Tamborine Mountain Distillery Tour & Tasting

If you’re thinking about adding a bit of local flavor to your trip on the Gold Coast, a visit to the Tamborine Mountain Distillery might just be the right pick. This isn’t just a quick stop; it’s a well-paced, engaging experience where you get to peek behind the scenes of Queensland’s oldest craft distillery. From learning about small-batch spirits to tasting some fantastic liqueurs, this tour offers more than just a sip or two—it’s a genuine glimpse into the art of distilling.

What we really appreciate about this tour is how accessible it is—both in price and experience. At just under $20 per person, it’s a surprisingly affordable way to spend an hour. Plus, the fact that it’s limited to a small group of around 12 travelers makes it feel personal, rather than a crowded tourist stop. The highlight? The knowledgeable guides who bring the distillery’s story to life and make the process interesting, even if you’re not a spirits connoisseur.

Of course, no experience is perfect. One thing to keep in mind is that this is a tour centered around alcohol, so it’s only suitable for those 18 and over. If you’re traveling with someone under that age, they’ll be offered non-alcoholic options, but the core experience is geared toward adults. Also, the tour is about an hour, so it’s a quick visit—great if you’re tight on time but want a quality taste of local craftsmanship.

This tour is best suited for curious travelers, spirits enthusiasts, or anyone interested in learning about craft distilling in a relaxed, friendly environment. Whether you’re on a solo trip, with friends, or a small group, it’s a fun, insightful stop that adds a little extra flavor to your trip.

Key Points

• Affordable Price: It’s a good value at under $20, especially considering the guided tour and tastings.
• Small Group Size: Limited to 12 travelers, which keeps the experience intimate and engaging.
• Knowledgeable Guides: The guides, often led by the owner, share interesting insights about distilling and local history.
• Diverse Flavors: Over 80 flavors to choose from, with four samples included, so you can try a variety of spirits and liqueurs.
• Behind-the-Scenes Access: You get a real look at how small-batch spirits are made, from distillation to bottling.
• Family-Friendly Options: While the main tasting is for adults, non-alcoholic drinks are available, making it accessible for those under 18.

What to Expect During the Tour

The Setting: Queensland’s Oldest Craft Distillery

As we’ve heard from reviews, the distillery itself is a charming, small operation, full of character. You’ll start at Tamborine Mountain Distillery’s welcoming location, where the atmosphere feels warm and casual. The tour begins with a welcome drink—either an alcoholic sample or a soft drink if you prefer—and then you’re led through the entire process of craft spirits production.

Inside the Production Area

Guided by knowledgeable staff, often led by the Head Distillery, you’ll walk through the working distillery, getting close to the reflux copper stills that help craft their spirits. It’s fascinating to see the machinery at work and learn about each step—distillation, fermentation, bottling—that transforms raw ingredients into the finished product. The guides do a good job explaining complex processes in a way that’s accessible even if you’re not a spirits expert.

The Museum and Tasting Room

The distillery’s museum offers a quick glimpse into the history of distilling in Australia and the story of this particular operation. It’s a nice touch that adds context to the experience. Afterward, you’ll move into the tasting room, which is probably the highlight for most visitors. Here, you can sample four different spirits or liqueurs—over 80 flavors are available to choose from—so you really get to explore the range. The tasting includes a variety of options, and if you decide to purchase bottles afterward, you get a 10% discount on same-day purchases.

The Bar Experience

The bar area is casual and friendly, perfect for trying your samples and chatting with the guides. It’s a relaxed environment, making the tasting feel more like a social gathering than a formal event. Many guests have mentioned how much they enjoyed the commentary, with one reviewer specifically praising Gordon, the owner, for his engaging storytelling about the history of Australian distilling.

The Non-Alcoholic Option

For those who don’t drink, no worries. You’ll be served a soft drink on arrival and can still enjoy the full guided experience, minus the alcohol. This inclusivity makes the tour accessible to a wider audience, including those who are sober, pregnant, or simply not fans of spirits.

