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Waterfront brunches, mountain picnics and city beach adventures: Enjoy Bluey’s Brisbane on your next holiday
From delightful dining options to exploring Queensland's lush parks discover the real-life locations from the beloved Bluey episodes and visit the new Bluey's World immersive experience
Queensland is a must-visit for fans of the Bluey cartoon and Heeler family (picture on the left: Bluey and Bingo) and those who enjoy the laid-back charm of Australia. PHOTOS: TOURISM & EVENTS QUEENSLAND
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Brisbane, the sunny capital of Queensland, has stepped up its game for families. Known for its relaxed vibe, the city now has another reason to visit – it's the hometown of Bluey, the Emmy-winning animated series loved around the world.
For fans of the show, Brisbane offers a chance to enter Bluey's world. From the lush green spaces of New Farm Park to the stunning views from The Lookout, you'll find spots that inspired scenes in the beloved cartoon. These places aren't just for children – they're perfect for anyone wanting to explore Brisbane's natural beauty and lively urban areas.
But there's more to Brisbane than just its ties to Bluey. It strikes a great balance between family fun and grown-up relaxation, making it a top pick for all kinds of travellers. Whether you're seeking adventure, culture, or a place to chill under the Queensland sun, the city delivers.
And there's exciting news about Bluey’s World, an all-new immersive experience, opening soon (see “Step into Bluey’s World” below), promising to bring the show's magic to life in a whole new way.
So, whether you're a die-hard Bluey fan, new to the show's charm, or simply looking for a laid-back Aussie getaway, Queensland has it all. Here are top picks of must-see spots for your next holiday.
Dive into the heart of Brisbane
Extending way past its business roots, Brisbane’s Central Business District offers far more fun options for the family than you might expect. Start at City Hall for the free clock tower tour. You’ll ride in one of Brisbane’s oldest working cage lifts, get a look at Australia’s largest analogue clock face and enjoy a unique view of the city from the observation platform.
If you have time, make a pitstop at the Museum of Brisbane to view artworks by local artists. Kids will love the hands-on exhibits and interactive displays.
Next up should be a visit to Roma Street Parklands. The world's largest subtropical garden in a city centre boasts an intricate layout with unique plantings and themed gardens, as well as fern gullies, palm groves, skyline lookouts, waterfalls, playgrounds, picnic spots and barbecue areas.
Set aside a day for the South Bank Parklands because, like the Heeler family showed us in the episode of Ice Cream, there’s so many outdoorsy things to see and do here – including having an ice-cream or two!
Snap a selfie at the brightly coloured Brisbane sign, hop on the Brisbane Wheel and catch some rays at Streets Beach, the country’s only inner city man-made beach. Too much sun? Head to Queensland Museum and Gallery of Modern Art (Australia’s largest modern art gallery) to enjoy the many free activities on offer there.
For one-of-a-kind shopping, head to South Bank Collective Markets in Stanley Plaza on Friday (5pm-9pm), Saturday (10am-9pm) and Sunday (9am-4pm). Just like how Bluey visited a local market to explore stalls selling various food and goods in the episode Markets, you will find an eclectic mix of original art, photography, vintage clothing and local delights here.
The Brisbane City Markets at Reddacliff Place, open every Thursday from 8am to 2pm, is known for its fresh gourmet produce, artisanal treats such as honey and jams and live music. It’s a vibrant, bustling market that will remind you of the Dance Mode episode where Bingo flips tails and activates some serious dance moves.
Step into Bluey’s World
Explore the Heeler family’s iconic home and backyard in a one-of-a-kind guided immersive experience at Bluey’s World. Exclusive to Queensland, this multi-sensory journey features real-life sets, beloved characters, and recognisable scenes from the show. You can play games, explore rooms and embark on an interactive adventure.
Bluey’s World officially opens on November 7, 2024. Book your Queensland holiday now with Chan Brothers Travel and for a limited time only, receive a Bluey or Bingo jumbo plushie. Terms and conditions apply, while stocks last.
Take part in thrilling activities at New Farm and Kangaroo Point
The inner city suburb of New Farm boasts one of Brisbane’s oldest and largest parks — New Farm Park, created in 1914. Kids can run around its almost 15ha area, just the way Bluey and her friends did in the episode Spy Game, while adults can marvel at the picturesque markers of its storied history — rose gardens, croquet lawns, a grandstand and a graceful sweeping drive lined with jacaranda trees that burst into a glorious purple bloom every October.
Next to the park is the Brisbane Powerhouse, a 1928 building restored to become a hip arts centre. There are offerings to entertain the whole family — live music, comedy, theatre, farmers’ markets and even a moonlight cinema.
Another nearby suburb is Kangaroo Point. Make a beeline for Story Bridge, a heritage-listed steel cantilevered bridge that spans the Brisbane River, the longest of its kind in Australia.
