The Wallaby in Mudgeeraba set for $2.5m makeover

It’s loved for its live music and cheeky characters, now this hugely popular watering hole will be given a new lease on life

ONE of Queensland’s oldest and quirkiest pubs, the Wallaby Hotel in Mudgeeraba, is set for a multimillion-dollar makeover.

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The 135-year-old Gold Coast venue will be given a $2.5m refurb, with a huge new kids’ play area and stage for hosting live music.
“It’s seen a lot of life, The Wallaby, and she just needs a little bit of love, a little bit of TLC,” said Scott Martin from Australian Venue Co, which owns the icon.

An artist's impression of the new Wallaby hotel in Mudgeeraba.

The reno will see the venue maintain its heritage charm, while being brought into the modern day, with a new public bar, bistro, TAB and outdoor space.

“We want people to come in and remember the good old days,” said Martin. “We want to take young people back to how it used to be – friendly and casual … and just a big old meeting place.”

With six schools nearby, the pub is also being transformed to become a hotspot for families, featuring a whopping 400sq m play area for kids. While the new public bar will feature eight big screens playing live games and events for all the sports enthusiasts.

AVC also wants to revive the pub’s reputation for live music, installing a new big stage.

An artist's impression of the new Wallaby hotel in Mudgeeraba.

“It’s always been a mecca for live music so we’ve allowed a lot more space for the touring acts. If it’s live we’re going to have it,” said Martin. However, guests may have to enjoy the music sitting down if COVID-19 restrictions continue.

The food will be given a serious overhaul as well, focusing on pub grub done well, such as house-made parmies and sausages and a great grill section.

“We’re going to be making a lot of products in-house,” Martin said. “We’re not going to pull it out of the freezer and put it in the microwave.”

The first step of the reno will be the gaming room, due for completion in September, while the whole venue is expected to be finished by the beginning of November. The hotel will continue trading throughout the transformation.

Originally published as The Wallaby in Mudgeeraba set for $2.5m makeover