FIFO Drinks: Beers That Make the Fly-In Life Worth It

For FIFO (Fly-In-Fly-Out) workers, life is a cycle of long shifts, isolated job sites, and cherished downtime. When the work is done, there’s one thing every FIFO worker looks forward to: a cold beer. Whether it’s cracking open a can in their downtime or hitting up the local pub during their off days, beer plays a central role in the FIFO lifestyle.

In this guide, we’ll dive into the beers that FIFO workers love, explore pub culture in Australia’s mining towns, and shine a spotlight on regional breweries that make the FIFO life just a little sweeter.

What Makes a Great FIFO Beer?

FIFO workers know that the best beers for their lifestyle have a few key traits:

Portable: Cans are preferred—easier to pack, lighter to carry, and no risk of breaking.
Sessionable: FIFO shifts are exhausting, so a beer that’s easy to drink and not too heavy is essential.
Affordable: Let’s face it, FIFO wages are good, but no one wants to spend a fortune on beer.
Widely Available: Beers that are stocked in both city bottle shops and regional mining town pubs are the go-to choices.

Top Beers FIFO Workers Swear By

1. Great Northern Super Crisp Lager

Why FIFO Workers Love It: Dubbed “the beer from up here,” Great Northern is a favorite for workers in Australia’s hotter regions. It’s light, refreshing, and perfect for knocking back after a day in the sun.
Flavor Profile: Crisp and clean with a hint of malt.
Best Enjoyed: Straight from the esky during downtime with mates.

2. Carlton Dry

Why FIFO Workers Love It: Known for its low bitterness and smooth finish, Carlton Dry is a reliable choice for FIFO workers who want something light and easy-drinking.
Flavor Profile: Subtle malt sweetness with a dry finish.
Best Enjoyed: At the end of a long shift, paired with a simple pub meal.

3. XXXX Gold

Why FIFO Workers Love It: Queensland’s beloved mid-strength beer is ideal for all-day sipping without going overboard. It’s a top pick in regional mining town pubs.
Flavor Profile: Smooth and malty with a light body.
Best Enjoyed: During a lazy afternoon BBQ on your off week.

4. Emu Export (Bush Chook)

Why FIFO Workers Love It: For FIFO workers in WA, Emu Export is the ultimate no-nonsense beer. Affectionately known as “Bush Chook,” it’s a staple of the mining town lifestyle.
Flavor Profile: Crisp, light, and easy-drinking.
Best Enjoyed: With a hearty steak and chips at the pub.

5. Coopers Original Pale Ale

Why FIFO Workers Love It: For workers who like a bit more flavor, Coopers Pale Ale delivers. Its slightly cloudy appearance and fruity notes make it stand out.
Flavor Profile: Hoppy and fruity with a refreshing finish.
Best Enjoyed: When you’re winding down after a week-long shift.

Pub Culture in Australia’s Mining Towns

Mining towns are home to some of the most unique and welcoming pubs in the country. These watering holes are more than just places to grab a drink—they’re community hubs where FIFO workers and locals alike gather to unwind, share stories, and connect.

1. The Iron Clad Hotel (Marble Bar, WA)

Why It’s Famous: Known as one of Australia’s hottest towns, Marble Bar’s iconic pub offers cold beers and great vibes, making it a must-visit for FIFO workers in the Pilbara region.

2. The Broken Hill Hotel (Broken Hill, NSW)

Why It’s Famous: This historic pub combines old-world charm with a welcoming atmosphere. It’s a favorite among workers in nearby mines.

3. The Daly Waters Pub (NT)

Why It’s Famous: Quirky, remote, and full of character, this outback pub is a bucket-list stop for FIFO workers passing through the Northern Territory.

Breweries Bringing the Bush to FIFO Workers

As the craft beer movement grows, regional breweries in mining areas are creating beers that cater to FIFO workers and their love of no-nonsense brews.

1. Spinifex Brewing Co. (WA)

Signature Beer: Spinifex F88 Lager
Why FIFO Workers Love It: Named after the F88 Austeyr rifle, this beer is a tribute to Australian service and hard work.
Pro Tip: Try their native-flavored beers, featuring bush ingredients like wattle seed.

2. Broome Brewery (WA)

Signature Beer: Mango Beer
Why FIFO Workers Love It: Light, fruity, and refreshing, it’s perfect for workers in the tropical heat of WA.
Pro Tip: Pair it with fresh seafood for the ultimate Broome experience.

3. Hemingway’s Brewery (QLD)

Signature Beer: Tropical Ale
Why FIFO Workers Love It: This Cairns-based brewery knows how to brew beers that suit the Far North Queensland lifestyle.
Pro Tip: Their small-batch releases are worth hunting down.

FIFO Beer Rituals

1. The Esky on Arrival

For many FIFO workers, the first thing they do when they get home is grab an esky, load it with ice, and stock it with their favorite beers. It’s a ritual that marks the transition from work mode to relaxation mode.

2. The Pub Shout

At the end of a tough roster, hitting the pub with mates for a round of beers is a FIFO tradition. The first shout is often reserved for the person who had the hardest shifts.

3. Deck Beers

Whether it’s on a balcony, patio, or verandah, there’s something special about enjoying a cold one outdoors while reflecting on the week gone by.

Why Beer Matters to FIFO Workers

For FIFO workers, beer is more than just a drink—it’s a symbol of downtime, camaraderie, and reward. Here’s why it plays such a big role:

A Taste of Home: Familiar beers bring comfort to workers far from home.
Social Connection: Whether it’s at a pub or in shared accommodation, beer brings people together.
Work-Life Balance: Cracking open a cold one signals the shift from hard work to well-earned relaxation.

Final Thoughts: Cheers to FIFO Workers

The FIFO lifestyle isn’t easy, but it’s made a little brighter with the promise of a cold beer after the job is done. From classic brews like XXXX Gold to regional gems from bush breweries, FIFO workers have no shortage of great options to toast their hard work. So here’s to the FIFO legends—cheers to you and the beers that make it all worthwhile.