Mt Tamborine welcomes the The Kennel Tap Room by Boxer Brewing Co.
Mt Tamborine welcomes the The Kennel Tap Room by Boxer Brewing Co.
Mount Tamborine has recently become home to a brand-new brewery and its creators are people whose work you would know well if you’ve ever made visited our hinterland friends. Boxer Brewing Co. is the work of the (award-winning) Witches Falls Winery team, so you know when it comes to quality sips, this frothy newbie is the place to be.
A love of beer and good times is the name of the game here and the Boxer Brewing ethos is that every sip should be a moment of pure joy and in reality – particularly due to the fact that bringing your beloved pup along is encouraged – the entire experience is one you’ll absolutely love.
The space boasts a large outdoor deck overlooking the Witches Falls Winery Vineyard and there’s room for approximately 50 people throughout. An open plan concept inside allows you a look into the inner workings of the brewery while you sample the goodies.
Found within The Kennel Tap Room and Sports Bar, Boxer Brewing have enlisted Abby Heslop as Head Brewer, and her resume reads like a beer lovers dream. The has spent the last few months as Head Brewer in London’s Wimbledon Brewery and before that was the Head Brewer at Brisbane’s Sea Legs.
Currently Boxer Brewing’s core range consists of four beers; an IPA, a Pale Ale a Lazy Ale and a Cerveza and of course there’s a rotating selection of guest beers from local brewers, the entire Eight Day Cider range and of course a selection of wine from Witches Falls Winery.
The Kennel has plans to put in a pizza oven and introduce a delicious pizza and jaffle menu in the coming months. Until then, enjoy complimentary popcorn while you sip your favourite brew or purchase a DIY cheese and charcuterie board from the Witches Falls Winery Cellar Door (located adjacent to The Kennel) and nibble while you sip every single beer on the menu. You can also nip over to the cellar door and grab a bottle of wine to enjoy within the brewery if you’d prefer.
Boxer Brewing Co. is the only venue of its kind on Tamborine Mountain and with some exciting additions due in the very near future, it’s one that’s absolutely worth a trip up the mountain for.
Why not stay the night and enjoy many of the delightful activities on offer on the Mountain and stop in at Witches Falls on the way home for a takeaway bottle of wine or two?
Where: 79 Main Western Road, Tamborine Mountain
When: Sunday – Thursday 10am – 5pm and Friday – Saturday 10am – 7pm
Words by Kirra Smith
Bitter is better at Loborn.
If the sight of a Spritz gracing the cocktail list makes your heart skip a beat, or the very thought of Apertivo hour gets your tastebuds tingling – we’ve got two little words to make your whole day: Tasting. Bar. Or, Loborn – as Tamborine Mountain’s latest specialty sip spot is officially known.
Bringing a taste of Italy with a distinctly Australian twist, Loborn is the specialty distillery levelling up the Mountain’s sip scene. Showcasing modern amaro infused with local botanicals, Tambo’s stunning new tasting room offers a variety of ways to familiarise ourselves with its herbaceous star sip.
Nestled amongst Main Street’s lush greenery, swing by for cocktail service or walk-in tasting. Discerning liquor connoisseurs can go behind the brand’s two signature aperitif blends and their signature gin, with experiences and masterclasses to delve into.
For those partial to sun-soaked arvos with a spritz firmly planted in hand, this home-grown distillery comes as a particularly tantalising development. Bittersweet Italian liqueurs, collectively known as ‘amaro’, have quite literally been having their moment in the sun of late. Even if you’re not up with all the technical lingo, chances are you’re already a big fan (huge, even) of this herbaceous sip. Thanks to the surging popularity of aperitif-based cocktails like the classic Negroni and Aperol Spritz, this bold citrusy style of libation has earned its place as a cocktail list (and happy hour) staple.
Now with a spot dedicated to this very sub-category, Loborn – short for ‘Locally Born Spirits’ – is the handiwork of Thomas Drewett. Specialising in traditional Italian methods melded with hinterland-inspired ingredients and surrounds, the lip-smacking new venture all began with one thought: what if Tom could reinvent the famous bitter aperitif using local Australian botanicals? Asking the real questions here!
A Tamborine local of several years, Tom was inspired by the mountainside community’s abundance of produce – particularly the local oranges. And when life hands you a bumper supply of citrus, naturally, the next logical step is to try your hand at the age-old craft of amaro. Or it is when you’re one ambitious fella with a background in engineering! Channelling that expertise into the complexities of distillation and flavour, Tom embraced the challenge of perfecting the precise art/science behind traditional Amaro.
