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making
a (splish )
splash Ainelen in Baku Swimwear
Belen Cotignola in Baku Swimwear
It’s this dedication to the cause that truly sets Splish Splash apart. The
team of 15 women that work across the three stores share a passion for
WORDS by Lisa Keller helping their customers to feel good in their own skin. There’s an ease
in the way they work. They know the stock inside out, understand how
IN A TOWN WHERE BIKINIS AND boardshorts are considered different shapes wear on different bodies, and offer honest, thoughtful
an outfit, it’s fitting that Port Douglas is home to one of Australia’s advice without making you feel judged. “And we don’t care if spend two
most beloved swimwear stores. But Splish Splash Swimwear is more hours in store trying everything on,” she laughed. “We’re all women,
than a place to buy bathers, it’s a sanctuary disguised as a shopfront. we’ve all been there and we get it.”
For 32 years, this local icon has helped women of all shapes and TIME AND TIME AGAIN
sizes rediscover their confidence, replacing the dread of swimwear Over the years, the store has secured some of Australia’s best swimwear
shopping with comfort and a little self-love. brands with a range that’s constantly evolving. Renee ensures favourites
A FAMILY AFFAIR always remain but that fresh stock also hits the shelves. “We’re not afraid
The story began in the early ‘80s when Frances Westley and her to try new styles and trends,” she said. “We’re always on top of what’s in
husband moved from Melbourne to the Far North. With a creative season to make sure we’re both fashion-forward and reliable.”
flair and a keen business sense, they began selling a variety of hand- After 14 years working alongside her mum and now as owner, Renee
crafted apparel at markets, before opening a string of shops around has developed a keen sense of what works and it’s this that keeps people
Cairns. As demand grew for swimwear separates and more inclusive coming back.
sizing, Frances saw the need for a specialised store and in 1993 Splish
Splash opened its doors on Grant Street in Port Douglas. It quickly And they do come back. Time and time again. Loyal customers often tell
became a go-to for locals and visitors alike. her that Splish Splash is the only place they buy their swimwear, even
planning their annual Port Douglas holiday around a needed new suit.
Since taking over in 2019, Frances’ daughter Renee Abery has “We must be doing something right!”
continued the legacy with pride. “It’s really special to carry on her
legacy,” Renee said. “There’s a lot of history here, and a lot of heart.” In a town where the sun shines most days and the ocean often calls,
While Frances laid the foundation, it’s Renee who has transformed Splish Splash has carved out a space where women are reminded that
the store into something far greater than retail. swimwear shopping doesn’t have to feel like a battle. It can be soft. It can
be supportive. Heck, it can even be fun.
COMFORT & CONFIDENCE
Body positivity has always been a focus, but it’s a movement that You can find Splish Splash Swimwear at
Renee has emphasised since taking over. “Buying swimwear can 12 Grant St, Port Douglas
be incredibly daunting and women tend to be incredibly hard
on themselves,” she said. “There’s often anxiety, shame, or just
discomfort. We try to take that away by having a wide range of stock splishsplashswimwear.com.au
and a really strong focus on personalised customer service.” Zofie Lowenstein in Jantzen Swimwear
Melina Sole and Ainelen Sol in Sunseeker Swimwear
PORT DOUGLAS MAGAZINE 11
