Here’s where to take the kids in Bluey’s hometown

Kristie Lau-Adams Kristie Lau-Adams
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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.

Bluey and Bingo in Brisbane
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.

a woman walking in front of The Wheel of Brisbane, South Bank Parklands
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.

Bluey and Bingo along the Grand Arbour’s vibrant Bougainvillea flower display
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.

Bluey and Bingo along Howard Smith Wharves, Brisbane
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.

purple blooms at the New Farm Park, Brisbane
The New Farm Park is famed for its stunning lawns and rose garden. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

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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.

the Currimundi Beach in Sunshine Coast
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.

a couple sitting by the bench at Noosaville Gympie Terrace
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.

people heading towards the Glass House Mountains Lookout
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.

a hiker standing on top of Glasshouse Mountains
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.

an aerial view of the mudflats in Cairns Esplanade
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.

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Fitzroy Island

Hands down one of Queensland’s most underrated island destinations, Fitzroy Island is also believed to have inspired scenes from Fairytale.

a woman dipping in Nudey Beach on Fitzroy Island
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.

an aerial view of the Fitzroy Island Resort
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.

the Tallebudgera Creek in Burleigh Head National Park
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.

a group of people enjoying a ride at Dreamworld, Gold Coast
Brave the epic thrill rides at Dreamworld. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

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Kristie Lau-Adams
Kristie Lau-Adams is a Gold Coast-based freelance writer after working as a journalist and editorial director for almost 20 years across Australia's best-known media brands including The Sun-Herald, WHO and Woman's Day. She has spent significant time exploring the world with highlights including trekking Japan’s life-changing Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage and ziplining 140 metres above the vines of Mexico’s Puerto Villarta. She loves exploring her own backyard (quite literally, with her two young children who love bugs), but can also be found stalking remote corners globally for outstanding chilli margaritas and soul-stirring cultural experiences.
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A gourmand’s guide to eating your way around Hamilton Island

(Credit: Nikki To)

    Eleanor Edström Eleanor Edström
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    From poolside bites and tasting flights to seafood plates and dry-aged steaks, a foodie adventure on Hamilton Island is worth every bite.

    Hamilton Island’s sun-lacquered shores have long magnetised travellers craving an escape from reality. But what’s less expected – and more interesting – is just how assuredly this Whitsundays idyll delivers on the culinary front. Dialling up the flavour as much as the barefoot allure, the Hamilton Island food scene offers world-class dining and drinking options, spanning slick fine-dining moments to just-caught seafood served within sight of the sea. Let’s dig in.

    Catseye Pool Club

    Catseye Pool Club
    Catseye Pool Club offers stunning beach views. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

    Framing the electric blues of Catseye Beach from The Sundays hotel, Catseye Pool Club is Hamilton Island’s latest culinary prodigy. Shown to our table, we thread through rattan chairs, Zellige tiles and tumbling greenery that opens up to Coral Sea shimmer.

    The poolside restaurant is the brainchild of Sydney-based chef duo Josh and Julie Niland, who have brought their relaxed yet elevated dining ethos north. The menu – designed to bring people together – is made for sharing, each hero ingredient orbited by a palette of sides to mix, match and layer as you please.

    My thyme cocktail – woody with scotch, lifted by lime leaf – pairs perfectly with the charcoal grilled prawns entree, which is served with tumeric and lemongrass marinade, macadamia satay sauce and a thai-leaning sour green mango salad. Each forkful lands differently, but all are a delight. Then comes the coral trout. True to Josh Niland’s ‘scale-to-tail’ philosophy, the fish is presented whole in a theatrical crescent, a tiny fork stuck into its cheek in a nod to Niland’s declared prize cut. Ribbons of zucchini resembling gauzy curtains bring brightness and snap, while kasundi lends depth and warmth. It’s tongue-tantalising, special occasion dining with humanity.

    Sails Restaurant

    Sails Restaurant hamilton island
    Settle into casual poolside dining. (Credit: Nikki To)

    A more casual poolside dining scene awaits at nearby Sails Restaurant, where Eastern Mediterranean flavours are dished up with an island twist. Chermoula chicken skewers and barramundi souvlaki lie on the more filling side of the menu, while the sumac squid and stone-bread flatbread with za’atar – arriving alongside pomegranate molasses, beetroot hummus and crushed macadamias – are perfect light bites after a dip in the pool. And don’t miss the garlic lemon scallops.

    The setting is equally part of the draw. Sunlight floods the high-ceilinged dining room, while outdoor tables look out across the glittering expanse of Catseye Beach. Holidaymakers in oversized sunglasses sip spritzes beneath umbrellas, the gentle clink of plates mixing with splashes from the adjacent pool. It’s the kind of place you’ll want to linger long after lunch.

    Bommie

    cuttlefish dish at Bommie restaurant Hamilton Island Yacht Club
    Head to the Hamilton Island Yacht Club for a taste of Bommie. (Credit: Nikki To)

    Tucked into a sleek curved wing of the Hamilton Island Yacht Club, Bommie delivers experiential fine dining with a sense of occasion. Led by award-winning Executive Chef Ryan Locke, the seasonal menu champions local and native Australian ingredients whipped up into a modern display of creative precision.

