When was the last time you visited North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah)? If it’s been a minute, Straddie Brewing Co’s founders Kylie Taylor, Troy Beaven and Andrew Sydes have given you some sweet incentive to plan a day, weekender or getaway to the island, following the opening of the brand-new three-level brewhouse. Years in the making, the original facility was intended to open in 2020, but we all know how that went. After a few Covid-related delays and a 12-month build, the incredible new venue has officially arrived just in time for summertime sips and dips. Situated just a few minutes from the Sealink Ferry Terminal, the architecturally designed space spans three floors. On the ground floor, double-height glass windows provide a glimpse at the venue’s stainless steel fermentation tanks and a 10-hectolitre brewhouse, which is where the brand’s range of craft beer is brewed. Climbing the stairs to the first floor, visitors are greeted with several art installations, including a 3.6 metre-high mural by Queensland artist Jarad Danby. This is also where you will find the 90-seat taproom, which gives viewers the unique ability to peer down into the brewery’s engine room. Up top, the panoramic roof deck seats another 90 and, if the weather is on your side, you can soak up views of Brisbane’s city skyline, the Glasshouse Mountains and the beautiful Redlands Coast by day, as well as uninterrupted views of Straddie’s iconic sunsets.
If all those stairs have worked up a thirst, you’ll be pleased to know there are two different bars with a dozen taps in each. Six are dedicated to Straddie Brewing Co’s core range – Point Lookout Lager, Amity Pale Ale, Myora Springs Gose, Manta Dark Lager, Jumpinpin IPA, and Mid Track Session Ale – alongside a selection of rotating taproom-only ‘Sandpit Series’ beers. Right now, you’ll find Sandpit Series #1 Rock Stout and Sandpit Series #2 Super Pale, plus a couple of guest taps to wet your whistle. Those who aren’t fond of beer can enjoy a clutch of artisanal spirits (including Lyres non-alcoholic spirits) and wines. Ensuring patrons won’t go hungry, the team has unveiled a new share-style menu crafted by chef Casey Burke. Slurp back a couple of Straddie rock oysters as you graze your way through a charcuterie board watching the sun sink over Australia, or settle in for a feast of lemon myrtle and pepperberry-dusted calamari, the catch of the day battered in Point Lookout Lager, smoked kangaroo loin with chilli-quandong jus and handmade fettuccine a la marinara with pipis, black mussels, prawns, capers, chilli and garlic. There’s also a selection of neo-Neapolitan style hand-stretched pizzas for those who prefer to keep it casual. Those who are really keen to make the most of the experience can book a brewery tour and even take up residence at an exclusive ‘Brewery Caretakers Unit’, which can be booked by the night on Airbnb.
Straddie Brewing Co is open from Thursday through to Monday, sail over to Straddie Brewing Co’s website for booking details.
Image credit: Cieran Murphy
