2024 CHRISTMAS NEWSLETTER
What We Got Up To in 2024 – Wishing You a Merry Christmas, Buckmundi Family!
Dear Buckmundi Family,
What a whirlwind 2024 has been! As we roll into the festive season, we’re reflecting on another incredible year living on the road and growing Buckmundi. Right now, we’re parked up in the beautiful Whitsundays—our second home when it’s time to restock, service vehicles and get ready for the next adventure. Shoutout to our amazing friends who let us park up on their slice of paradise while Box works at the mines, and I get our shirts out there.
This year, we celebrated 5 years on the road and 3 years of Buckmundi, milestones we never imagined when we set off in 2019 with no real plan. Now, we’ve found our groove balancing travel and work, and it’s a lifestyle we’re not ready to give up anytime soon.
The Second Half of 2024
In June, we headed up to Karumba, QLD, a spot where people make you feel at home every time we return. This trip was extra special as we joined friends on their final trip of a 17-year pilgrimage. It was bittersweet to see the end of an era for them, but who knows? Maybe we’ll carry on their tradition.
Box fished from dawn till dusk, while Chilli dog and I enjoyed sunrise walks along the beach and those unbeatable outback to ocean sunsets. Buckmundi stalls were a hit—our designs flew off the racks, proving once again that Aussie-made quality resonates with so many of you.
Back in the Whitsundays, we kept the momentum going, setting up our pop-up shop all around the Whitsundays including the Proserpine Dam Fishing Comp, where our shirts were incredibly well received. Hearing feedback about how unique, lightweight, and sun-safe our designs are never gets old—it’s what keeps us inspired to create.
This year, we also added some exciting upgrades to the Buckmundi traveling shop, including a top-notch Clevershade 270-degree awning, making solo setups a breeze, and new pro photos by Tammy @PIX BY T. With fresh signage and an updated setup, we’re looking better than ever!
The First Half of 2024
We kicked off the year exploring rural NSW, ACT, and VIC. Highlights included visits to the Canberra War Memorial and Parliament House, we even witnessed being stolen in plain sight! Within 20 minutes of pulling into a showground, we saw someone speeding away with a caravan—chains dragging, windows and doors wide open. Turns out it was a domestic dispute: one partner decided to steal the other’s home on their birthday while they were at work. A wild reminder to always lock everything, even when you think it’s safe!
Next, we ventured into the VIC High Country, and wow, it far exceeded our expectations. The camping spots were mostly free, clean, and equipped with drop toilets (exciting for full-time travelers, trust us!). We spent our days off-grid in the bush, soaking up the peace and quiet, with no sign of the infamous “Button Man.” (Google him if you haven’t—his campfire drop-ins are the stuff of creepy legend!)
Box tried his hand at fly fishing and landed his first rainbow trout—delicious, by the way. The mountain streams were breathtakingly clear, though freezing cold since they’re fed by melting snow. Experiencing sub-zero temps in March was a shock for these North Queenslanders, but thanks to our trusty diesel heater and Box’s early-morning fire-starting skills, we stayed cozy. I think I’ll keep him. 😉
One standout moment was visiting Craig’s Hut, an iconic spot we had all to ourselves. Though it was a cloudy day, the moody backdrop made for some spectacular photos. The High Country is a place we’ll definitely return to—there’s so much more to see.
From there, we camped along the Murray River, making our way to Mildura to catch up with friends we met on the Nullarbor 2.5 years ago. The sense of community we’ve found on the road is one of the greatest gifts of this lifestyle. In the Adelaide Hills, we said goodbye to a dear friend we made during our travels, a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of cherishing every moment.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As we reflect on this year’s travels, one thing stands out: the amazing people we’ve met along the way. Whether it’s loyal customers who keep coming back for more or new faces discovering our shirts for the first time, your support means the world to us. You’re the reason we do what we do.
In 2025, we’re heading to new destinations (hint: a ferry ride is involved!). Follow along on our socials to see where we land next, and of course, there will be plenty of new designs and adventures to share.
A Final Thank You
To the Buckmundi family: thank you. Your loyalty, reviews, model shots, and word-of-mouth recommendations have been the backbone of our small business. We couldn’t do this without you, and we’re so grateful for the community we’ve built together.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a New Year full of adventure, joy, and everything that makes life better. Stay sun-safe, stylish, and ready for anything—here’s to another year of chasing dreams and creating memories!
With love and safe travels,
Carmen, Box & Chilli Dog
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ABOUT US
Box & Carmen
Chilli Dog
About Us
Welcome to Buckmundi, where our love for adventure meets our passion for Australian-made gear!
We’re Carmen, Box, and our trusty sausage dog, Chilli. Together, we run Buckmundi from our caravan as we explore the great Aussie outdoors. From designing and marketing to packing and shipping, every step of our business rolls with us. It’s the whole operation on wheels—and we wouldn’t have it any other way!
Why Buckmundi Exists
Here’s the thing: finding quality, Australian-made outdoor and fishing shirts is nearly impossible. The market is flooded with cheap imports, and we wanted to change that. For us, it’s about more than just shirts—it’s about supporting Australian manufacturing, delivering exceptional quality, and giving Aussies gear they can be proud of.
