Keep Australia under your hat

Friday, November 21, 2008

AUSTRALIA, you bloody beauty!

Makers of Akubra hats and other Aussie bush clobber are experiencing a surge in purchases from tourists wanting a "hat like the one Nicole Kidman wears" in the new blockbuster film.

Inquiries have already started coming in to Cairns' biggest supplier of Akubras, Aussie Bush Hats & Oilskins, since Australia premiered in Sydney on Tuesday.

"I do think it (the film) will create extra interest," the store's owner Joy Romanovich said yesterday.

"Especially with our products; Akubra, RM Williams, Driza-Bone, we've got everything they're wearing in the movie."

Canadian backpackers Nicola Brady and Kendra Sayers went in to the Cairns Central Aussie Bush Hats store yesterday to buy Australian Ugg boots but ended up with a $150 Akubra each as well.

The 20-year-olds haven't even seen the film yet but said they were sure it would help make their new hats the "very coolest" accessory to have when they returned to Canada.

"I love Hugh Jackman, oh my gosh," Ms Brady said.

Cool: Canadians Kendra Sayers and Nicola Brady wear the "coolest" Akubras.

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