Epic Brisbane Coastal Heli Pub Crawl

Itinerary

Here’s a quick look at the itinerary for the Epic Brisbane Coastal Heli Pub Crawl:

3-Stop Itinerary (Approx. 6 Hours):

• Brisbane Airport – Private helicopter departure
• Stop 1: The Gutter Bar (Moreton Island) – Beachfront beers and a relaxed island vibe
• Stop 2: Straddie Brewing Co. (North Stradbroke Island) – Island-brewed beers and scenic rooftop views
• Stop 3: Sanctuary Cove Tavern – Gourmet lunch and local taps by the lagoon
• Return to Brisbane Airport

Optional 5-Stop Upgrade:

• Stop 4: Eagle Heights Hotel (Tamborine Mountain) – Beer garden with panoramic Gold Coast views
• Stop 5: Bearded Dragon Hotel (Tamborine) – Country pub hospitality with unique house brews
• Return to Brisbane Airport

What to Expect from the Helicopter Pub Crawl Brisbane

It all starts at the Brisbane Airport, where you'll board a state-of-the-art aircraft, a modern helicopter complete with all of the amenities.

You'll take off and get a great view of Brisbane and its CBD, along with all of the hidden gems it features. Of course, no matter the special occasion, the flight itself is half the fun here, especially as you'll get an up-close view of the impressive Scenic Rim as you fly from one fantastic pub to the next.

Your pilot will take you across Moreton Bay to Moreton Island, where the first stop awaits - The Gutter Bar, an authentic Australian beach pub known for its wide selection of beers, all ready for you to taste. This location is all about ice-cold beer and fresh seafood, although the included lunch will come later.

Once you're done at The Gutter Bar, you'll head south to North Stradbroke Island, a nice flight between islands that lets you see the water below, a great part of this journey. You'll land at the Straddie Brewing Co., home to its own island-crafted beer, with the Shipwreck Series being a fan-favourite. As far as having a unique experience goes, this island brewery and bar is one of the best parts of this pub tour.

You'll then head even further south, past South Stradbroke Island and over a variety of sparkling bays and inlets until you land at Sanctuary Cove, which features a one-acre beach lagoon pool, which you can sit beside as you enjoy local beers, poolside fare, and gourmet pizzas. If you're looking for good beer and delicious meals, then Sanctuary Cove is the place to be. If you're going on the three pub tour, then this will be your last stop before taking a scenic flight back to Brisbane Airport.

However, you can choose to extend this adventure to a five-stop helicopter pub crawl, adding two more stops to the list, Eagle Heights Hotel and the Bearded Dragon Hotel.

Eagle Heights Mountain Resort is located just southeast of Sanctuary Cove, and this part of the flight will allow you to see the highlights of the Gold Coast and all of its natural beauty along the way, that is, before you stop to indulge in some more fantastic brews in its dedicated beer garden.

A quick flight north east over countryside will then take you to the final stop on this most epic of pub crawls, the Bearded Dragon Hotel, known for its extensive selection of brews, a location known for its high-end country hospitality.

What's Included in the Brisbane Helicopter Pub Tour?

Your helicopter pub crawl Brisbane includes the helicopter journey itself, or journeys we should say, as the helicopter departs Brisbane airport and takes you to each of the three or five pubs as listed above. The helicopter is large, comfortable, and features plush seating with ample legroom, not to mention an air-conditioned and noise-insulated cabin that helps keep things smooth and comfortable.

Even better is that your pilot acts as the tour guide as you view the surrounding area below through crystal clear windows. The ride is thrilling enough to keep your attention all the way, while being smooth enough to allow you to relax, take photos, and forget about all of your troubles. Now is where the fun starts. Let's take a closer look at each of the stops and the fantastic beers you'll get to taste.

Stop #1: The Gutter Bar

The Gutter Bar is a chill beach pub on Moreton Island where cold beers are the focus. You’ll find classic Aussie brews on tap, including XXXX Gold, Great Northern, Carlton Dry, and they’ll be ice cold. They also have a few bottled beers and ciders if you want something different.

It's not fancy, but it hits the spot after a helicopter ride. The seafood is a bonus, fresh and served with chips or salad, but the main event is the beer in your hand and the sea breeze in your face.

Stop #2: Straddie Brewing Co.

Straddie Brewing Co. in Dunwich is a must for small-batch craft beer lovers. They brew everything on site using filtered island water, which gives their beers a clean finish. Popular pours are the Amity Pale Ale, Jumpinpin IPA and Manta Dark Lager.

They also have sour and session ales for those who want something lighter or more experimental. The tap list changes seasonally, so there’s always something new to try, like their Big Rock Stout or limited run IPAs. If you want something totally alcohol-free, their hop water is a great option.

