Hotels and Pubs, Published 30 March 2026
If you’ve ever chatted with an old‑school Brisbanite about “the good old days,” there’s a fair chance Bulimba Gold Top will pop up. While it became a Brisbane legend in the 20th century, its story…
If you’ve ever chatted with an old‑school Brisbanite about “the good old days,” there’s a fair chance Bulimba Gold Top will pop up. While it became a Brisbane legend in the 20th century, its story actually began in 1898, when the Queensland Brewery Co. (then based on the river at Teneriffe) introduced the Pale Ale to save the company from a string of bad luck. It was an instant hit, known for the distinct gold foil - and later the gold crown seal - that gave it its name.
By 1906, the brewery moved to a massive new home in Fortitude Valley, taking over an old tobacco factory on Brunswick Street. For decades, the "Valley Brewery" was a local landmark, pumping out the crisp lager that fueled countless Brisbane picnics and backyard barbies. Gold Top was so iconic that in 1965, it launched the famous “Big, Big Thirst” ad campaign. Featuring John Meillon’s iconic baritone voice, the "Big Beer" slogan was so successful that Carlton & United Breweries (CUB) later famously "borrowed" it for Victoria Bitter!
The legend hit a roadblock after CUB acquired the brewery in 1961. As the industry consolidated, local labels began to fade, and by the late 1970s, Gold Top had largely vanished from taps. There was a brief, nostalgic revival in late 2011, when heritage cans hit the shelves for a limited time, but they disappeared almost as quickly as they arrived. Since then, the brand has mostly lived on in vintage ads and the memories of those who swear it was the best drop the city ever produced.
However, the "golden ghost" has recently made a surprise return! As of 2024–2026, Bulimba Gold Top has been revived once again, this time through a collaboration with Green Beacon Brewing. Now available in cans at local bottle shops like Dan Murphy’s and BWS, it’s no longer just a "remember when" story. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer, you can finally grab a cold one and taste a piece of Brisbane’s brewing history for yourself.
Images: Old advertising image – Queensland State Library. Public Domain – Colourised by the Dave & Malou Channel. Beer Tap Image: AI Generated Dave & Malou Channel.
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