Visit the Gold Coast’s breweries on your own tour: Backyard Tourist

You could end your working week with a lonely six-pack at home — or visit the Gold Coast’s best breweries to sample creative craft beers in a relaxed atmosphere.

WE all love a pint of beer after a long week at the office.

Sure, you could race down to the bottle-o and grab a carton of Coronas – or you could support the city by creating your own mini-brewery tour for the weekend.

In the past few years the Glitter Strip has launched marvellous craft beers designed by local creatives.

Everyone’s probably tried a Balter beer at some point, so make sure to check out this Currumbin favourite.

Craft beer connoisseurs from across the country voted in the GABS Hottest 100 Aussie Craft Beers for 2018 and Gold Coast brewery Balter’s ‘XPA’ claimed the number one spot. It’s the second time Balter’s ‘XPA’ won the top spot.

They run their tours for $35 at 1-2pm on a Saturday. They include tasting paddles with four styles and even a stubby cooler as a souvenir.

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Award-winning Black Hops Brewery is open Wednesday-Sunday, offering two taprooms – one in Burleigh and the other in Biggera Waters.

BHII at Biggera Waters allows you to visit the production brewery. It also has food trucks at the weekend for a well-rounded visit.

The Lost Palms Brewery in Miami.

Back down south those behind Burleigh Brewing only open their brewery on the second Thursday of each month, but they have your weekend afternoons sorted at their taphouse.

Once a month they will host an outdoor movie session, too. On August 29 they will screen In God’s Hands, where you can kick back with a beer and popcorn and enjoy the show.

In Miami, the Lost Palms Brewing Company is open from midday on the weekends, offering up quality drops such as hibiscus and guava Berliner Weisse, or 300 days of Summer Ale.

Enjoy some beer samplers at Black Hops.

Lost Palms has a cozy place to sit back and relax, perfect for that lazy afternoon.

In the hinterland, try the Fortitude Brewing Company’s 15 beers on tap, complete with made-to-order pizzas.

It doesn’t matter how you decided to pull together this little brewery trip, but it’s sure to quench your thirst. Cheers to that!

PS: Don’t forget to do all this responsibly and have a designated driver.

DISCOVER

The beautiful Burleigh headland

START your morning right by walking the trail along the Burleigh Headland.

Those breweries don’t open ’til midday anyway.

Park at the southern entrance on Tallebudgera Creek and cross the bridge until you’re on the opposite side.

If you’d rather laze around, Echo Beach can be reached by taking the small flight of stairs to the sandy beach below, which soon gives out to large boulders.

Soaking up the azure blue ocean before you, make sure to keep an eye out for breaching whales or playful dolphins.

It’s not a very long walk, but relaxed enough to get you started on the right foot.

SPOT A WILD KOALA ON THE GOLD COAST

EAT AND DRINK

Jared Peck came up a dessert that looked like a pot plant. And it tastes delicious. Picture Glenn Hampson

While in Miami, grab lunch or dinner at Doko Demo V.

This vegetarian restaurant has a huge menu – think souvlakis, pasta, poke bowls, hot dogs, towering burgers, Korean “chicken” salad and amazing pizzas.

The eatery has inside and outside tables and its menu is kid-friendly – meaning they’ll enjoy pretty much all of the meals.

One dessert in particular is a feast for the eyes and the tastebuds: Pot plant dessert.

It’s unlike anything I’ve tasted, and I’m a big sweet tooth.

You’ll leave the cosy spot feeling very, very satisfied.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE … DO

It’s always fun at Miami Marketta. Picture: Supplied/Destination Gold Coast

To finish your day of relaxed perfection on the Gold Coast, head to the Miami Marketta.

Sure, it’ll be crowded, but it’s a chilled vibe with live music, market stalls and food galore from local vendors.

Get there early if you want to grab a bigger table, then sit back to listen to the music on offer.

The little night market spot often ropes in well-known artists such as Amy Shark.

For those keen on visiting the spot another day, they will host Drag Queen Bingo on August 28 as well as the Australian Burlesque Festival on October 4.