Immerse your family in the cultural phenomenon using our list of hot spots that inspire the show.
Hearing plenty of noise about some animated kids’ show? It’s time to wise up. The children’s TV series Bluey is the focus of Tourism and Events Queensland’s largest tourism campaign in a decade, inviting families to discover the home state of the show’s central character and her family.
And while the precise whereabouts of the Heeler family’s Brisbane home is yet to be revealed, there are plenty of spectacular Queensland locations that have very obviously inspired the episodes. Read on to create your own magical Sunshine State moments.
Brisbane and surrounds
South Bank, Brisbane
No trip to the Queensland capital is complete without wandering through South Bank, where the man-made Streets Beach provides inner-city reprieve from the heat and Queensland Museum shines a fascinating light on the city’s rich history.
Play the Bluey way in Brisbane.
Grab a sweet treat, just like siblings, Bluey and Bingo, did with their dad, Bandit, in the Bluey episode Ice Cream, as you savour sights including the Grand Arbour’s vibrant Bougainvillea flower display, the Wheel of Brisbane and the Aquativity water park.
Ride Brisbane’s very own London Eye. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
Brisbane suburbs
So many of the city’s vibrant suburbs, stretching out from the Brisbane River at every angle, have inspired Bluey across three highly acclaimed seasons.
Visit Southbank’s Grand Arbourt to see the vibrant Bougainvillea flower display.
The Gap’s beautifully shaded Wittonga Park looks very similar to the grassy field in both Cricket and Shadowlands, Paddington’s The Java Lounge looks a lot like the café hangout in Favourite Thing, Toowong Cemetery is reminiscent of Show And Tell’s Statue World, Ashgrove Library looks like the spot in Promises and JC Slaughter Falls in Mount Coot-tha is widely believed to be the lush natural bushland setting in The Creek.
Brisbane’s Story Bridge regularly appears in Bluey.
Furthermore, New Farm Park, the city’s largest park located right on the river and next to Brisbane Powerhouse, resembles the serene picnic spot in Spy Game while Mount Coot-tha Summit Lookout almost definitely inspired The Sign’s beautiful lookout.
The New Farm Park is famed for its stunning lawns and rose garden. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
The Sunshine Coast
Sunshine Coast beaches
The Heelers love exploring the state’s abundance of sand and surf (it is Queensland, after all) and the Sunshine Coast, in particular, gets a significant amount of airtime. Grab the clan’s cozzies and make a full day of doing very little at Currimundi Beach, just like the Heeler family do in Stickbird and Relax. The beach is a standout for the stunning natural lake it’s connected to.
Make a day of it at the dog-friendly Currimundi Beach. (Image: Maythee Voran)
There’s also Noosa’s Noosaville, which seems to make an appearance in Piggyback, particularly the stores along Gympie Terrace. Make like the Heelers and stroll the waterfront stretch to marvel at its remarkably soothing waters or get stuck into a bit of relaxed fishing, just like the friendly locals.
Sit and relax by the Noosa River. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
Sunshine Coast hinterland
If it’s the tranquillity of Bluey’s school, perched on a mountain and surrounded by lush greenery, you’re seeking, head to one of the two rumoured locations that inspire the show.
The Glass House Mountains National Park is noted for its distinctive craggy peaks. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
Punch Glass House Mountains State School into Google Maps to tick off another Bluey hot spot within the Sunshine Coast hinterland, before dedicating the rest of the day to the Glasshouse Mountains’ magnificent hiking trails.
Reach the summit of Mt Ngungun for panoramic views of the region. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
Panoramic views of the entire region, extending to Bribie and Moreton Islands, the Maroochy River and beyond, are guaranteed to dazzle.
Cairns and Fitzroy Island
Cairns
During the 80s flashback episode Fairytale, Bandit and his family are seen holidaying in an idyllic coastal location which looks an awful lot like Cairns.
The city’s squishy brown mudflats, located right off Cairns Esplanade and juxtaposed against fluffy green grass popping out from beneath the boardwalk, are an absolute must-see.
Walk across to the mudflats right off Cairns Esplanade. (Image: JinaIhm)
Our tip? Soak up the city’s relaxed subtropical lifestyle before venturing out to snorkel the Great Barrier Reef.
Fitzroy Island
Hands down one of Queensland’s most underrated island destinations, Fitzroy Island is also believed to have inspired scenes from Fairytale.
Escape to the dreamy Nudey Beach on Fitzroy Island. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
Featuring a designated camping ground and standalone bungalows set within the entirely unspoilt Fitzroy Island National Park, the Fitzroy Island Resort (which also houses hotel rooms) provides a glorious island experience much like the one had by Bandit.
Check into the idyllic Fitzroy Island Resort. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
The Gold Coast
It’s widely reported to be the chilled-out coastal home of Bluey’s grandparents, who look as though they’re living in a beachfront apartment in Burleigh Heads, so dedicate serious time to unwind on the Gold Coast.
Tallebudgera Creek is an idyllic spot for kayaking on the Gold Coast. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
Whether you’re ticking off the city’s world-famous theme parks, soaking up some of its postcard-perfect beaches or indulging in its epic café and restaurant culture, living the good life on the Gold Coast with your favourite people is practically unavoidable.
Brave the epic thrill rides at Dreamworld. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
