The Sunshine Coast has a thriving network of local breweries that are tapping into the trend of boutique-style beer. If this is your thing, then get ready to try some award-winning crafted beers made with passion, decadence and love for fine-tuning the unique flavours that craft beer can incorporate. Many of our local beer entrepreneurs started with an appreciation for the beer that expanded into a desire to produce a next-level beverage for others to enjoy, and many are utilising local natural elements and ingredients in their production. The industry has exploded across the Sunshine Coast with new breweries continuing to pop up around the place, much to the enjoyment of holiday-makers and locals alike.
This article is here to help you navigate and experience these sensational local beers while you’re here, sending you on a ‘tastecapade’ through the best hand-crafted breweries.
These guys started out in a humble industrial shed here on the Sunshine Coast, incorporating their love for the beach lifestyle into the identity of their product. Setting aside the corporate life, they have made a legacy in craft beer instead with their handcrafted beer range being used in taps across Queensland and sold in retailers bottle-shops.
Wonderfully perched overlooking the Moffat Beach cove is the award-winning Moffat Beach Brewing Co. Serving up a delightful pairing of top quality beers with a stellar menu, enjoy all that this place has to offer while enjoying the ocean views. These guys also regularly book local gigs so head on down on a Friday or Sunday for some live music!
When thinking of finding a Sunshine Coast brewery, we’d be silly not to include the namesake in the list. Not exactly new to the scene, these guys have been brewing here since 1998, making them one of the first craft breweries on the Sunshine Coast. They also touted as being one of the oldest running microbreweries in Queensland. Inspired by iconic beer locations around the world such as Germany and Ireland, there are flavours for every beer appreciator to come and coat their palates. One of their classics is the Summer Ale, a mid-strength that we highly recommend you try while you’re there.
Not to be confused with the location above, the Sunshine Brewery is another great place to gain the full experience of beer production and fine quality taste on the Sunshine Coast. Set in an open warehouse facility featuring long wooden tables and large cellar doors, the building itself creates an atmosphere of camaraderie around good food and good beer. They regularly book local food vans who pop in providing a meal for patrons, as the owners are passionate about sharing a beer and a bite with locals and visitors alike.
Another couple of dreamers who left professional careers to chase the scent of beer-passion, Your Mates was birthed in a humble backyard garage, known to their mates as ‘The Scrapyard Bar’. With the continued support of friends and a growing network of relationships with the local community, the pursuit of great beer has led to one of the most well-known beer labels in Queensland. If you haven’t had a Larry yet, get yourself a glass asap!
If you’re in the mood to hit up these brew-hubs and more all in one day, why not take advantage of a local craft beer tour with Sunshine Coast Craft Beer Tours. They offer several halves or full-day trips which get you exclusive access behind the scenes, meeting the brewers and making the most of your visit. Head to sunshinecoastcraftbeertours.com.au to take a look at their trips or stop in at one of the fabulous locations we’ve mentioned above- good vibes are guaranteed!