10 Best Drinking Tours In Brisbane

Brisbane is one of Australia’s most underrated drinking destinations. The city’s lively craft beer scene is booming, and it offers a surprisingly diverse range of options for those who enjoy a good pint or a guided tasting. Whether you’re a beer novice or a seasoned connoisseur, Brisbane’s tours combine authentic experiences with stunning scenery and local flavor. Some tours, like the XXXX Brewery Tour, are perfect for quick, educational visits, while others, like the Brisbane Brewery Full Day Tour with Lunch, offer a full day of tasting and behind-the-scenes insights. If you’re after something truly memorable, the Brisbane and Gold Coast Helicopter Pub Crawl combines sightseeing with drinks in a way that’s hard to top.

Brisbane’s mix of modern breweries, historic pubs, and scenic river views makes it an excellent spot for a guided drinking tour. The city’s welcoming vibe means you’ll always find friendly guides, top-notch local brews, and the chance to learn about Queensland’s beer culture. Plus, many tours offer extras like food, street art, or even helicopter rides, blending the social with the spectacular. For an urban adventure that blends the best of Queensland’s brewing talent and outdoor scenery, these tours stand out.

1. XXXX Brewery Tour

At number 1, the XXXX Brewery Tour offers a classic Brisbane experience. This 90-minute tour takes you directly into one of Queensland’s most iconic breweries, starting and ending right in central Brisbane. You’ll walk through the historic brewery, see how XXXX is made, and learn about its story, which is as Australian as Vegemite on toast. The tour includes a generous range of XXXX beer tastings, and you get to pour your own pint upon learning the art of the perfect serve. Many visitors appreciate the insider look at the brewing process, and the review scores reflect this, with lots of enthusiasm for the engaging guides and great value. The bottling hall visit (when operational) is a highlight, offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse most breweries don’t provide.

Bottom line: Perfect for those wanting a deep dive into Australia’s favorite beer with a friendly, accessible vibe. Expect to learn, taste, and walk away with a new appreciation for XXXX.

2. Brisbane Brewery Full Day Tour with Lunch

Ranking second, this full-day tour hits all the marks for a comprehensive craft beer experience. Over approximately 6 hours, you’ll visit four different breweries, including the award-winning Green Beacon Brewing Co. The tour features ample tastings at each venue, with some breweries offering peeks into their brewing process when possible. Included is a hearty lunch, making it ideal for those wanting more than just a tasting session. The coach transfers are seamless, so you can focus on enjoying the beers without worrying about driving. Reviewers love the mix of education and fun, with one noting, “Made awesome friends and learned a lot.” This tour suits anyone interested in a relaxed, social day dedicated to Brisbane’s craft scene.

Bottom line: A great option for beer lovers who want to sample multiple breweries and enjoy a full day with food, making it good value for money.

3. Gold Coast Full Day Brewery Tour

The Gold Coast Full Day Brewery Tour is rated perfect by its fans for its hassle-free, in-depth approach. It’s similar in scope to the Brisbane full-day experience but takes you beyond Brisbane’s city limits, exploring four top breweries on the Gold Coast. You’ll chat with brewers, sample a wide range of beers, and enjoy a generous lunch. Popular stops include Lost Palms Brewing and Balter Brewing, both known for their unique styles and local flavor. The small group size ensures personal attention, and the guides are praised for their knowledge. If you’re staying on the coast and want to combine sightseeing with beer tasting, this tour is a winner.

Bottom line: Ideal for those based on the Gold Coast seeking an authentic, relaxed experience with insider access to local breweries.

4. Afternoon Brisbane Half-Day Brewery Tour

For a shorter, more focused experience, the Afternoon Brisbane Half-Day Brewery Tour fits perfectly into a busy schedule. Covering about 3.5 hours, it visits three popular breweries, including Future Magic Brewing Co, which offers behind-the-scenes access. The tour emphasizes local favorites and the chance to see Brisbane’s brewing scene from a different angle. Passengers praise the “knowledgeable guide” and the relaxed pace that allows for plenty of tasting. This tour is best suited for travelers who want a taste of Brisbane’s craft scene without a full-day commitment.

Bottom line: Great for those short on time but eager to sample Brisbane’s craft beers and explore local breweries with ease.

