Guide
Australian beer FAQ: 20 questions about beer in Australia
Quick answers about beer in Australia: glass sizes by state, standard drinks and guidelines, styles, mid-strength and non-alcoholic beer, gluten-free options, pub etiquette and shouts, storing beer, food pairing and brewery travel.
Published
Short answers to common questions about beer in Australia, each linked to a longer guide. For the full overview, start with our Australian beer guide. Please drink responsibly.
Ordering and glasses
Glass names vary by state, and South Australia is the main exception. Our glass sizes guide has a state-by-state table, plus pub etiquette such as shouts.
Standard drinks and health
A standard drink contains 10 g of pure alcohol, and the number of standard drinks is on every label. Read our standard drinks guide for the NHMRC guidelines and practical ways to pace yourself, and low and no-alcohol beer for lighter options. For coeliac disease, see gluten-free beer. This is general information; speak to your doctor about your own situation.
Styles and tasting
Explore the styles hub, the beer glossary and our tasting guide.
Food and serving
Read beer and food pairing and how to store and serve beer.
Venues and travel
Our venues hub covers each state, and brewery travel covers regions for weekends away. Plan transport, and read our responsible brewery day article.
About Beer Guide Australia
We are an independent editorial guide. Read our editorial policy, about page and general FAQ, or contact us.
Frequently asked questions
What is a schooner?
Commonly a 425 ml glass in most states, but in South Australia a schooner is commonly 285 ml.
What is a pot or a middy?
Both names usually refer to a 285 ml glass: pot in Victoria, Queensland and Tasmania, middy in NSW, WA and the ACT.
How big is an Australian pint?
Commonly 570 ml, except in South Australia where a pint is commonly 425 ml. Some venues use other sizes.
What is a standard drink?
A standard drink in Australia contains 10 g of pure alcohol.
Where do I find the number of standard drinks?
On the label. All alcohol containers in Australia must show the number of standard drinks.
What are the alcohol guidelines?
Healthy adults should drink no more than 10 standard drinks a week and no more than 4 on any one day, according to the NHMRC.
Who should not drink alcohol?
The guidelines recommend people under 18, and women who are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding, do not drink alcohol.
What is the most common beer in Australia?
Pale lager has long been the most common style, although craft styles have grown strongly.
What is mid-strength beer?
Beer with less alcohol than full-strength but more than light beer. Check the label for alcohol content.
Is non-alcoholic beer alcohol-free?
Not always; some contain traces. Check the label if you must avoid alcohol entirely.
Is there gluten-free beer?
Yes. Some beers are brewed from gluten-free grains or treated to reduce gluten. People with coeliac disease should check labels and medical advice.
What is a shout?
Taking turns to buy a round of drinks for your group. If you join a shout, be ready to buy your round.
Do you tip in Australian pubs?
Tipping is not expected in Australian pubs.
How old do you have to be to buy beer?
18. Venues may ask for ID.
How should I store beer?
Cold, dark and upright, and drink hoppy beers fresh.
Should beer be served ice cold?
Light lagers suit very cold serving; ales, stouts and strong beers show more flavour slightly warmer.
What beer goes with seafood?
Light lagers, pilsners and wheat beers; stout with oysters is a classic.
What is a taproom?
A bar at or run by a brewery, serving its beer fresh. See our bottle shop versus taproom article.
Where can I go on a brewery trip?
Popular regions include the Yarra Valley, Hunter Valley and Margaret River. Always plan transport so nobody drives after drinking.
Is Beer Guide Australia a review site?
No. We are an independent editorial guide and do not publish venue scores or paid rankings.