The best way to see it? Through the Story Bridge Adventure Climb, a two-hour experience that provides 360-degree views of Brisbane, the river, the surrounding mountain ranges and Moreton Bay islands. Children from the age of six can easily tackle this — make it extra memorable by doing a dawn or full moon climb.
Craving more thrills? Abseil from the top of the natural Kangaroo Point Cliffs! You will start your adventure at the top, 20m above the parkland below. As you descend, don't forget to soak in the uninterrupted view of Brisbane. Book your session with Riverlife Adventure Centre which will come with a safety briefing and equipment.
Later, wind down at Medley, which resembles the spot where Bluey’s and Bingo’s Aunt Frisky picked up a delicious juice from in the episode The Sign. This casual waterfront restaurant which opens from 7am to 3pm, is also known for its delicious breakfast menu which includes comfort food with a twist.
On the menu are scrambled eggs infused with sweet chilli and hot sauce; banana bread served with cinnamon ricotta cheese; and a yoghurt parfait which comes with layers of berries, mint yoghurt and honey-roasted muesli.
For similar waterfront views, head to Howard Smith Wharves precinct for a slew of restaurants that will satisfy everyone in the family.
Gaze at the sky from Mount Coot-tha
Heading west will lead you to Mount Coot-tha, a mountain that also lends its name to a suburb. It’s a popular place for bushwalking and mountain biking, with 50km of hiking trails and a 12km uphill cycling circuit renowned for its difficulty.
Reach the summit to explore The Lookout. This grassy knoll is perfect for picnics, offering stunning views over Brisbane and Moreton Bay which you enjoy through a telescope.
At the foot of the mountain you will find the Brisbane Botanic Gardens, a 52ha subtropical paradise that has lily-covered lagoons, bamboo groves, cactus gardens and everything in between. Take the kids on the Hide 'n' Seek Children’s Trail and keep your eyes peeled for a crocodile in the water or a panda napping on the bamboo trees.
Its grounds also house the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium, where kids can learn about stars, planets and solar systems. They can watch short feature shows, gawk at asteroid fragments and spacecraft models, and take a tour through the galaxy at the Cosmic Skydome to see re-creations of the night sky. It just might remind you of the episode Sleepytime where Bingo dreams of travelling through space.
Immerse yourself in nature on the Scenic Rim
About an hour’s drive out of Brisbane is the aptly named Scenic Rim region. With ancient World Heritage-listed Gondwana rainforests, six national parks, three lakes, sweeping valleys, epic mountain ranges, and charming towns, this area is perfect for a weekend away in the country.
Just like the episode Camping, where Bluey is surrounded by natural beauty, you can book your family into a farm stay or rainforest retreat to immerse your children in nature.
Aside from walks and hikes, the kids will enjoy a visit to Mount Tamborine’s ThunderBird Park. There’s a host of activities to delight all ages: Ride a horse, plunge into a rock pool, feed a friendly rainbow lorikeet or even engage in a laser skirmish in the dense scrub.
But the park also boasts more unusual experiences that will be hard to find anywhere else, like fossicking for thundereggs in the crystal mine. These rocks, formed from volcanic lava, reveal crystal formations in different colours and patterns when cracked open.
Children between three and seven will enjoy the famous TreeTop Challenge – a super-fun series of ziplines, flying foxes, high ropes and tree-top bridges specially designed for them; while older ones can go for the high-speed Canyon Flyer.
Lastly, make sure you visit Dig IT, Australia's first mini excavator park for kids. Children will learn to operate real excavator machinery to dig, demolish and navigate obstacle courses, all while under full supervision.
Indulge all your foodie desires at Eat Street Northshore
If you’re a food-lover who loves that casual, outdoor setting vibe, then schedule a visit to Eat Street Northshore. This is Brisbane’s biggest container street food market, which comes alive every Friday to Sunday. Over 70 stalls are housed within shipping containers offering a dizzying array of dishes from around the world.
It’s elevated street food — sure you’ll find burgers, pizzas and dumplings but you’ll also get fresh oysters, beef brisket Bourguignon, cheese fondue, okonomiyaki (Japanese savoury pancake), paella and gozleme (crispy Turkish flatbreads with tasty filling). Desserts also get an inventive treatment, with ice cream tacos, doughnut fries, towering funnel cakes and pastel clouds of fairy floss as big as your head.
After chowing down, take the time to wander around — you’ll find the entertainment offerings here are as varied as the food. There are live music concerts at the MainDeck Stage from top local and touring bands, as well as headline shows every weekend.
The 7 Opensky Theatre hosts DJs and solo artistes, while also transforming into an outdoor cinema. And around the corner, the cosy LaneWay has jazz and cabaret performances; while buskers move throughout Eat Street making sure you can enjoy music wherever you are.
Take your kids on a memorable adventure and meet the Heeler family in Queensland during the upcoming school holidays. Book your Queensland holiday now with Chan Brothers Travel and for a limited time only, receive a Bluey or Bingo jumbo plushie. Terms and conditions apply, while stocks last.
