There’s something undeniably nostalgic about May Gibbs. For generations of Australians, her whimsical bush characters – Gumnut Babies, Snugglepot, Cuddlepie, and the mischievous Bush Babies – have been a window into a uniquely Aussie world of storytelling, imagination, and charm. Now, for the first time, those beloved characters are hitting the streets – literally – thanks to a bold collaboration with Sydney-based skate brand Pass-Port.
The partnership brings May Gibbs’ archive to life in a fresh, streetwise way. Pass-Port has created a limited-edition capsule collection of skate decks and streetwear that channels both the playful spirit of Gibbs’ illustrations and the creative pulse of Australian skate culture. The collection is globally available exclusively online at Pass-Port, making it the perfect blend of homegrown nostalgia and contemporary design.
With full access to May Gibbs’ much-loved archive, Pass-Port has curated a collection that honours the artist’s iconic characters while highlighting some of her lesser-known works. The result is a series of decks and apparel that feel as at home on a gallery wall as they do on a skateboard ramp.
The collection features five standout deck designs – Webbed Bed, MG, Banksia Men, Wattle Baby, and Scribblegum – turning whimsical illustrations into bold, statement-making art pieces. The showpiece May Gibbs Gumleaf Cruiser Deck grabs attention whether you’re cruising the streets or showcasing it as a collector’s item. Pass-Port crafts every deck with street-ready quality, ensuring they withstand the streets while celebrating May Gibbs’ artistry. Priced at $149.99, these decks are a must-have for fans of skating, illustration, or pure Aussie heritage.
The capsule doesn’t stop at skate decks. The streetwear range covers all your bush baby essentials, combining playful design with practical, everyday wear. There’s the Gum Leaf Tee in Stonewash Blue ($69.99), crafted from 100% cotton with a screen-printed graphic and Pass-Port’s classic fit, and the Webbed Bed Tee in White ($69.99), featuring screen printing on both front and back. For colder days, the Webbed Bed Zip Hoodie in Acid Black ($179.99) brings embroidered detail and a screen-printed design into a poly-cotton blend.
Outerwear gets a touch of May Gibbs magic too. The MG Workers Jacket in Olive ($259.99) is a casual workwear jacket made from cotton moleskin with satin lining, direct embroidery, and May Gibbs artwork on the interior. For those who like their nostalgia with a summer twist, the Scribblegum Leagues Club Short ($159.99) features cotton herringbone fabric, double pleats, custom detailing, and an all-over print. And no collection would be complete without headwear: the Banksia Mohair Beanie ($69.99) in Dark Forest features a merrow-edged patch with a screen-printed design, perfect for adding a subtle nod to the bush babies in your day-to-day look.
Fans of May Gibbs can also experience the collection in person. Until 23 January 2026, Pass-Port’s Sydney gallery at 16 Oxford Square, Darlinghurst, is hosting a curated exhibition of May Gibbs’ works alongside the capsule collection. It’s a rare chance to see these Australian classics celebrated in a contemporary skate culture context, bridging generations and creative forms.
May Gibbs’ legacy is not only in her art but in her generosity. Born in Kent, UK, in 1877, she moved to Australia at the age of four and went on to study art both here and abroad. Settling in Sydney, she became a beloved author and illustrator, creating works that continue to delight children and adults alike. When she passed in 1969, she bequeathed 50% of the copyright of her works to The Northcott Society and 50% to the Cerebral Palsy Alliance. To this day, proceeds from May Gibbs’ products support Australian children living with disabilities and their families, ensuring her legacy of care and creativity lives on.
From nostalgic artwork to skate decks and streetwear, Pass-Port’s May Gibbs capsule collection is more than a collaboration—it’s a celebration of Aussie culture, creativity, and the enduring charm of the bush. Whether you’re a skateboarder, a collector, or simply someone who grew up with Gibbs’ enchanting stories, this is a collection that invites you to step into the bush and onto the streets, all at once.
For more information on May Gibbs, visit www.maygibbs.org
