Back in 2006, the Gold Coast was a very different place. It was an era when local landmarks like the Q1 and the Titans were beginning to take shape. For Peta and Brennan Fielding, it was also the perfect time to take a gamble. They set up shop in a newly built complex in the Burleigh Heads industrial precinct, establishing the Gold Coast’s first dedicated production brewery.
Today, Burleigh Brewing stands as southeast Queensland’s oldest independent beer company. Celebrating two decades of pouring local pints and making world-class beer, the milestone is a chance to look back on a journey that transformed this gamble into a beloved institution.
“20 years, wow; honestly, we came into this with a very long-term view but two decades into the future wasn’t something we could picture – we’re extremely grateful to everyone who’s ever sipped and savoured a Burleigh Brewing beer during that time,” Peta smiles. “And our team, we seriously couldn’t have done it without them. It’s wild to think the Q1 had only just opened and the Titans still weren’t in the NRL when we started Burleigh Brewing in 2006; and Facebook still hadn’t made it beyond university dorm rooms.”
From a local gamble to Gold Coast favourite
At first, introducing a production brewery baffled almost everyone. The local council’s planning rules were completely untested, and banks were equally mystified by the business model.
“At the time, the idea of an independent production brewery on the Gold Coast was perplexing to most people; we knew going in, it was a gamble,” Peta recalls. “But Brennan and I always believed that the Gold Coast was full of potential and adding quality, independent brewing to its long list of qualities was just what was needed. We’re stoked that the people of the Gold Coast, and Australia, came to believe in that too.”
Their belief paid off. Over the years, the brewery has become deeply woven into the local community. Over two decades, Burleigh Brewing has employed around 200 staff and contributed over $50 million in excise tax to the Australian economy. Peta reflects: “It’s been a huge honour to become part of the fabric of the Gold Coast – we’re not here because it’s been easy. It’s a tough industry for independent players in Australia, and we’ve watched good, independent breweries fall over; and we don’t take a single schooner of it for granted.”
Brewing collaborations, royal lunches and 250,000 bathtubs of beer
To put their production in perspective, they have brewed enough beer to fill over 250,000 household bathtubs. From their core range, including the low-carb Bighead beers and the tropical pale ale, Twisted Palm, to unique international collaborations like Czech Mates (an Australian-first partnership with the world-famous Budvar Brewery), they have kept local taps flowing.
One of their most colourful chapters is a brush with British royalty. Brennan was asked to brew a special batch of his Duke Premium Lager for Princess Anne, the sister of King Charles, during her visit to Queensland. This royal brew earned Brennan an invitation to lunch with her in Brisbane, a favourite memory for the team.
Fiercely independent in a changing market
While the local scene has expanded with around 20 beer brands appearing on the Gold Coast over two decades, the landscape has also seen consolidation. Some brands have sold out to global alcohol conglomerates, while others have struggled to survive. The milestone arrives during a challenging period for independent breweries nationally, with several entering administration over the last two years.
Through all of these industry shifts, Burleigh Brewing has remained fiercely independent.
“It’s something we’re very proud of – it’s cliché, but I think we’ve got soul,” Peta says. “The Gold Coast is our home, and we plan to be here for another 20 years at least.”
For Peta and Brennan, the secret to longevity has less to do with spreadsheets and more to do with passion.
“What’s the trick to lasting 20 years in the beer business? You have to love it – and I’m not just talking about a pint,” Peta explains. “Our original KPIs had nothing to do with spreadsheets or bottom lines – it was a win if we simply saw someone rock up to a house party with a six-pack of Burleigh Brewing. Twenty years later, we’re still proud to be the beer people are proud to bring along.”
20 Years of Burleigh Brewing: Weekend by Weekend Celebrations
We’re turning 20, and every weekend through the anniversary month, the Taphouse is throwing a party. No tickets, no RSVP, just show up and celebrate with us.