Emerging victorious the brand now boasts two signature, botanical-rich blends. Thirstly, there’s Amaro N01 – a bright and vibrant aperitif ideal for a golden hour Spritz. While Amaro N02 is a bolder, ruby red Australian amaro packed with bittersweet complexity (think Negroni or Americano).
Also on offer is the Loborn Original Gin, which blends juniper with native citrus for a crisp dry finish.
Then there’s the little matter of the brand new HQ Loborn is now flaunting; perched within North Stores’ food, art and nature precinct in the heart of Tamborine. With the fit-out led by Ashlea O’Neill, the vibe is modern utilitarian, but beautiful – which is only befitting for a crew of modern Amaro makers residing in an architecturally designed creative hub!
Tempting locals and day-trippers with everything from crafted tipples like the Loborn Spritz to private tasting experiences and masterclasses – this one goes straight to the top of the ‘must try’ list cocktail fans! Like, this weekend.
Where: Shop 4, 46-48 Main Street, Mt Tamborine
When: Friday & Saturday from 11am–7pm and Sunday from 11am–3pm.
Extended opening hours will be released during spring / summer season.
Website: Loborn.com
Instagram: @loborn.spirits
Words by Kellie Leader
All hail the almighty amber ale!
Fan of a frothy? Us too, and if there’s one thing the Gold Coast does just as well as its beaches, it’s breweries. From hinterland hideaways to beachfront beer havens, we’ve scouted the ultimate list of spots for you to sip, sample, and savour. Whether you’re chasing a session ale, a crafty IPA, or just a place to chill with your mates (and maybe your dog), these breweries have got you covered.
So ‘hop’ on down to one this weekend. And every other weekend after that.
The Northern GC’s (not so) best kept secret is undoubtedly the Aussie farm styled Hound & Stag. The Coast’s largest taproom and live music precinct, it’s famous for its abundant beer (28 beer taps) and cocktail options, stellar Modern Aussie food menu, huge family-friendly outdoor beer garden, and hosting epic live music events. Always bulging at the seams, even Aussie music royalty like Darryl Braithwaite grace the stage regularly.
Beer to sip: Struggling to pick the perfect pint from the huge range on offer? You can’t go wrong with the award-winning Red Baron for a spritzy and refreshing brew.
Where: 13 Wrights Place, Arundel
The good times keep on keeping on at Laughing Lizard with over 150 different beers! The best part, however, is that none contain any nasty chemicals or preservatives (yay, no hangover…well, that’s our story and we’re sticking to it…), and there’s even a gluten-free option #CeliacsRejoice! Here you’ll find a micro-brewery, beer and spirits shop, and every party planner’s besty – a keg hire service!
Beer to sip: You can’t go wrong with the Skini – light bodied, low carb, but full flavour.
Where: 27 Sinclair Street, Arundel
A hidden gem on the beer scene here on the Gold Coast, we reckon SOPO Brewing Co is one of the suburb’s best kept secrets. They’ve got house brews as well as monthly releases to keep those tastebuds on their toes, with the microbrewery delivering a tasty range of craft beers, lagers and ciders exclusive to the venue.
Beer to sip: When in SOPO one must drink the SOPO IPA of course!
Where: 146 Scarborough St, Southport
The ultimate Belgian beer experience awaits at Ashmore’s Madocke! Starting their commercial brewery in a tiny garage, proud owners Jimmy and Annelies are a bona fide local success story! Enjoy the complex flavours and richness of their brewskis at Thursday trivia nights, and pair your pitcher with some belly laughs at live comedy night every Friday. Skohl!
Beer to sip: The creamy and refreshing White IPA Celebration is the perfect night starter – see you on the d floor.
Where: 286 Southport Nerang Road, Ashmore
You’re always close to the action at The Sporting Globe x 4 Pines! Standing loud and proud on the ex-Hard Rock Café digs, this $6.5 million super venue serves up the ultimate trifecta; brews, bites, and a bumper line-up of the best sports viewing. Pouring everything from crisp Japanese-style lagers through to some sunny state-inspired limited release brews, this family-friendly sports bar is a beer (and sports) lover’s happy place.
Beer to sip: 4 Pines Pacific Ale
Where: Cnr Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
Beers near the beachfront – you’d be hard-pressed to find a better way to spend an arvo on the GC arvo. Whether you’re a local or playing tourist, Surfers Brewery, formerly BOB’s Beer, is one of the best joints in Surfers for a cheeky brew. Nestled just a short stroll from the beach at Elkhorn Ave, it’s all about craft beers galore,16 in-house creations, all served alongside pizza, pasta and burgers.