Stop #3: Sanctuary Cove Tavern

Sanctuary Cove Tavern is the official lunch stop, and it delivers. Beer-wise, there’s a good mix of local brews and familiar favourites on tap from craft lagers to pale ales. You’ll find rotating selections that suit the coastal Queensland climate, nothing too heavy, all easy to drink.

The food menu is big and well thought out, with everything from pub classics to more refined plates. Options include chicken schnitzels, fish and chips, burgers, and fresh salads. It’s the kind of place where you can have a proper meal and still have time for another drink before the next leg of the tour.

Optional Add-Ons: Two More Stops on Your Helicopter Flight Pub Crawl

There are two more locations that you can visit if you so choose, both of which are known for great beer and food.

Stop #4: Eagle Heights Hotel

Eagle Heights Hotel is on Tamborine Mountain and has the best views of the Gold Coast. It’s a popular beer garden stop with plenty of room and a relaxed vibe. The tap list is traditional with Tooheys New, XXXX Gold, and Great Northern pouring steadily, along with a few rotating craft beers.

If you want to stick to the basics, you’re covered. If you want something different, the bar staff usually have a seasonal beer or two to recommend. The outdoor area is great to sit and enjoy a cold one with the fresh air and view. Food is available, but most people stop in for the drinks and the view.

Stop #5: Bearded Dragon Hotel

Bearded Dragon Hotel in Tamborine is a country pub with a great beer selection. They have their own house beers on tap, including the Dragon’s Draught, Carnaby Jones Brown Ale, and the lighter Half Chopped Lager. If you want to try something different that you won’t find elsewhere, it’s the place to go.

Along with their own range, you’ll find guest taps with beers like Guinness, Kilkenny, and Coopers Pale Ale. There’s something for everyone, from dark beer fans to cider drinkers. The atmosphere is fun with plenty of room to relax, and if you time it right, there’s live music or even cane toad racing.

About the Destinations

Let's take a closer look at each of the five destinations on this helicopter pub crawl, and why they're each worth a visit when you're ever in Brisbane.

The Gutter Bar

At the southern end of Moreton Island, The Gutter Bar is as chill as it gets. With its beachfront location and sea breeze, the atmosphere is relaxed. You’ll see fishermen dropping by and barefoot locals grabbing a cold one. It’s part general store, part seafood shack, part island pub with picnic tables and shaded seating just steps from the sand. It feels more like a community hub than a tourist spot, and that’s part of the charm.

Straddie Brewing Co.

Straddie Brewing Co. is in the coastal town of Dunwich on North Stradbroke Island, and has a polished but welcoming feel. The brewery’s design is modern and sleek with a rooftop deck that has 360-degree views of Moreton Bay. It’s a popular spot with locals and weekenders and has a strong sense of place with nods to Straddie’s history and natural beauty throughout the venue. There’s usually music playing and a relaxed buzz in the air, especially on sunny days.

Sanctuary Cove Tavern

Sanctuary Cove Tavern is the most polished of the bunch, situated in a marina village surrounded by boutique shops and palm-lined walkways. The tavern opens out onto a big grassy area, so it feels spacious and family-friendly. Kids can play while adults relax on the patio or in the breezy dining room. There’s often live music, community events, and a steady local crowd, so it feels lively but comfortable. It’s a well-run venue with a resort town feel, perfect for a longer lunch and a more refined stop in the middle of the day.

Eagle Heights Hotel

Perched on top of Tamborine Mountain, Eagle Heights Hotel has one of the best views of the Gold Coast. The beer garden is the highlight, stretching out along the edge of the escarpment with views from Southport to Coolangatta. The vibe is casual and social with plenty of tables under umbrellas and often live music on weekends. There’s also a gaming lounge and family-friendly atmosphere with kids' play areas and space to wander. The combination of scenery and community feel makes this stop memorable, especially if you get there just as the afternoon sun hits the horizon.

Bearded Dragon Hotel

The Bearded Dragon Hotel brings a fun country pub vibe to the Tamborine area. With wide verandahs, rustic decor, and live entertainment, it’s a quirky and friendly place that doesn’t take itself too seriously. The venue is full of antiques, old Aussie memorabilia. Outside, there’s a kids’ playground and space for live shows, including the odd cane toad race or music set. It’s a big venue with a lot of heart and a true taste of the local area with just enough weirdness to keep things interesting.

Frequently Asked Questions

At which of the stops will I be having lunch?

Depending on the schedule and availability, lunch will usually take place at Sanctuary Cove Tavern.

How many stops are on this helicopter pub crawl?

This helicopter pub crawl features the option to choose from three or five stops.

How long is this Brisbane helicopter pub crawl?

Depending on the option you choose, this is either a half day or full day pub crawl.