As the January sun heats up and we prepare for the long weekend, the conversation naturally turns to what it means to be Australian. For many of us, Australia Day is synonymous with the smell of a BBQ firing up, the sound of cricket on the radio, and the feeling of sand between our toes. But beyond the lamingtons and the beach trips, there is a quieter, more impactful way to celebrate our national identity: by championing the makers, the creators, and the artisans who call this country home.
In a global marketplace flooded with mass production and fast consumption, there is something profoundly special about a gift that has a story. We are talking about items that weren't just churned out on a conveyor belt overseas, but were poured, mixed, bottled, or labeled by human hands right here on our soil.
At The Cumquat Tree, we have always believed that "Australian Made" is the ultimate luxury. It stands for quality ingredients, ethical production, and a distinct style that reflects our landscape — from the rugged coasts of WA to the misty forests of NSW.
This Australia Day, we are inviting you to look at your shopping list a little differently. Whether you are looking for a host gift for a long weekend BBQ, a birthday present, or just a way to treat yourself, why not choose something that supports the local economy?
From a family kitchen right here in Perth to the iconic Blue Mountains, we’ve curated the best Australian-made brands that you can shop right now in our stores across Perth (Bicton, Baldivis, Manning, and Mandurah) or order online for delivery Australia-wide.
Here are 7 local brands that prove Aussie talent is world-class:
1. Flower Box Home Fragrance (Perth, WA)
The Local Luxury Icon
If you walk into a home in Perth and it smells expensive, it’s probably Flower Box. Hand-poured in Canning Vale, this family-owned business has become a cult favourite for a reason. Their diffusers last for months (literally) and look as stunning as they smell.
Our Pick: The 'Fig Leaf & Cedar' interior perfume – fresh, floral, and unmistakably premium.
Where to find it: In-store at all locations or shop the range online.
2. iKOU (Blue Mountains, NSW)
The Spa Sanctuary
"iKOU" is a Japanese verb meaning "to rest, relax, restore." Founded in the Blue Mountains by Naomi and Paul Whitfeld, this brand is all about bringing the day spa experience into your bathroom. They use organic, ethically sourced ingredients to create scrubs and soaks that melt stress away.
Our Pick: The 'De-Stress' Bath Soak. It’s a hug in a jar.
Where to find it: In-store at all locations or shop the full range online.
3. Sticky Balsamic (Regional VIC)
The Foodie's Secret Weapon
We can’t talk about Aussie success stories without mentioning Sticky Balsamic. Starting in a lounge room in Victoria, they’ve grown into Australia’s most awarded balsamic maker. Their "Balsamic Pearls" are little spheres of flavour that pop in your mouth—perfect for dressing up a Christmas salad.
Where to find it: A pantry staple available at all of our locations.
4. Glasshouse Fragrances (Sydney, NSW)
The Crowd Pleaser
You know them, you love them. But did you know Glasshouse candles are still proudly made in Sydney? They are the gold standard for triple-scented candles that actually fill a room. Whether it's the caramel-sweetness of 'Tahaa' or the fresh zest of 'Kyoto', a Glasshouse candle is the gift that never misses.
Our pick: 'Kyoto in Bloom' (Camellia & Lotus) Candle. It’s fresh, floral, and sophisticated — the perfect scent for a warm Australian summer evening.
Where to find it: Our massive range in-store at all locations or shop the range online.
5. Crunch Preserves (Margaret River, WA)
The Taste of the South West
Small batch. Gluten-free. No preservatives. Crunch Preserves captures the flavours of Margaret River in a jar. Handcrafted by a local team, these chutneys and jams are the upgrade your cheese board has been waiting for.
Our Pick: The Cranberry, orange & Champagne sauce (a festive must-have).
Where to find it: Support WA locals by shopping in-store at all locations.
6. A.live Body (Adelaide, SA)
The Design Statement
Created by interior design duo Alisa and Lysandra, A.live Body proves that skincare can be beautiful and effective. The bottles are designed to interlock and look like art on your vanity, while the product inside is packed with native Australian botanicals.
Where to find it: In-store at all locations
7. Myrtle & Moss (Melbourne, VIC)
The Botanical Indulgence
Myrtle & Moss was born from a simple wish: to create an "incidental sensory delight" in our everyday routines. Made in Melbourne since 2010, this range transforms a simple act like washing your hands into a moment of bliss. Using the finest botanical ingredients and essential oil blends (like Lemon Myrtle from NSW), their products look as beautiful on your counter as they feel on your skin.
Our Pick: The 'Mandarin, Lemon Myrtle & Orange Peel' Hand Cream – it's zesty, hydrating, and smells like pure sunshine.
Where to find it: In-store at all locations or shop the range online.
Shop Local, Support Local
Every time you buy one of these brands, you’re supporting Australian jobs, families, and creatives.
Why "Australian Made" Matters More Than Ever
While highlighting these brands is important, it is worth pausing to understand the deeper impact of your choice to shop local this Australia Day. When you pick up a bottle of Flower Box perfume or a jar of Crunch Preserves, you aren't just buying a product; you are casting a vote for the kind of future you want for our economy and our environment.
The Ripple Effect on the Economy
Small businesses are the backbone of Australia. When you buy from a massive international conglomerate, that money often leaves our shores instantly. However, when you buy from a local Perth stockist like The Cumquat Tree, who in turn buys from a local maker like Crunch Preserves in Margaret River, the money stays within the community. It pays for the swimming lessons of the maker's kids, the local graphic designer who made the label, and the Australian farmers who grew the ingredients. This economic multiplier effect is powerful, and it starts with a simple choice at the checkout.
World-Leading Quality Standards
Australia has some of the strictest safety and quality standards in the world, particularly when it comes to skincare and food production. Brands like iKOU and A.live Body don't just rely on pretty packaging; they are bound by rigorous Australian standards that ensure what you are putting on your skin is safe, ethical, and often organic. Unlike cheap imports that may contain questionable fillers or microplastics, Australian-made luxury goods prioritise purity. You are paying for potent native ingredients—like Kakadu Plum, Lemon Myrtle, and Eucalyptus—that are harvested sustainably and deliver real results.
Environmental Integrity
Sustainability is no longer a niche concern; it is a necessity. Importing candles or heavy glass bottles from Europe or the US carries a significant carbon footprint due to shipping. By choosing brands like Glasshouse (made in Sydney) or Myrtle & Moss (made in Melbourne), you are significantly reducing the "food miles" (or "product miles") of your purchase. Furthermore, many of these brands are leading the charge in eco-friendly packaging, offering refillable options and recyclable materials to keep our beautiful country clean.
Ready to shop?
Visit us at The Cumquat Tree in:
📍 Bicton | Manning | Baldivis | Mandurah
📦 Or shop 24/7 online with Australia-wide shipping!