Noosa is the land of many things. Beautiful beaches, stunning national parks, charming coastal and hinterland villages, and more recently, beer.
Out of Noosa’s fertile grounds, a series of local breweries have sprouted, each with their own vibe and deliciously frothy beverages.
For swiggers of beer, there’s really no better way to explore what’s on offer than a craft beer crawl through the best breweries in Noosa’s industrial estate. So, rope in a designated driver and get ready to sip your way through this hit list.
Land & Sea Brewery
Inspired by the beauty of Noosa and the freeing lifestyle it offers, Land & Sea is the ideal watering hole to start your tasting journey.
The OG of Noosa industrial estate’s breweries, the beer folk here believe life is one grand adventure and Land & Sea is the beer to take along for the ride. With that in mind, this is the haunt you want to rock up to after a sunshine-filled morning spent dancing along the waves at Noosa’s points. It’s also the ideal spot to rally together a few families with ample seating both in and outdoors, and loads of room for the groms and pups to run around.
Drop in around lunch and treat your stomach to some next-level nosh, before getting down to the business of beers. You’ll find dishes to share, like chicken wings, grazing boards and the most addictive shoestring fries, or keep things to yourself with a Rueben sandwich, chicken parmigiana or a Noosa gin-cured salmon bagel.
Now to the brews, and Land & Sea has a rolling list that will see everyone find a favourite. From lagers and IPA’s to mid-strengths and pale ales, Land & Sea’s golden drops can be poured straight off the tap or hunted down at restaurants, cafes and bottle shops across Noosa and the Sunshine Coast.
Want to learn all about your favourite beer? Book a combined brewery and distillery tour (Fortune distillery is under the same roof as Land & Sea) and enjoy an immersive experience, where you’ll be dished up the ins and outs of the life cycles of yeast, as well as the traditional distilling methods used in-house. To top it all off, a tasting paddle of house-brewed craft beer and Fortune’s high-quality spirits will be yours for the sampling.
Heads of Noosa Brewing Co.
Just as the headlands of Noosa turn swell into world-class waves, Heads of Noosa Brewing Co. crafts natural ingredients into a range of award-winning beers that will make it almost impossible to stop at one.
While the beers can be enjoyed at many local restaurants across the region, the best place to down them is easily where they are created—the Heads of Noosa brewery.
Sitting close to Noosa Civic, it goes without saying that any shopping trip should end with a round of tasty tipples in this purpose-built brewery’s taproom.
Specialising in the humble lager, you’ll find their complete beer offering on tap, ready to quench your thirst. Start with the clean and crisp Japanese Lager, followed by the refreshingly fruitier amber lager, Summer Dusk and be sure to leave room for the bold and punchy Bock. Pair your tipples with dishes that are a good enough reason on their own to visit Heads of Noosa—the pulled pork Arepa, smoked lamb roti or Korean fried chicken burger will send your tastebuds wild. And, if you’ve got a sober Sally in tow, order a Hop Valley H2O—made by Heads of Noosa, this sparkling water is hop-infused and alcohol-free.
Brewery tours run exclusively on Saturdays, so book a spot and take a behind-the-scenes look – it’ll give you a whole new appreciation for your new favourite drop.
Boiling Pot Brewing Co.
As the sun goes down in Noosa, there’s no better place to be knocking back a schooner than the lantern-lit courtyard at Boiling Pot Brewing Co., so save this one until last. Perch at the bar bench overlooking the street with your date or gather your favourite people around one of the picnic tables, there’s really no wrong way to experience the ambience of this joint.
Sliding open its doors in late 2019, Boiling Pot is named after the iconic lookout in Noosa National Park and joined the growing list of Noosa breweries with a bang.
Tucked on a corner, on the edge of the industrial estate, you’ll most likely have spotted this place when getting a chop at Captain Sip Sops or browsing the hand-crafted sticks at Thomas Surfboards across the road. Luring visitors into the black-coated warehouse are high ceilings, giant wall art, aromas from the in-house kitchen, and the irresistible sound of Boiling Pot’s core and seasonal beers filling glasses—if there’s no seats outside, a table in the taproom will give you access to all the action.
With more than a handful of beers pouring at any time, you’ll be jumping between the Gentleman’s Ale, Golden Ale or black lager to name a few. Alternatively, there’s a carefully-selected wine list, locally-made ginger beer and kombucha.
Come with an empty stomach and feast on a sumptuous European-inspired menu, created using locally-sourced produce where possible. The pizzas have a loyal following, including the Figo—think: fresh figs, gorgonzola, prosciutto and candied walnuts—but if you’d rather pick a few small plates, you’ll find freshly-shucked oysters, bruschetta and one of the best charcuterie boards this end of the Sunshine Coast.
Whatever you do, don’t leave without a quick pit-stop at the fridge for a four-pack to take home. You deserve it.