5. Brisbane: XXXX Beer Brewery Tour and Beer Tasting

This 90-minute tour offers an intimate look at the heritage-listed XXXX brewery, home to Australia’s most beloved beer. You’ll learn about 136 years of brewing tradition, explore the brewery’s historic buildings, and taste fresh beers on tap. It’s especially suited for history and beer enthusiasts who want a quick, insightful experience. The tour includes a walk through the brewery’s heritage-listed facilities and a beer tasting session. Reviewers highlight the “passion of the guides and the delicious beers”. It’s excellent value if you want a concise but rich introduction to Australia’s beer icon.

Bottom line: Ideal for travelers with limited time who still want a meaningful brewery experience focused on one of Australia’s most famous brands.

6. Half Day Gold Coast Brewery Tour

The Half Day Gold Coast Brewery Tour offers a personalized experience with a small group capped at 11. It explores three breweries including Black Hops, known for its award-winning beers, and Burleigh Brewing, famed for innovative styles. The tour’s relaxed pace allows plenty of tastings and a good chance to chat with local brewers. It’s praised for its “friendly guide”, and the beer selection is described as “generous.” Perfect for those staying on the coast who want a manageable but in-depth taste of local craft brewing.

Bottom line: Best suited for travelers who prefer a more personal, less rushed tour of top Gold Coast breweries.

7. Brisbane Small Bars and Street Art Tour

Instead of focusing solely on beer, this 3-hour tour combines small bars with street art, offering a different kind of Brisbane nightlife experience. Perfect for solo travelers, couples, or friends, it takes you through Burnett Lane and Fish Lane, areas famed for their murals and quirky bars. The guide is praised as “bright, articulate, and fun”, making it a lively exploration of Brisbane’s creative side. While not a traditional drinking tour, it’s a fantastic choice for those who want to combine art and a casual drink.

Bottom line: Great for travelers interested in exploring Brisbane’s vibrant street art scene alongside some local watering holes.

8. Brisbane: Small Bars and Street Art Tour with a Drink

This evening tour pairs street art discoveries with visits to some of Brisbane’s best small bars. Designed for those eager to experience Brisbane’s nightlife, it includes two routes—either in the city or West End—and offers plenty of opportunities for drinks and socializing. Tour-goers enjoy hearing the stories behind murals and visiting bars they might never find solo. It’s perfect for travelers who want a relaxed, authentic night out with a mix of culture and cocktails.

Bottom line: Ideal for those seeking a fun, laid-back way to discover Brisbane’s artsy nightlife and hidden bars.

9. Brisbane And Gold Coast Helicopter Pub Crawl 3 Stops

This luxury experience combines scenic helicopter flights with visits to three regional pubs. Departing from Brisbane, you’ll fly over Tamborine Mountain, Eagle Heights, and other scenic spots, with each stop offering a unique pub experience. The pilot communicates via text to coordinate the stops, making this a seamless and memorable adventure. Rated highly for “breathtaking scenery and professional pilots”, it’s a great choice for special occasions or those seeking a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Bottom line: Best suited for travelers craving a combination of sightseeing and premium pub-hopping, with a big budget.

10. Brisbane and Gold Coast Helicopter Pub Crawl 5 Stops

Taking the helicopter pub crawl to another level, this 7-8 hour tour includes five stops and is perfect for large groups or celebrations. Starting at Archerfield Airport, you’ll enjoy flights over scenic areas, visiting pubs with no need to worry about driving. The reviews highlight “unforgettable scenery and fun times with friends” making it ideal for birthdays and group outings. However, at over $1,200 per person, it’s an investment in a truly special day.

Bottom line: For those splurging on a special event or large group, this tour combines adventure, scenery, and multiple pubs in style.

How to Choose Your Perfect Brisbane Drinking Tour

When deciding between these options, consider your budget, time constraints, and what kind of experience appeals most. If you want a quick, educational intro to Australia’s most famous brewery, the XXXX Brewery Tour is ideal. For a full day of tasting and chatting with local brewers, the Brisbane Brewery Full Day Tour with Lunch offers great value. If your aim is a memorable, scenic adventure, the Helicopter Pub Crawl provides unmatched views and exclusivity, but at a higher price point.

Look at whether you prefer a focus on craft beers, historic breweries, street art, or a blend of sightseeing and drinking. Booking early is recommended, especially for the full-day tours or helicopter experiences, which tend to fill up quickly.

Brisbane’s beer scene is both diverse and accessible, whether you’re after a quick brewery visit or a grand scenic tour. For a taste of local flavor and scenery, the full-day craft brewery tours are hard to beat. If you’re craving something extraordinary, the helicopter pub crawls will create memories that last a lifetime. Whichever you choose, these tours promise a genuine look at Brisbane’s lively drinking culture—so raise a glass and start planning your trip.