Heading to the Far North? After hitting up its stunning white-sand beaches, winding down at a local brewery with your mates is one the best things to do in Cairns.
Get ready to get your booze on as you visit pubs and distilleries with their award-winning grog. Whether you're a beer enthusiast or a casual drinker, you'll enjoy exploring the finest Cairns breweries.
From classic breweries to up-and-coming establishments, we've compiled a list of our fave breweries in Cairns to get you started:
- Hemingways Brewery
- Wolf Lane Distillery
- The Pier Bar
- Coral Sea Brewing Company
- Mount Uncle Distillery
- Macalister Brewing Company
- Barrier Reef Brewing Co.
- Sauce Brewing Co.
- Red Dragon Brewery
- Cock & Bull
1. Hemingways Brewery
Enjoy the nice weather with great beer Credit: @hemingwaysfnq
Hemingways is a must-visit when in Cairns. It's not only housed in a heritage-listed setting, but it has also nabbed several awards from the Australian International Beer Awards for its fantastic beer.
There are great views no matter where you and your mates are seated. Inside, you'll get a glimpse of how the beer is made inside their brewery. If you choose to stay outside, you'll be greeted with sweeping views of the Chinaman Creek. Don't forget to try their best-selling Pitchfork Betty's Pale Ale during your visit!
2. Wolf Lane Distillery
Discover the differences between various types of beer Credit: @wolf_lane_distillery
No visit to Cairns is complete without a taste of the delicious gin. And when it comes to producing excellent, unique flavours, Wolf Lane Distillery is the one to beat.
The distillery prides itself on using locally sourced ingredients to make bright, fruity spirits, unlike other liqueurs. During your visit, make sure to try their award-winning Navy Strength Gin, which has hints of finger limes and ruby grapefruit for a tropical punch.
3. The Pier Bar
Exchange stories with your mates over beer Credit: @thepierbar
The Pier Bar has solidified itself as a local favourite, thanks to its fantastic location by the water and their delectable dishes. If you just want to lay back and enjoy beer, it's the place to be.
It boasts a great selection of bevvies, from indulgent cocktails to Aussie wines. There's also international beer for something different. But for a local twist, the Great Northern is a must-try.
Thirsty for more? Upgrade your experience with a half-day tour of the best Cairns breweries. On top of a visit to The Pier Bar, you'll also explore four other venues, including Macalister Brewery and Barrier Reef Brewing, and get a taste of their best-selling grog.
4. Coral Sea Brewing Company
See how great beers are made at Coral Sea Brewing Company Credit: @coralseabrewing_company
Keen for a bottle of beer with a tropical twist? Look no further than Coral Sea Brewing Company. It's known for producing four brews that are full of earthy and malty notes. Over the years, it has cemented its place among the best breweries in Cairns.
Conveniently located in the CBD, you can visit the brewery's Tap Room, where you can enjoy their beer by the glass. For something a bit fruitier, try the Tropic Ale. If you're in the mood for something hoppy, get the Tropic IPA.
5. Mount Uncle Distillery
Learn all about the fine art of beer making at distinguished breweries Credit: Proriat Hospitality
Just a little over an hour from Cairns, Mount Uncle Distillery provides a unique experience fit for a liquor connoisseur. It's housed in a banana plantation, so you'll get to take in the sight of vibrant trees with every sip. During your visit, you can even take the time to roam the sprawling estate and see animals like alpacas and peacocks.
Made from fresh and locally sourced sugarcane and barley, its spirits, rums, and whiskeys are smooth and full of flavour. As the first distillery in North Queensland, it has set the standard for quality, homegrown liquors.
To make the most out of your visit, go on a full-day Cairns tasting tour. In addition to visiting Mount Uncle Distillery, you'll also have a hearty lunch at Mungalli Dairy Cafe while enjoying the view of Queensland's highest mountain. Then, you'll have tea at Rainforest Heart and stop by Macalister Brewing Co and De Brueys Winery for a drink. How's that for a jam-packed day?
6. Macalister Brewing Company
Indulge in delicious grog at Macalister Credit: @macalisterbrewingcompany
Want a change in scenery? Macalister Brewing Company, located 20 minutes north of Cairns, is the place for booze and views. Thanks to the sugarcane fields, it has a laid-back, countryside charm, unlike other Cairns breweries.
The homegrown brewery makes unfiltered beer without any preservatives for a refreshing taste. You can get a tasting paddle to find out which one suits your taste buds, or you can also order a bottle. The New England Pale Ale is a crowd favourite.
7. Barrier Reef Brewing Co.
Beer is best enjoyed with burgers and chips Credit: @barrierreefbrewingco
After seeing the Great Barrier Reef, why not add the Barrier Reef Brewing Co. to your list of Cairns destinations to visit? As the brainchild of a veterinary surgeon, the pub is all about serving great beer while supporting local animal charities.
There's something for everyone in its range of freshly-brewed beers. Its signature drink, the Two Turtles Pale Ale, is perfect for casual drinkers because of its smooth, fruit notes. For those in the mood for something new, the Double Shot Coffee Amber combines the best of worlds: the toffee flavours of coffee and the sweet caramel taste of beer.
8. Sauce Brewing Co.
Why not try beer with a coffee twist for something new? Credit: @saucebrewing
Originally from NSW, Sauce Brewing Co. has brought the best of the west up north. As the latest addition to the collection of great Cairns breweries, it promises to bring something new to the table: big, bold flavours from the craft beer capital of Australia.
Sauce boasts a range of 18 beers on tap, so there's something for everyone. There are specialised options for beer lovers and people who want something new. It also offers standard, classic ales for those who just want an ice-cold glass after a day on the beach. Best of all, the brewpub constantly changes its rotation so you can taste something new with every visit.
If you don't have much time but want to pack in as much as possible, try the Cairns Brewery Walking Tour. Besides Sauce, it visits Hemingway's Brewery, Coral Sea Brewing, and Wolf Lane Distillery. With an expert guide, you'll get to hear fascinating stories about the local pub scene and sample the best liquors.
9. Red Dragon Brewery
Quench your thirst with an ice-cold beer Credit: Louis Hansel
For something different than the typical bottle of beer, Red Dragon Brewery is the answer. The boutique brewery is all about making preservative-free, crisp, and clean beer.
Its best-seller is the tasty ginger beer, but there are 10 other varieties for everyone. Its blonde beer is perfect for quenching your thirst after a hot summer day, while the aromatic draught beer is for the experimental types.
10. Cock & Bull
Quality beer awaits you at Cock & Bull Credit: @cocknbullcairns
Sometimes all you need is an ice-cold schooner of beer after a day at one of the great beaches in Cairns. For such times, Cock & Bull is just what the doctor ordered. The tropical beer garden has a great selection of drinks to satisfy any craving.
Unlike the other pubs, the food is just as important as the drinks in Cock & Bull. Its chicken kiev and shepherd's pie are perfect companions to refreshing beer. The fun, lively atmosphere makes it a great place to spend time with mates.
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