Beer to sip: The Surfers XPA of course – a deliciously easy drinking pale ale with hints of passionfruit, perfect!
Where: 10/2 Elkhorn Ave, Surfers Paradise
In case you haven’t put two and two together, this brewhouse brings to life the story of Australia’s first brewer, the rogue swindler James Squire (cue ‘aha’ moment). Celebrating quality craft beers and modern pub grub, the custom-designed full-functioning microbrewery pumps out small, exclusive batch brews, and it’s a cracking spot to round up your crew for an arvo sesh.
Beer to sip: Check out their limited-release small batch brews rotating the taps. Our current fave is Chivalry – because of course it’s not dead.
Where: 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach
Bursting onto the Miami arts precinct scene with a rapacious welcome, Precinct Brewing now has solid status as the place to pull up a stool, grab a freshly made beer, and forget all of life’s woes. They make matters much more bearable with the tastiest of pizzas, stand-up comedy, and some captivating, limited releases like their recent Big If True, Hazy IPA — yummy!
Beer to sip: Check out their weekly Friday releases for exclusive flavours!
Where: 17 Christine Avenue, Miami
Step into the backstreets of Tokyo, without leaving Miami, at Roji Cat, the Gold Coast’s very own Japanese beer den. This vibey laneway bar brings together the holy trinity of izakaya dreams: cold Japanese brews, sizzling street eats, and neon-lit nostalgia. With twelve taps pouring Japan’s finest and over twenty sakes on standby, it’s a sip trip you won’t forget. Add in a mouthwatering menu of Robata skewers, karaage, sashimi, and the now-iconic Bug Burger (yes, with actual tempura Moreton Bay Bug), and you’ve got a spot that’s as cool as it is crave-worthy.
Beer to sip: Japanese Rice Lager
Where: 47 Lemana Lane, Miami
The runaway success of the original Black Hops in Burleigh spurred the creation of its spacious and upscale sibling, Black Hops II in Biggera Waters. Both serve up 16 beers on tap and have popular food trucks on site to feed hungry punters. So whether you’re north or southside, round up your mates, the fam and even your pooch for some award-winning amber ales.
Beer to sip: Black Hops Send It Session Ale, light, fruity, and not too strong
Where: 15 Gardenia Grove, Burleigh Heads and 671 Pine Ridge Road, Biggera Waters
With gold medals for days from the World Beer Championships, you know you’re in for a good ale here! Famous for their paddle boards, relaxed atmosphere, big smiles and super friendly service, it’s the perfect way to spend a lazy Sunday arvo (or Friyay / Saturday sesh). There’s even awesome live music to set the mood while you quench your thirst. Cheers!
Beer to sip: Burleigh Brewing Burleigh Bighead – no carb, no-fuss big flavoured thirst quencher.
Where: 2 Ern Harley Drive, Burleigh Heads
This Varsity based microbrewery may produce ‘petite’ batches, but their list of return customers is anything but small! Consistently producing and supplying chemical and preservative free beer and cider that exceeds expectations, the boutique beers here are on point. The staff are uber friendly and knowledgeable and the prices will blow ya mind (in a good way).
Beer to sip: For something fresh, opt for the GC Crisp – a seriously refreshing light coloured, crisp beer perfect for a brewery sesh.
Where: 13 John Duncan Court, Varsity Lakes
With awards up the wazoo, the amazing Balter Taproom never disappoints. Its line-up of founders includes some seriously famous sporting legends, and it just oozes chillax and cool in equal measure. Whether it’s from the tap or can, there’s a variety of styles to get your tastebuds singing. Kick back in the beer garden and enjoy live beats with your brew, along with food truck goodness.
Beer to sip: Balter XPA – Balter’s most awarded beer can be yours fresh from the production line.
Where: 14 Traders Way, Currumbin
Complete with a 10hL Rolec copper cladded brew house (brew-speak for ‘legit’), the Currumbin Valley Brewing HQ offers choice aplenty, including 16 beers on-tap. This artisanal farmhouse brewery combine crafted burgers, bowls, bougee bar snacks, and boutique beverages in an environmentally-conscious space that is as much about community as it is craft beer.
Beer to sip: The Alley – Session IPA (aptly named after Currumbin Alley!)
Where: 27 Traders Way, Currumbin Waters
Another beachfront favourite of ours, but this time nestled on the Cooly shoreline is 4 Pines Coolangatta. The relaxed Southern Gold Coast vibe makes this little brew spot the perfect place stop in for a session. With six taps of their finest beers and two Keller door taps pumping out fresh flavours, as well as a dedicated Doggos of 4 Pines polaroid wall, it’s loved by locals for a reason.
