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 & home based office as we explore the great Aussie outdoors. From designing and marketing to packing and shipping, every step of our business is done by us and comes with us where ever we go.
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, 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. Even down to the fine print on our labels you can see it is made in Australia.
How It All Began
We’re small-town Queenslanders at heart—Carmen from Cooktown, Box from Julia Creek. After years grinding away in Townsville ticking off most of the boxes you are "meant to" we realized life was slipping by too fast. So in 2019, we packed up our lives and hit the road, trading 9-to-5 for sunsets, red dirt, and a six-year rolling adventure in a caravan.
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 (also known as fishing shirts) that keep you cool, protected, and comfortable all day long.
What Makes Buckmundi Different
Slip on a Buckmundi shirt and you’ll feel it instantly:
lightweight, cool, soft, and made for real Aussie conditions.
Our premium microfibre fabric is:
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Cool & Breathable – Keeps the air flowing on blazing hot days.
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UPF50+ Sun Safe – Because the Aussie sun doesn’t muck around.
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Quick-Drying & Odour-Resistant – Ideal for multi-day adventures. (Yes, the fellas test this frequently!)
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Iron-Free – Just wash, hang, wear, repeat.
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Adventure-Proven – From the dry heat of the Kimberley to the sticky humidity of Cape York.
Plus every shirt proudly showcases Australian Owned & Made across 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. What they all share is a love for quality, practicality, and supporting Aussie-made products.
Over the years, this community has become our Buckmundi family. Their stories, feedback, and loyalty keep us inspired—and most of our orders now come from repeat customers who’ve made Buckmundi part of their lifestyle.
Why We Do What We Do
Supporting Australian manufacturing matters. Creating gear that stands up to our climate matters. And building a brand that celebrates adventure, quality, and local craftsmanship matters.
Your support allows us to explore this beautiful country, meet incredible people, and continue making Aussie-made products we’re proud to share.
So thank you—for backing us, for wearing Buckmundi, and for being part of this adventure.
Here’s to staying cool, sun-safe, and always exploring.
Catch you out there,
Carmen, Box & Chilli 🐾
2025 CHRISTMAS NEWSLETTER
2025 BUCKMUNDI FESTIVE DISPATCH-
6 years on the road & wishing our Buckmundi family a very Merry Xmas
G’day crew,
Somehow, we’ve clocked six years on the road. Six years! It still blows our minds how a trip became a lifestyle, and how deeply it’s now woven into who we are now.
Whitsundays ➝ Tasmania… in One Week (Because Why Not?)
We kicked off the year pointing the bonnet south and doing the run from the Whitsundays to Tasmania in a week.
Tassie was everything everyone promised: history around every bend, mystical forests, waterfalls, twisty roads, and more corners than you can count. It’s like a mini mainland with a taste of all the landscapes squeezed into one tiny island.
A huge thank you to our mates Jen & Snow—who we met in Karumba last year— for letting us park up in their backyard for part of it, showing us all the local gems, oysters straight from the source, trout fishing in the high country, and the kind of hospitality that makes you feel like part of the family. You guys are one/two of a kind xo.
The Wedding Ring Search… Again
Yep. Box lost it again!
One minute he’s night-casting for squid, the next his beloved Broncos head wedding ring is somewhere in the deep blue.
What followed was a sheepish phone call to me then 5 days of searching. Three attempts, cold water, nerves about becoming shark sh*t and pep talks about what to do if bitten by a blue-ring octopus. (North Queenslander conditioning of what’s lurking in the water is hard to switch off)
We eventually drove hundreds of kilometers to the nearest Anaconda, bought a metal-detecting thingo, duct-taped it to the stone stomper pole (bush engineering at its best), hopped into the kayak, and searched until we were past numb.
And somehow—somehow—we found it. Buried metres deep in seaweed.
Third time, Box…. Surely there won’t be a third!??
A Facebook reel we made at the time is below if you're interested.
After Tassie we cruised through the SA peninsulas, went crabbing and fishing with new mates Craig & Amanda (fellow Queenslanders), helped other friends move from their caravan into a house in the Barossa after years on the road, and tasted more than a little Barossa wine.
The places are great —but the people you meet are always the best part of travelling.
Back in Townsville – Tools Out, House Half Empty
Right now, we’re based back in Townsville. Renovating, working, giving the car and van some much earned under cover love after spending 6 years in the elements, and living in a mostly empty house while we figure out where to head next. It’s strange to be home, comfortable and familiar, but the sense to find the next thing is very apparent to us, but it’s a good stable base for now.
Chilli Turns 14
Our beautiful Chilli girl turns 14 on the 1st of January—around 98 in human years.
Her eyesight’s dipped and she’s slowing down, but she’s still the happiest, gentlest little shadow you’ll ever meet. Being home for a spell is great for her: familiar smells, naps, her own routine. Just don’t go near the car or van without her—she’ll be right behind you, making sure she’s not getting left behind.
Buckmundi – Our Little Community
Buckmundi has kept travelling even while we’ve been parked up, and your support for Aussie-made gear continues to surprise and inspire us. This year our shirts made it from Australia all the way to the Pyramids, the Maldives, and even Mount Everest, with every photo, message, purchase, and shared adventure meaning more than we can say.
One of our favourite parts has been hearing how strangers spot each other in a Buckmundi and instantly strike up a chat—proof that this has become more than shirts, but a little roaming community of like-minded people. New designs are on the way, ideas are always churning in my head so keep wearing your Buckmundis and sending in your pics—they absolutely make our year
Brett climbing Mount Everest wearing Croc Camo.
Rhonda at The Pyramids, Egypt wearing Cheeky Willie.
Merry Christmas
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being here with us, cheering us on, and being part of the Buckmundi family.
We wish you a very Merry Christmas, the happiest new year, lots of love and hopefully a couple miles on your speedo this break.
Keep them wheels turning!
Carmen, Box & Chilli dog. xo
Rhys on a fishing charter in The Maldives wearing Croc Camo
PAST 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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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
