We don't make things like we used to. In fact, we don't make a lot of things anymore. So in a country that manufactures less and less, it's nice to get an opportunity to see something being made.
On the fringe of the Brisbane CBD stands the iconic XXXX brewery at Milton, and you can take a tour of the brewery and see just how Queensland's favourite beer is produced.
The tour provides a wonderful insight into the people and events that have shaped the 130 year history of the brewery (plus some fascinating tidbits of information which I won't spoil here). You will then be led through the entire beer-making process - starting with raw ingredients all the way through to bottling and packaging.
One of the highlights for me was looking back at some of the XXXX television commercials over the decades (including my favourite from the 1980's - check it out below).
The tour takes about 75 minutes in total. After the tour you can relax in the XXXX Ale House and sample the range of beers that are brewed on the premises (including the rather tasty XXX sparkling ale which you can't try anywhere else).
The details
Where
The entrance to the reception area is at the corner of Black Street and Paten Street, Milton (just off Milton Road - on the opposite side of the Milton Train Station).
Tours commence at the XXXX Ale House reception which is on Level One.
When
Monday to Saturday throughout the day. There is also an evening tour on Wednesdays at 6pm. A Brewery, Beer & BBQ tour can be taken on Saturday mornings. Bookings for all tours are essential. For tour schedule information and to make a booking visit the XXXX Ale House website.
Cost (as at May 2009)
Brewery Tour
- Adults - $22.00*
- Concessions - $20.00*
- Groups of 10 or more - $20.00* per person
- Non drinking adults - $18.00
- Children 10 to 18 years - $15.00
- Children under 10 - free
Brewery, Beer & BBQ Tour (Saturdays only)**
- Adults - $35.00*
- Non drinking adults - $29.00
- Childen 10 to 18 years - $29.00
- Children under 10 - free
* price includes four 285ml glasses of beer in the XXXX Ale House at the end of the tour.
** A BBQ lunch follows the tour which includes a selection of assorted meats, salads and a bread roll (a vegetarian lunch option is available on request).