Beer to sip: Nothing says 4 Pines like their Pacific Ale – fresh, fruity and floral, it’s impossible not to love.
Where: The Strand, 28/72 Marine Parade, Coolangatta
A LITTLE FURTHER AFIELD
Perentie Brewing Co. is an exciting new addition to the local brewery scene, located in Eagleby. This $6 million-dollar brewery, part of the Distillery Road Market (DRM) entertainment hub, offers authentic lager beers, seasonal bar bites, and a sprawling beer garden on the banks of the Albert River. With 68 taps of beer, including three signature products and a seasonal menu, Perentie Brewing Co. is set to become a central craft brew hotspot, attracting visitors from far and wide.
Beer to sip: Summer Dry – a classic well-rounded lager.
Where: 124 Distillery Rd, Eagleby
Froth fanatics, Fortitude Brewing Company sees you! This hinterland spot has 15 taps, each pouring something different from the range of Fortitude and Noisy Minor beers – all brewed on site! Visitors can nom their way through a variety of made-to-order pizzas whilst sinking a tasting paddle…or two, or… Enjoy the venue’s rugged exteriors and soft-hearted interiors and on weekends, soak up the beats from talented muso’s.
Beer to sip: Fortitude Pacer – the perfect session pale ale.
Where: 165 Long Road, Eagle Heights
Dogs, decks, and delicious beers, Boxer Brewing Co. has brought all the good stuff to Mt Tamborine with their brand new brewhouse, The Kennel Tap Room. From the award-winning crew behind Witches Falls Winery, this dog-friendly hangout is pouring joy by the pint with a core lineup that includes an IPA, Pale Ale, Lazy Ale and crisp Cerveza. The open-plan space gives you front-row seats to the brewing action, while the leafy outdoor deck offers vineyard views and pup pats aplenty. Whether you’re nibbling on a DIY cheese board or dreaming of the soon-to-land pizza menu, this one’s a must-sip in the Scenic Rim.
Beer to sip: Boxer Brewing Lazy Ale
Where: 79 Main Western Road, Tamborine Mountain
Just across the water, you’ll find this three-level architecturally designed showstopper. The ground floor welcomes you with double-height glass windows and the awe-inspiring brewery. Up the stairs you’ll find a 90-seat taproom with eye-popping art installations, and the top deck featuring panoramic views of the BrisVegas CBD skyline, the Glasshouse Mountains, and the stunning Redlands Coast #ShowUsYourSunsets. Plus there’s a menu with plenty of fancy local seafood inspired sharesies.
Beer to sip: Amity Pale Ale – tropical hops and rich, moreish malt with a friendly, easy balance.
Where: 5 Junner Street, Dunwich, North Stradbroke Island
Country charm just got a cold one. Boonah Brewing Co has rolled into the Scenic Rim with a fresh pour of local pride, taking up residence inside the beautifully restored Commercial Hotel Boonah. With natural spring water from the Ghanem family farm, brews crafted on-site, and a paddock-to-pint ethos that’d make any beer nerd misty-eyed, it’s a true blue gem. Sip a crisp mid-strength or dive into the rotating taps of rice lagers, Galaxy-hopped XPA, or cheeky hard lemonade, all best enjoyed from the leafy beer garden out back. Add in next-level pub fare (hello, Boonah Bull + Bug) and you’ve got yourself one froth-worthy road trip.
Beer to sip: Boonah Brewing Co Mid Strength Lager
Where: Commercial Hotel, 39 High St, Boonah
Ventura Brewing is Australia’s first craft hard kombucha taphouse. With 12 taps, there’s an array of options to suit every taste. If you’re a fan of a destination venue that is serving up good vibes, tasty beverages and world-class views in spades, Ventura Brewing is your new favourite Sunday arvo sipping spot.
Beer to sip: Mercado Classico Cerveza – pays tribute to the timeless staple of Mexican-style cervezas.
Where: 10/141 Lundberg Drive, South Murwillumbah
Ahh, Stone & Wood, the OGs of the Pacific Ale. Born in Byron and still proudly calling it home, this iconic brewery is tucked into the chilled-out Arts & Industry Estate and is packed with good vibes and even better beer. With 31 tanks pumping out the goods, a buzzing tasting room, leafy beer garden, and a canteen run by the local food heroes at 100 Mile Table, it’s the kind of place you could easily lose a lazy arvo. Take a tour, bring your pup, sip your way through their full range, and get to know the legends behind one of Australia’s most loved breweries.
