Bundaberg to welcome traditional barber on Bourbong Street

John Abbott has years of training and with his new manager Cassidy Hudson will offer timeless barbering styles at a new story to open in Bourbong St.

Bundaberg has become home to a new barber shop that prides itself on its traditional styling techniques that take time to master.

Techniques mastered by John Abbott, the businessman behind Abbott’s Barber, are steeped in history. Mr Abbott’s father opened the first family barber in 1935, a legacy continued by John long with his son, and Mr Abbott’s older brother.

After moving to Nanango to retire in 2019, Mr Abbott opened up shop in the regions for the first time.

John Abbott at the Nanango barber shop that started to all, 2019. Image credit: Elaelah Harley

Being classically trained in traditional barber shop techniques, including old fashioned clipper cuts and beard trims, Mr Abbott has lovingly passed on the tricks of the trade to aspiring barbers and hairdressers.

In 2020, Mr Abbott handed over the reins to Cherbourg man, Tyrone Murray who set up Abbott’s Barber in Murgon. A shop in Kingaroy, Dalby and Roma popped up shortly after.

Mr Abbott’s latest venue will find home off Bourbong St, happily situated alongside a bait and tackle shop and gym in Salty’s Arcade.

Cassidy Hudson, 22, considers it a chance of a lifetime to manage and operate her own barber shop. Image credit: Eden Regan

One of Mr Abbott’s apprentices, 22-year-old, Cassidy Hudson, earned a certificate in hairdressing as a teen, but quickly “fell in love with... barbering”.

After more than three years of learning from Mr Abbott in his Kingaroy barbershop, the 22-year-old suggested opening up a new shop in Bundaberg for her to manage.

Fortunately for the Bundaberg community, Mr Abbott jumped at the idea; two months later, Abbott’s Barber in Salty’s Arcade has become a reality.

Ms Hudson is excited to give the men in Bundaberg the traditional experience, with complimentary beard shaves with every cut, using traditional cutthroat blades and hot towel methods.

Abbott's Barber is located on 47 Bourbong street, on the corner of Salty’s Arcade.

“There’s not a lot of traditional barbershops” left, she said.

Amidst the busy sound of construction, and all the finishing touches being laid ahead of the grand opening, on Tuesday 7, 2025, Ms Hudson says it’s shaping up to be a real “man cave”.