Fun Stuff

The Eagle Bay experience is shaped by the people behind it. In our It Takes a Village series, we introduce the passionate team members who help make Eagle Bay Brewing Co. such a special place to visit.

Meet Matt | Brewer

Sometimes the best career decisions start with a simple goal.

For Matt Herring, it was wanting to surf more.

More than a decade ago, he left his job as an automotive mechanic, packed up his life and headed south in search of better waves and a new adventure.

That decision eventually led him to Eagle Bay Brewing Co., where he's now helping brew the beers he once poured behind the bar.

Chasing Waves

After leaving his job as a mechanic, Matt took what he thought would be a gap year.

"I wanted to surf every day."

He started working in hospitality while spending as much time in the ocean as possible.

Before long, he realised there were even better waves and hospitality opportunities waiting in the South West.

"I found myself in Dunsborough and never really looked back."

Over the years Matt worked at several local venues, including The Dunsborough Tavern, Caves House Hotel and Ocky's Brewery before joining Eagle Bay Brewing Co.

Finding a Home at Eagle Bay

Matt spent almost ten years working front of house at Eagle Bay.

Even when life took him elsewhere, he always found himself returning.

"Every time I left the South West, I ended up coming back."

Back to Dunsborough.

Back to the lifestyle.

Back to Eagle Bay.

Eventually, he realised he wanted to build a long-term career with the business.

With his mechanical background, moving into beer production felt like the perfect fit.

Building More Than Beer

One of Matt's biggest challenges came not long after joining the brewery team.

During COVID, Eagle Bay's new canning line finally arrived after months at sea.

Normally, technicians would travel to install and commission the equipment.

That wasn't possible.

Instead, Matt, Head Brewer Keegan and co-founder Nick found themselves assembling the entire production line over the phone with support from East Coast Canning.

"It was basically the world's biggest IKEA flatpack."

After months in transit, nearly every bolt had worked loose.

Together, the team rebuilt and calibrated the entire system, from the depalletiser through to the four-pack applicator.

"It was incredibly satisfying when we finally filled our first cans."

Why Eagle Bay?

Ask Matt what keeps him coming to work each day and the answer is simple.

"The camaraderie."

He loves the close-knit culture across the brewery and the wider business.

Everyone supports one another.

Everyone takes pride in what they create.

"We're genuinely proud of the beer we make, and we love sharing it with people."

Life Outside the Brewery

When he's not brewing beer, you'll almost certainly find Matt in the ocean.

Surfing remains his biggest passion.

For him, it's about far more than the waves.

"It's the whole journey."

Checking the forecast.

Choosing the right break.

Driving through the South West.

Spending hours in the water.

Then finishing the day with a pie from Taz's and a cold beer at home.

"It doesn't get much better than that."

Matt's Eagle Bay Favourites

Favourite beer

Old School IPA.

"I love the rich malt profile, the pine and rockmelon hop character, and that classic bitter finish."

Favourite local spots

• Three Bears for a surf.
• Bungalow Social for great food and a fantastic beer and wine list.

Matt's Best Advice

Matt's advice is simple.

"Try different things."

"If you're not happy where you are, don't be afraid to try something new."

Leaving his career as a mechanic completely changed the direction of his life.

"It made me realise you can go wherever you want. You just have to be willing to learn."

Meet the Village

Matt's journey from mechanic to hospitality and eventually brewer is a reminder that great careers don't always follow a straight path.

Sometimes all it takes is chasing a better wave.

His passion for brewing, teamwork and the South West lifestyle makes him an important part of the Eagle Bay Brewing Co. story.

Stay tuned as we continue introducing the wonderful people who make up our village.