Beer to sip: Stone & Wood Pacific Ale
Where: 100 Centennial Cct, Byron Bay
Words by Bianca Trathen
Well worth a little weekend drive.
Wine is a beautiful thing: loved the world over and the perfect accompaniment to the next best thing in the world – cheese. Happily, the Gold Coast Hinterland is home to several world-class wineries, all of which are around an hour or less drive away. Pack your picnic blanket and make space in your boot for a case or two; here are the best cellar doors to take a sip at.
A self-proclaimed small but bold winery, Witches Falls are passionate about big tastes. Not only do owners Jon and Kim love the end product, but they’re also pretty keen on the growing, making and matching aspects of the fruity liquid. They offer personalised wine tastings that permit access to their entire range. And be sure to try their fantastic cheese board when you go!
Where: 79 Main Western Road, North Tamborine
With a tree-lined entryway and lush green surroundings, Cedar Creek Estate is all your charming winery dreams come true. The vineyard consists of two varieties, including Chambourcin and Verdelho. Although the vines are relatively young, their Chambourcin, in particular, is producing a fabulous Rosé. Cedar Creek Estate also boasts the Arthur Hamblin Art Gallery, if sipping wine overlooking vineyards doesn’t fill your cultural cup entirely.
Where: 104-144 Hartley Road, North Tamborine
Passionate about sustainable wine production, Sirromet Wines state-of-the-art, family-run facilities can be found in picturesque Mt Cotton. From the award-winning 2014 Signature Collection Shiraz Viognier and 2012 Saint Jude’s Merlot to a fresh Vineyard Selection Rose, you’ll be spoilt for choice at the Sirromet cellar door. Tastings run every day and you can also choose to do a behind-the-scenes tour of the vineyard. Plus, there’s a nine-hole golf course too – before or after wine, it’s up to you.
Where: 850 Mount Cotton Road, Mount Cotton
A picture-perfect location, O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyard is a boutique vineyard and historic Queenslander homestead dedicated to fine food and fine wine. Enjoy a wine tasting, stay for lunch or purchase a gourmet picnic basket and stretch out by Canungra Creek with a bottle of bubbles. Take the kids who can also run around and take the resident alpacas for a walk.
Where: 852 Lamington National Park Road, Canungra
Further along the Canungra Valley, before you begin to make your steep ascent up to O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, is this enchanted and sun-soaked vineyard and cellar door. The folks here wear many hats as viticulturists, alpacas herders, cheesemakers and gardeners: meaning there is plenty to see, do, eat, and drink! Weekends see their Chalet Bistro open for delicious lunches and the Smoke & Vine Bar is perfect for a stone-baked pizza, and of course a glass of wine (our pick being their 2018 organic shiraz).
Where: 46 Rymera Road, Sarabah
Mount Nathan Winery is a progression of the Gibson family’s involvement in the wine industry over generations. After developing a unique range of honey-based products in Cessnock, the winery was born. Award-winning wines include the Bubbly Brut – a not too dry and not too sweet sparkling – and the Autumn White – made up of late-picked grapes with explosions of fruit. If you’re visiting, wine tastings are direct from the barrel. Doesn’t get more authentic!
Where: 220 Clagiraba Road, Mount Nathan
If your idea of a perfect winery involves lake views, long lunches and pretending you’ve escaped to the European countryside, allow us to introduce The Overflow Estate 1895. Perched on the edge of Lake Wyaralong in the Scenic Rim, this dreamy destination is just over an hour from the GC and well worth the drive. Expect estate-grown wines, sunset-worthy scenery and a lingering lunch at their French-inspired restaurant, Roastbeef and the Frog. It’s relaxed, romantic and dangerously easy to lose an entire afternoon to, just how we like it.
Where: 1660 Beaudesert – Boonah Road, Beaudesert
GC, say “Chardon-heyyyy” to our newest winery experience. Located in Southport, you don’t even need to leave the GC for this environmentally conscious tipple. Carafe Wine has been an established premium wine on tap supplier for several years, before opening their bricks and mortar space in March 2023. Sample wines direct from the barrel, enjoy crafted winery blends and share a charcuterie board. Sounds like our kind of afternoon outing.
Where: 49 Johnston Street, Southport
Want to visit some wineries without the hassle of finding a designated driver? Pineapple Tours offer half day, all day or fully customisable tours, with door-to-door service to/from your abode or hotel #VIP. They cover all areas of South East Queensland and Northern New South Wales. Grab your bestie, your partner or your posse and check out all the best wineries, distilleries, eateries and super fun GC experiences in one of their luxury vehicles. Yes please!
Where: 3200 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
Words by Belinda Symons.
