Gifting has never been easier
Perfect if you're short on time or are unable to deliver your gift yourself. Enter your message and select when to send it.
Aquabumps x Akubra Bondi
Celebrating The Bondi Community
Bondi Beach has long been more than just a stretch of sand. It’s a place of ritual, connection and community - where sunrise swims, surf checks and morning coffees form part of a daily rhythm that feels uniquely Australian.
In celebration of this iconic coastal culture, Akubra is proud to partner with Aquabumps, the legendary photography platform founded by Eugene “Uge” Tan, whose lens has documented Bondi life for over two decades. Bringing together two iconic Australian brands connected by a shared appreciation for the people, places and stories that define this country, the Aquabumps x Akubra collaboration pays tribute to the spirit of Bondi and the people who make it what it is.
To mark the collaboration, a special collection of 11 Aquabumps prints is now on display at our Bondi store, featuring members of the local community whose lives are deeply connected to the beach.
AKUBRA BONDI STORE
39 HALL ST, BONDI BEACH
Founder Of Aquabumps & Photographer
Eugene "Uge" Tan
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START DOCUMENTING BONDI LIFE THROUGH AQUABUMPS?
I started documenting Bondi at sunrise in 1999 to combine my three great loves: surfing, photography and the beach. The light at Bondi is endlessly beautiful and always changing. No two mornings are ever the same.
HOW HAS BONDI BEACH CULTURE EVOLVED OVER THE YEARS?
Bondi in the ’90s was much grittier. These days it’s more polished, but the village feel is still alive. What’s changed most is the wellness culture, but the energy and sense of community remain just as strong.
WHAT MAKES BONDI MORNINGS SO UNIQUELY AUSTRALIAN?
In just 900 metres of sand, you’ve got surfers, swimmers, runners, dog walkers and ocean dippers all before most people have had their first coffee. It’s chaotic, healthy, social and beautifully Australian.
Bondi Lifeguard
Deano
WHAT HAS 36 YEARS AS A BONDI LIFEGUARD TAUGHT YOU?
Expect the unexpected. It’s also taught me how important the ocean is for people’s mental and physical health.
HOW DO BREATHWORK AND COLD WATER CONNECT TO BONDI LIFE?
Bondi has so many different communities within it. I love yoga and breathwork at South Bondi at sunrise. You also see older locals swimming every day of the year, which says a lot about the connection people have to this place.
WHY DOES BONDI HAVE SUCH A STRONG WELLNESS CULTURE?
Bondi has become a real epicentre of health and wellness in Australia. New trends come and go, but movement and ocean connection have always been at its core.
Eastern Suburbs Local
Alex
WHAT DOES A BONDI SUNRISE SURF MEAN TO YOU?
It feels like the start of a new day. You see friends, familiar faces and locals, and it feels like being on holiday before work even begins.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE BONDI COMMUNITY TO A FIRST-TIME VISITOR?
Bondi before 8am is peak hour in the best way. You’ve got run clubs, sunrise swims, coffees and people simply soaking in the morning energy.
WHAT MAKES AN AKUBRA PERFECT FOR LONG MORNINGS BY THE OCEAN?
Akubra hats are durable, made to be worn and an Australian icon. Bondi and Akubra feel like an iconic pairing.
Poet
Murray
HOW DOES BONDI INSPIRE YOUR CREATIVITY?
Bondi feels like a space between the civic and the wild. The ocean brings perspective, gratitude and wonder, and that often finds its way into my writing.
WHAT DOES THE BEACH MEAN TO YOUR DAILY RITUAL?
The beach is how I begin the day. The walk, the conversations and the ocean all connect me to community and bring a spiritual sense of gratitude.
Interior Designer
Rozy
WHAT KEEPS YOU RETURNING TO BONDI EVERY MORNING?
It’s my reset. The best possible way to begin the day.
HOW DOES THE OCEAN INFLUENCE YOUR CREATIVITY?
The ocean is nature’s perfect imperfect design. Its colours, movement and light constantly inspire open, layered and breathable spaces.
