When it comes to Australian foodie getaways, we all know that wine lovers are spoilt for choice. But are we leaving beer fans high and dry?
Not likely. In fact, we’ve found seven fantastic spots to have a pint (or a pot… or a schooner… ). Cheers!
1. Lees Hotel, Ingham, Queensland
What better place to down a cold frothy than the original ‘Pub with No Beer’? The famous Slim Dusty song was written about this very pub in North Queensland’s sugar cane belt. Irishman Dan Sheahan called Ingham home, as did many migrants in the 1900s, and he penned the poem ‘Pub with No Beer’ as an ode to the establishment (which was called the Day Dawn Hotel back then). Gordon Parsons adapted it into a song, which Slim Dusty later made famous—although Slim did remove one of the ruder verses.
2. Tap’d, Booval, Queensland
Are you the fussy drinker in your squad? Then this pub is for you. Located in Ipswich, west of Brisbane, you’ll find a staggering 72 beers and ciders on tap – the largest collection in the southern hemisphere. Australia’s best micro-breweries are all represented and there is even a beer fountain. Yes, there is a literal fountain of beer surrounded by greenery, complete with couches for you to sit and enjoy the view. Bliss.
3. Pterodactyl Helicopters, Southeast Queensland
Want to take your next pub crawl to new heights – literally? Thanks to Pterodactyl Helicopters, you can now take a helicopter tour through Southeast Queensland, stopping at regional centres to sample the local fare. The Country Pub Tour takes in towns and venues like Sundowner Saloon, Dugandan Hotel, Royal Hotel Harrisville, Mulgowie Hotel, Peak Pub, The Glamorganvale Hotel, Pumpyard Bar and Brewery, Porters Plainland Tavern, The V Hotel Veresdale, The Bearded Dragon, and The Scenic Rim Brewery. And with your own chartered chopper, you can step out like a rock star at each and every one.
4. Matso Brewery, Broome, Western Australia
It gets hot on the western side of the country – really hot. Which is why the locals like to knock up some pretty unique brews to beat the heat. Matso’s in-house brewery pumps out refreshing numbers like mango beer, lychee beer, and the brand-new, rare release ginger beer. For the adventurous, there are drops like the Angry Ranga—which fuses ginger and chilli—and Hit the Toad – named for the infamous cane toad, with proceeds from its sale going towards their eradication.
5. Stone & Wood, Byron Bay, New South Wales
These days, Stone & Wood is a mainstream domestic beer that can be purchased from almost any bar that’s worth its salt. But the founders have never been tempted to sell out, and the best way to enjoy this drop is straight off the tap at the original brewery in gorgeous Byron Bay. This is the place to try the limited-release and experimental batches, which Stone & Wood always roll out for locals before shipping them off to other venues. Plus it’s an excuse for a road trip to Byron, which is always worth it.
6. Tanswell’s Commercial Hotel, Beechworth, Victoria
According to legend, this is where Ned Kelly and his gang would fuel up back in their day. Whether that is fact or fiction may never be known, but Tanswell’s Commercial Hotel in Beechworth is steeped in history regardless. Built in 1853, this gorgeous building looks every bit the traditional Victorian pub. The public bar welcomes you with a roaring fire, and the typical fare of cold beers and hot chips is on offer. But it’s the wine list you will want to check out here, with an extensive range sourced locally, regionally, and internationally.
7. Coopers, Adelaide, South Australia
Thomas Cooper originally concocted ales as tonics for his sick wife back in 1862. Today, the family recipe is an Australian favourite and the pioneer beer for microbrewers all over the country. At the famous Adelaide brewery, you can indulge in a hit on the links, with a three-hole golf course, and explore the in-house museum, which chronicles the journey from that first soothing drop to the empire that Coopers is today. The tour is an educational must for the home enthusiast as well, with the brewing process forensically dissected and presented to teach the next generation of would-be brewers.