Macalister Brewing Company

Macalister Brewing Company sits on Danbulan Street at Smithfield, in the northern beaches area near Cairns in tropical north Queensland. A craft brewery, it brings together house-brewed beer with a relaxed, welcoming taproom atmosphere — the kind of characterful spot that's become a genuine favourite among the region's craft-beer lovers for a freshly poured brew at the source.

The appeal is that combination of quality, creative craft beer brewed on-site, a relaxed taproom vibe and a convenient location near Cairns, ideal for a tasting, drinks with friends or a casual afternoon. There's something special about drinking beer right where it's made, and Macalister's quality and welcoming atmosphere have clearly won over a loyal following in the tropical north.

With a 4.8 rating from more than 270 reviews, it's clearly delighting its visitors. The beer range, any food, opening hours and any events vary, and a popular brewery taproom fills up on weekends, so it's worth checking current details before you go — though for a freshly poured craft beer in a relaxed setting, it's often just a matter of dropping in and seeing what's on tap at Smithfield.