The History of Akubra
Founded in Tasmania in 1876 by Benjamin Dunkerley, Akubra is a testament to the enduring art of hand craftsmanship. For over 150 years, Akubra has been a true symbol of rugged durability, timeless style, and Australian heritage. Each handcrafted hat tells a story of adventure, resilience, and individuality, making Akubra essential for outdoor explorers, Aussie style enthusiasts, and anyone bold enough to forge their own path.
The craft of creating an Akubra hat is a skill mastered only by those who understand the essence of quality. Our Master Hatters have spent over a century perfecting their craft, ensuring every hat is made to endure a lifetime of adventure.
Founding & Early Growth
1876–1919
1876: Kensington Hat Mills is established near Hobart by Benjamin Dunkerley.
1892: Dunkerley invents a revolutionary machine for dressing fur, a world first of its kind.
1900: Dunkerley relocates and establishes a small hat workshop in Crown Street, Surry Hills, Sydney.
1904: British hatmaker Stephen Keir, having arrived in Australia three years earlier, decides to join Dunkerley’s business.
1911: Dunkerley Hat Mills is registered. There are nineteen employees and seven shareholders.
1912: On August 7, sales agent (and shareholder) Arthur P Stewart registers Akubra as a brand name for a series of Dunkerley hats. The origin of the name remains a myth to this day.
1918: Benjamin Dunkerley dies. Stephen Keir becomes the business patriarch.
1919: Operations are moved to an expanded workshop in Bourke Street, Waterloo. The business will soon be employing hundreds of hat makers.
World War & Expansion
1940–1970
1930’s: Water Jardine painted the infamous Man on the Bucking Horse poster.
1933: Stephen Keir II joins the business.
1938: The Stylemaster Hat is launched.
1943: Staff numbers reach 500. Around 80 percent of production is for the armed forces.
1957: Stephen Keir I dies in Sydney.
1974: The business moves its operations and opens a new workshop in Kempsey, on the mid-north NSW coast. Establishing Kempsey as the new home of Akubra.
Recognition & Pop Culture Influence
1980–1990
1982: Akubra celebrates its 21-millionth produced hat.
1980s: Akubra Hats gain popularity in Country and Regional Australia.
1991: Launch of iconic Cattleman Hat.
1993: Launch of the Bronco, Coober Pedy and Kiandra Hats.
1994: Launch of the Territory and Plainsman Hat.
1995: Introduction of the Banjo Paterson Hat.
1996: Launch of Coolabah Hat.
1997: Spirit of Australia was introduced to the range for the Olympic Games Millenium Collection.
1998: Launch of the Angler.
Modern Legacy & Milestones
2000–Present
2004: Launch of Traveller and Rough Rider.
2007: Launch of Tablelands.
2008: The Outback Club released to celebrate Lee Kernaghan’s Australian of the Year award.
2008: Akubra’s starring role in Australia the movie with hats designed and made for the cast.
2011: Launch of the Riverina.
2012: Akubra is awarded 100% supply of the Australian Slouch Hat.
2012: Akubra turns 100.
2015: Akubra produces it’s 2 millionth slouch hat.
2017: The Akubra story, Handcrafted History is released.
2023: Stephen Keir V commences Master Hatter training, continuing the family legacy of the craft.
2023: Akubra is acquired by Andrew and Nicola Forrest’s private investment group Tattarang, continuing their focus on protecting and preserving iconic Australian brands.