WHY ARE BONDI MORNINGS SUCH A BIG PART OF AUSTRALIAN COASTAL CULTURE?
Bondi connects people to nature. It’s visually beautiful, endlessly changing and completely inclusive. Everyone is welcome.
Bondi Local
Knoxy
WHAT HAS BONDI TAUGHT YOU ABOUT WELLBEING?
Bondi has taught me how important face-to-face connection is. The community here is a daily reminder to prioritise your wellbeing.
WHY IS COMMUNITY SUCH A BIG PART OF BONDI LIFE?
Community creates belonging. Whether you grew up here or come and go, Bondi has a way of making you feel welcome.
WHAT DOES AN AUTHENTIC AUSTRALIAN COASTAL LIFESTYLE MEAN TO YOU?
Clean beaches, good waves, healthy people and local businesses that have stood the test of time. It’s about connection and familiarity.
Surfer
Sophie
HOW DO YOU BALANCE SCHOOL, SURFING AND BONDI LIFE?
Routine and time management are everything. Surfing helps me reset mentally and keeps me focused, whether it’s before or after school.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT GROWING UP IN BONDI?
The morning energy is unmatched. People are surfing, swimming, training and grabbing coffee, creating such a positive environment to grow up in.
WHAT DOES A PERFECT SUMMER MORNING LOOK LIKE?
Good waves at South Corner with friends, warm water, sunrise and coffee afterwards. That Bondi morning atmosphere is hard to beat.
Bondi Locals
John & Jules
WHAT KEEPS YOU COMING BACK TO THE BEACH EVERY MORNING?
The beach is the elixir of life. It sets the tone for the entire day.
HOW HAS BONDI CHANGED OVER THE YEARS?
A lot has changed, but the common thread remains the same. People still come here for the beach lifestyle and the connection it brings.
WHAT DOES THE MORNING RITUAL MEAN TO THE COMMUNITY?
It’s about acknowledging your tribe, sharing, caring and feeling part of something bigger than yourself.
Volleyball Player
Azzurra
HOW HAS VOLLEYBALL BECOME PART OF YOUR MORNING ROUTINE?
Volleyball keeps me active, but more importantly, it brings connection. It’s the one thing that gets me out of bed early.
WHAT MAKES BONDI SO SPECIAL?
Bondi has this unique energy where movement, community and nature all come together naturally.
WHY DO YOU LOVE STARTING YOUR DAY HERE?
Fresh air, the ocean, sunrise and friends. It sets the tone for everything that follows.
Surfer
Stormie
WHAT KEEPS YOU SURFING BONDI MORE THAN ANYWHERE ELSE?
The vibe and consistency. There’s always someone out, and every day feels different.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE BONDI SURF COMMUNITY?
It’s a mix of everyone - young groms, locals, longboarders and pros. If you show respect, there’s no better community.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUNG SURFERS?
Have fun and stay consistent. The more time you spend in the water, the better you’ll understand the ocean.
Bondi Mum & Surfer
Debbie
WHY IS YOUR MORNING SWIM SO IMPORTANT?
My morning swim is my reset. No matter what the day brings, I always feel better after getting in the ocean.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT SURFING WITH YOUR BOYS?
The laughs, the chats and hearing them cheer me on from the lineup. It’s my favourite thing we do together.
HOW DOES BONDI BALANCE FAMILY, WELLNESS AND COASTAL LIVING?
Living near the beach means our family connects with nature every day. I truly believe touching nature daily is one of the best ways to reset and stay grounded.
THE HATS BEHIND THE PORTRAITS
THE OUTBACK CLUB BLACK
Sale price$380.00
LEISURE TIME LIGHT SAND
Sale price$330.00
New
BIG SKY COFFEE
Sale price$400.00
STYLEMASTER LODEN
Sale price$300.00
RIVERINA BLACK
Sale price$350.00
Archive
CATTLEMAN BLACK
Sale price$220.00
Regular price$330.00
DUSTY DAWN COFFEE
Sale price$360.00
COOBER PEDY SAND
Sale price$350.00
