and open to exposed brew kettles. It’s very casual and a great place to hang. We chatted with one of the owners for a bit who told us about how he and a few friends had dreamed of opening a brewery for years now and thats how Sea Legs came about. They are super passionate about creative beer and community and it shows. Not to mention, you can grab a tasty bite here too, from pizzas to wings to burgers and fries. Ya know, perfect beer food. 😉
Under the Story Bridge at 89 Main Street, Kangaroo Point, Brisbane, QLD 4169
Brisbane Brewing Company
Taking you across town to the West End, you will find Brisbane Brewing Co tucked away on Boundary Street. It sneaks up on you a bit as you notice a laneway and some striped umbrellas that lead you right into the open air garden connected to a rather stylish interior.
Leather seating and abundant greenery create a home-y chic atmosphere as you walk straight back to the bar. Order a pitcher and something from the DELICIOUS food menu, grab a number and pick a seat wherever you’d like. We had some pork nachos that were out of this world and a delicious IPA.
The beers range from simple, like the Brissy Lager, to really creative like the Banana Milkshake IPA. This is a definitely must when walking down Boundary Street in the West End, try to get there for happy hour if you can! From here, keep heading down Boundary toward the Boundary Hotel, no, it’s not an actual hotel, but instead a super stylish, multilevel bar and restaurant for a drink and maybe some live music.
124 Boundary St, West End QLD 4101
Green Beacon
This was a name we had seen on tap all around Australia so it was exciting to get here and see what it’s all about. Walking Northeast from the Story Bridge in Fortitude Valley, you will run into Green Beacon on the line between Teneriffe and Newstead. This is an AWESOME area for brewery hopping (the next two on the list are just a skip away).
Green Beacon is another open, industrial designed brewery with a huge garage door style entrance, a long bar on the left and stylish seating. They also have rotating food trucks throughout the week. The beer is creative and delicious leaving Green Beacon one of my favorite breweries in Brisbane.
26 Helen St, Teneriffe, QLD 4005
Newstead Brewing
Staying nearby, you will find a Newstead staple, Newstead Brewery right around the corner. A 1940’s bus depot turned brewery, Newstead Brewing’s Newstead location has a really unique industrial design and feel. (Is that too much Newstead?) It’s wide open and spacious while feeling somehow cozy and welcoming.
With a versatile core range, you’re likely to find something easy and delicious here, including ciders if that’s your thing. They also have regular collaborations and special batches that are always interesting and ever-changing. And as always with these Aussie breweries, the food is on point.
Newstead has multiple breweries in Brisbane, the location I visited is the original located in Newstead but they also have a much larger spot across town in Milton. This is now their production facility and looks quite fancy. I usually opt for more low-key spots but this second location seems worth a visit if you’re nearby.
85 Doggett Street, Newstead, Queensland
Range Brewing
Just a little further north from Newstead Brewing, you will find Range Brewing. A smaller brewery with a more minimalistic design, Range had my heart. There was something so unique about their approach to beer and their space. It had a great atmosphere that was super inviting and although it was fairly crowded when we were there, people were inviting and we even made some new friends.
Range is another brewery with a well-rounded selection of beer (including sours!- my fave) and each beer feels very well thought out. They are slightly more complex here than some of the other spots on this list so if you are a true beer lover, you don’t want to miss Range. They also have some pretty rad merchandise, perfect for all you souvenir lovers out there.
4 Byres Street, Newstead, Queensland 4006
Soapbox Beer
Fortitude Valley’s first independent craft beer brewery, Soapbox Beer is all about using delicious beer to bring people together. From hosting trivia nights to private functions and events benefitting important causes around Brisbane and Australia, Soapbox really does it all. This place is a blast to visit and the food is on point. Come hungry and get ready to indulge in the Soapbox fries covered in beer onion gravy or some crispy adobo wings. Fear not, there are more sophisticated dining options as well if that’s your thing.
Located right on the main drag at 89-101 Gipps Street, you don’t want to miss this one while exploring Fortitude Valley.
89-101 Gipps Street, Fortitude Valley, QLD 4006
Aether Brewing
Located a little further out in the Northgate neighborhood, Aether is another must see brewery in Brisbane. “Bound by Creativity” is their slogan and it shows. A couple excellent examples being the Mezcal, Grapefruit and Lime Sour and the Chinese White Tea and Peach Sour, I mean, c’mon those sound crazy AND delicious.
When we stopped by, the brewery was hosting a run, serving as the start and finish for the participants. It was crowded, lively, and full of great energy. Another great thing about Aether is it brings you to a new area that’s really fun to explore.
340 Melton Rd, Northgate QLD 4013
Heading to Byron next? Check out my list of what to do in Byron Bay, here.
There you have it, my list of the best breweries in Brisbane! Beer culture can be a great way to experience a place like Brisbane. You meet so many people and learn so much about the place and how it’s viewed and explored by the people who live there. It also takes you out of the touristy areas and into the real neighborhoods of the city, so get out there, and drink some beer. 😉
Love ya,
Hannah
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1 Comment
Wally
November 22, 2021 at 4:56 amThanks Hannah so much better for sharing these breweries 🙂 I love a great cold beer. Great spots to checkout while there on vacation.