First look inside rebranded Joe’s Waterhole pub, now Matso’s Sunshine Coast

A celebrated Sunshine Coast hinterland pub has been turned into one of the region’s newest social hubs just in time for Christmas. Take the first look at the new venue.

A popular alcoholic ginger beer brewery has unveiled its new Sunshine Coast hinterland venue built at an iconic bar.

Matso’s is opening its Memorial Dr, Eumundi brewery just in time for Christmas after transforming the iconic Joe’s Waterhole.

The Eumundi site is the second location for the Broome-based company, which claims to have created the first alcoholic ginger beer in Australia.

Matso’s Brewery marketing head Mick McKeown said Eumundi’s sense of community was similar to that of Broome, making the hinterland suburb the perfect place for their new venue.

Inside the repurposed Joe's Waterhole pub in Eumundi, now Matso's.

The new brewery hall, behind the front bar and separated by a pool room, seats up to 400 people and includes a grassy hill and children’s playground area.

They have kept the original Joe’s Waterhole front bar, with some minor changes including fresh bar stools and a neon sign, and still has some of the pub’s original brews on tap alongside Matso’s.

Matso's Sunshine Coast has officially taken over for site formerly known as Joe's Waterhole. Photos: Supplied

Mr McKeown said the front bar was kept relatively untouched because of its iconic status within the community.

“From a Matso’s perspective, community is really important to us,” he said.

“It’s a nod to the history of the area and that’s something Matso’s find is really important.”

Mr McKeown said the new brewery had a number of repurposed and reused iconic features including timber from the original pub.

Matso's marketing and sales head Mick McKeown. Photos: Supplied

He said the new menu featured traditional foods with a Japanese influence as well as pizzas, share plates, salads and kids menu on offer.

The company’s iconic ginger beer and mango beer would be brewed onsite and distributed Queensland-wide.

Mr McKeown said there were already plans to construct a distillery to expand into spirits and ready-to-drink beverages.

The venue will offer live music and be pet friendly.

Matso's Sunshine Coast has officially taken over for site formerly known as Joe's Waterhole. Photos: Supplied

The West Australian company Good Drinks Australia bought Joe’s Waterhole for $5.3m in September 2021 with plans to turn it into a Matso’s brewery.

It will officially open to the public on Friday, December 22.