How the Experience Holds Up

Looking at reviews, the overall sentiment is highly positive. One reviewer called it an “Excellent Experience” and appreciated the “great commentary” about Australian distilling history. They also raved about the spirits, especially the gin they bought afterward, calling it “awesome.” This highlights that the quality of the products matches the engaging storytelling and friendly atmosphere.

The small-group setting and the personal attention guides offer make this tour feel genuine rather than commercial. You get a chance to ask questions, learn details about the process, and taste a variety of spirits—all at an affordable price point. This is especially valuable when many other tasting experiences in larger cities or tourist spots can feel rushed or impersonal.

The Drawbacks

While most of the feedback is glowing, it’s worth mentioning that the tour is relatively short—about one hour. If you’re hoping for an in-depth, extended experience, this might feel a little brisk. Also, since the focus is on spirits, it’s not an experience for children or those under 18, and the tour is strictly for adults with legal drinking age.

The Practicalities: Details That Matter

Price and Value

At just under $18 per person, this tour is a pretty good deal. It includes a welcome drink, four samples, and access to the distillery, museum, and bar. Plus, the 10% discount on same-day bottles can make it worth your while if you’re interested in taking home a bottle or two. Considering the guided aspect and the tasting variety, it’s a solid value for a fun, educational hour.

Duration and Group Size

The hour-long tour is perfect for fitting into a busy day or as a quick escape from the typical sightseeing grind. The small group size ensures you won’t feel lost or rushed, and the guides’ knowledge enhances the overall experience.

Accessibility

Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed, which is considerate. Keep in mind that the tour is restricted to guests aged 18 and over, but younger visitors can join as spectators and enjoy non-alcoholic drinks.

Cancellation Policy

Plans change, and that’s okay. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making this a flexible option if your schedule shifts.

Who Is This Tour Ideal For?

This tour is best for curious travelers wanting to learn about craft distilling in a relaxed setting. Spirits lovers will appreciate the tasting and the chance to discover new favorites, especially since the selection is extensive. The approachable guides and small group size make it accessible for those who prefer an intimate experience rather than a busy, commercial tasting room.

It’s also a fun activity for anyone interested in local produce, Australian craftsmanship, or simply looking to spend a peaceful hour exploring a charming part of Tamborine Mountain. If you’re traveling with someone who enjoys spirits or artisan products, this is a perfect addition to your itinerary.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour is restricted to guests 18 and over for the alcohol tasting. Children are welcome to join as spectators and will be served non-alcoholic drinks, making it family-friendly in that sense.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes about an hour, including the tasting and guided look behind the scenes.

What does the tour include?
You’ll get a welcome drink, access to the distillery and museum, a guided tour, four sample tastings (with over 80 flavors available), and a 10% discount on bottles purchased that day.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund. Cancellations within that window are not refunded.

Is the tour suitable for people who don’t drink alcohol?
Absolutely. Non-alcoholic options are available, and you’ll still get the full guided experience.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at Tamborine Mountain Distillery, located at 10 Macdonnell Rd, Tamborine Mountain.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a friendly, insightful, and reasonably priced way to learn about craft spirits, the Tamborine Mountain Distillery Tour & Tasting hits the mark. The guides’ enthusiasm and knowledge, combined with the chance to sample a wide range of flavors, make it a rewarding experience. It’s especially good for those who love discovering local craftsmanship and enjoy a relaxed, small-group setting.

While it’s not a lengthy or deeply technical tour, it offers enough to satisfy spirits enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. If you’re on the Gold Coast and want a taste of Queensland’s artisanal spirit scene, this tour is worth considering—especially if you appreciate personable guides and a cozy atmosphere.

For those who want something different from the usual sightseeing stops, a visit here adds a layer of local craftsmanship and friendly storytelling that you’re unlikely to forget anytime soon.