Our passion for Aussie-made runs deep because we know how important it is to back local businesses and create products that truly perform in our harsh climate. Every Buckmundi shirt is 100% Australian designed, manufactured, and crafted for adventure, ensuring the highest standards of quality and durability.
How It All Began
We’re small-town Queenslanders through and through—Carmen from Cooktown and Box from Julia Creek. After 15 years of the 9-to-5 grind in Townsville, we felt something was missing. So, in October 2019, we packed up, hit the road, and chased a new dream.
Buckmundi was born from our love for the outdoors and our frustration with the lack of stylish, practical, and Australian-made options in the market. We started with what we knew best: long-sleeve shirts that perform under the Aussie sun.
What Makes Buckmundi Different
When people try on a Buckmundi shirt, they’re blown away by how light and cool it feels. That’s because we’ve sourced the softest microfibre fabric that:
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Keeps You Cool: Wicks away moisture and lets the breeze flow through, even in the hottest conditions.
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Provides UPF50+ Sun Protection: Essential for long days in the Aussie sun.
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Quick-Drying & Odor-Resistant: Perfect for multi-day adventures (yes, fellas, you can get away with wearing them again).
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Iron-Free: Because who’s got time for that?
Our shirts have been tested in the toughest Aussie climates—from the Kimberley’s 40+ degree heat to Cape York’s humidity—and they deliver every time. And let’s not forget—every shirt proudly features “Australian Owned & Made” on the back. Because being Aussie-made isn’t just a detail; it’s the heart of who we are.
Our Buckmundi Family
Our shirts are for anyone who loves the outdoors. From anglers and hikers to gardeners, caravanners, and birdwatchers, Buckmundi wearers come from all walks of life. The one thing they all share? A love for quality, practicality, and supporting Aussie-made.
Our customers are more than just shoppers—they’re part of the Buckmundi family. Their loyalty, feedback, and enthusiasm inspire us to keep creating. In fact, the majority of our sales come from repeat customers, proving that Buckmundi shirts aren’t just gear—they’re a lifestyle.
Why We Do What We Do
Creating Australian-made outdoor shirts isn’t the easiest path, but it’s the one we’re passionate about. Supporting local jobs, showcasing the best of Aussie craftsmanship, and offering gear that truly performs drives everything we do.
Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Your support helps us live the dream, explore Australia, and share high-quality, Australian-made products with people who appreciate them as much as we do.
Here’s to staying cool, sun-safe, and always adventuring!
Catch you out there,
Carmen, Box & Chilli 🐾
PAST 2023 CHRISTMAS NEWSLETTER
Reflecting on 2023 & wishing you a very Happy Christmas & New Years.
Dear Buckmundi Family,
G'day from The Whitsundays!
We hope this letter finds you in good spirits and ready for a bit of time off over the Christmas period. As we write our first-ever Christmas letter, we're grateful for the opportunity to share a glimpse of our adventures with those who've been on this journey with us.
This year, our wheels found a semi-permanent home in the picturesque Whitsundays (terrible we know) A record-setting stay for us in our four years on the road (Perth being a close second during lockdown). Originally planning to head back towards the Adelaide Hills after a stunning wedding at Chilli Beach Cape York in 2022, our plans changed as they always do on the road. Barra season for Box, work opportunities for both, and the chance to promote Buckmundi in our potential future home prompted us to stay longer.
We have had the opportunity to spend more time (sometimes parked in their back yards) with many of our family and friends up and down the QLD coast as well as others flying in from down south and as far away as WA to join us at events such as the Dittman's Bull Country Music fest in Bloomsbury, fishing trips and our big 40 celebrations at Hamilton Island.
Box has been working in the mines around the Bowen Basin and Weipa attending shutdowns. Just this week he is caught in Weipa with Cyclone Jasper cutting them off from using the Cairns airport to return home. He loves it, he is learning things all the time, making connections everywhere and most importantly he gets to fish.
I, Carmen, have been establishing Buckmundi while working at the caravan park where we have been staying. Something to think about when you travel with a dog you are not allowed to leave them unattended at caravan parks so you need to work where you can have a dog or work where you live. From bridal boutique and desk jobs in airconditioned comfort in a previous life to now planting trees, clearing scrub with a machete and whipper snipper, cleaning and milking cows it’s a life far-fetched to the one I had. It’s not all glamourous but you feel alive at the end of the day and gets you away from the computer. Box and I still wouldn’t trade the experiences we have had for anything!
Our beloved Chilli dog continues to be our gentle and silent companion. Though age may have slowed her down and her sight isn’t 100% anymore she insists on being a part of every adventure. She truly is a special part of our lives and celebrates her 12th birthday on new year’s day.
Throughout the year, we have taken Buckmundi to local markets from Sarina to Townsville meeting wonderful faces like yours. We have had new customers both in Qld and interstate reach out via our website that we have never met before, so word of mouth is definitely getting out there. Your support has propelled us forward, expanding our community and growing our website and collection. Your loyalty and support for our Australian made shirts means the world to us and we can’t thank you enough.
As we wrap up this year, we want to express our deepest gratitude for being a part of the Buckmundi family. Wishing you a fantastic Christmas and a New Year filled with good times, laughter, some bevvies and exciting new beginnings. We can't wait to bring you more in 2024!
With love & safe travels
Carmen, Box, & Chilli dog
