Brisbane: XXXX Brewery Tour with Beer Tastings & Pour Lesson

Summary

Walk Queensland’s legendary brewery floor, sample fresh pours, learn beer secrets

You’ll step inside Brisbane’s legendary XXXX Brewery with a local guide, walk past roaring bottling lines and massive tanks, and even learn to pour your own pint. Smell raw grains up close before tasting three fresh beers straight from the source. Expect laughter, real Queensland stories—and maybe a new appreciation for what goes into every bottle.

What’s the experience like?

I never thought I’d wear a hairnet in public, but there I was at the XXXX Brewery in Brisbane, grinning under fluorescent lights. The smell hit first—warm barley and something yeasty that reminded me of my uncle’s old homebrew attempts (but way less chaotic). Our guide, Steve, had this easy way of telling stories—he started off by asking if anyone knew why it’s called “XXXX.” Someone guessed it was about strength; Steve just grinned and said, “You’ll see.” And he was right. I didn’t expect to actually care about bottling lines, but watching thousands of brown bottles whip past us in the packaging hall was hypnotic. It’s loud in there—machines clanking, bottles rattling—and you have to lean in to hear anything. I kept thinking how most places would never let you get this close to all the moving parts.

We shuffled through the heart of the brewery—big metal tanks everywhere, floors a bit sticky underfoot (not gross, just… real). Steve pointed out where they store hops and malts. He handed around a handful of grains for us to smell; I got a whiff that was almost sweet, then someone behind me sneezed so hard we all laughed. There’s something about being inside a place that makes so much beer for Queensland—you start picturing every backyard BBQ or cricket match with one of these bottles in hand. We talked about how the brewery shuts down parts of the line on weekends; apparently Friday afternoons are quieter here than you’d think.

The last part surprised me—I’m not great at pouring beer (usually too much foam), but they actually taught us how to do it properly at the XXXX Bar. My first try was… well, let’s just say Steve gave me an encouraging nod instead of a gold star. Tasting those fresh beers right after made up for it though. Cold glass in hand, you could really taste the difference—maybe it was just being there after seeing everything up close. Or maybe beer really does taste better when you’ve earned it. Still thinking about that first sip as we sat around swapping stories with people we’d only just met.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — XXXX Brewery guided tour and tasting

• Meet guide at visitor center
• Learn history of beer making
• Walk through brewery production area
• Put on safety gear and see machinery
• Visit Packaging Hall and watch bottling
• Learn to pour the perfect beer
• Taste four freshly made brews
• Relax in bar or visit gift shop

Top questions

How long is the XXXX Brewery tour?

The guided tour lasts approximately 90 minutes.

Are beer tastings included on the tour?

Yes, adults can sample three freshly made beers during the tour.

Is there food available during the tour?

You can add a burger and fries for $18 at checkout or on site.

What should I wear for the brewery tour?

You must wear flat, enclosed footwear; safety gear is provided.

Can I bring bags or loose items on the tour?

No, but free locker hire is available for storage during your visit.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, public transport options are available close to XXXX Brewery.

What days can I see the packaging line in operation?

The packaging hall operates most weekdays; it's not active from Friday midday until Sunday.

Is there an age restriction for this tour?

The minimum age is 18 years old due to alcohol regulations.

What’s included

Your experience includes a 90-minute guided walk through Queensland’s famous XXXX Brewery with all safety gear provided. You’ll get three beer tastings (for adults), plus instruction on how to pour your own pint at the bar—and if you’re hungry, you can add a burger and fries for an extra charge before heading out into Brisbane again.