    Inside the dim-lit dining room, guests can choose between the Tasting Menu or Chef’s Signature Degustation. Sourdough with pine oil sets the tone for the six-course tasting menu, beautifully presented in a bed of pine needles alongside smoked paperbark butter. I love how the squid ink choux pastry is served with flavour-popping native finger lime, which our waiter encourages us to eat caviar-style. Standout moments continue with the wattle-seed-crusted venison elevated by red fruit and pickled beetroot swirls; the meat is perfectly pink in the middle and an homage to the island’s history as a deer farm.

    Pebble Beach

    qualia Resort Pebble Beach
    qualia Resort guests can dine at Pebble Beach. (Credit: Lean Timms)

    Exclusive to qualia Resort guests for lunch and dinner, Pebble Beach is Hamilton Island’s most serene expression of seasonal island dining. Ocean-facing chairs dot a timber deck that spills straight onto the resort’s private beach, while crystalline turquoise waters stretch to meet distant islands – a scene far prettier than any postcard could capture.

    The recently refreshed menu doubles down on seasonality and bright, layered flavours. While the more substantial T-bone steak with hazelnut honey carrots tempts, we go lighter: Coffin Bay oysters with Champagne foam and keffir lime dust kick us off splendidly, followed by Byron Bay burrata served with balsamic and caramelised figs. The fennel and orange salad topped with succulent grilled chicken is utterly delectable, but it’s the zingy, oh-so-fresh soft shell fish tacos that I can’t stop thinking about. It all goes down a treat with a glass of delicate Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve Champagne.

    Beach Club Restaurant

    Beach Club Restaurant hamilton island
    Book in advance for Beach Club Restaurant. (Credit: Nikki To)

    A lunch or dinner table at Beach Club Restaurant is best booked in advance – and it’s easy to see why. Looking out over the hotel’s palm-fringed infinity pool, the restaurant spotlights elegant contemporary Australian cuisine with a stellar (also Aussie-leaning) wine list to match.

    I am completely enamoured by the grilled Queensland prawns, which are brought to life with a smoked compound, local fried curry leaves and lime. Digging into the butter-soft lamb rump served atop pea ragout and parsley Paris mash feels like a warm, nostalgic hug. And dessert – vanilla bean ice cream drizzled with hot salted honey and apple gel – ends the night on a high note.

    Expect warm and discreet service; our waiter Marco tells us that the tiny decorative starfish on our table are there to help the staff remember whether we prefer sparkling or still water, so they don’t need to bother us by asking multiple times.

    Talk & Taste with Courtenay Morgan-Fletcher

    hamilton island Talk & Taste with Courtenay Morgan-Fletcher
    Join this immersive wine experience. (Credit Eleanor Edström)

    There’s more to Hamilton Island’s foodie scene than restaurant reservations alone. For wine-curious travellers seeking something a little more immersive, Beach Club has recently introduced Talk & Taste – a tutored tasting hosted by Bommie Assistant Manager and wine enthusiast Courtenay Morgan-Fletcher. Held twice weekly for a maximum of eight guests, the experience explores Australian wine culture through four thoughtfully selected drops paired with native-inspired bites.

    We opt for the white wine and seafood option. Alongside pours from Eden Valley and Launceston, a nibbling platter arrives featuring sashimi, salmon roe, Mooloolaba prawn ceviche and palate-cleansing ginger. The seafood is pristine and pared back, allowing the wines to take centre stage.

    The real highlight, however, is discovering just how nuanced winemaking can be. Courtenay speaks of viticulture as both art and science: harvest grapes a week too late and ripeness tips into ruin; plant the same varietal on different elevations and the sun, slope and water flow will shape entirely different expressions. Pinot noir, she explains, with its delicate skin and high water content, yields lighter fruit-forward wines, while thicker-skinned shiraz delivers depth and structure. I leave feeling fascinated and inspired by Courtenay’s evident passion.

    coca chu

    table spread at CocaChu
    Get a taste of Southeast Asian flavours. (Credit: Nikki To)

    Sweet and hot. Sour and salty. Dining at ever-popular coca chu is a sensation-swirling experience that’s not to be missed if you’re a sucker for punchy Southeast Asian flavours. Located at the Main Pool end of Catseye Beach, this lively hangout is all swaying lanterns, driftwood, high beamed ceilings and giant open windows that let in the balmy ocean breeze.

    Drawing from hawker traditions, the grilled betel leaf is a neat, vibrant mouthful of chilli fried cashews and spiced beef. The tofu surprises – soft beneath a tumble of dill, mint and coriander, and glossed in moreish peanut sauce. The massaman curry is pure comfort: creamy, fragrant, fall-apart meat. It’s generous and expressive cooking that I, for one, cannot get enough of.

    Marina Cafe

    hamilton island MArina Cafe
    Take in harbour views and comfort food.

    Sometimes, all you crave on holidays is a bacon and egg roll done properly and a creamy fruit smoothie. Boasting harbour views, an easygoing atmosphere and clean modern interiors, Marina Cafe is a popular local haunt for a reason. The casual menu lures families and couples alike with its all-day brekky, seasonal salads and sandwiches – from a roasted pumpkin bowl to prosciutto and rocket on herby focaccia.

    The acai bowl, topped with toasted nuts and berries, is a refreshing start to my day. Whether you sit in or takeaway, it’s a good-vibes-guaranteed place to refuel before or after your Whitsundays adventures.

    Discover your foodie getaway now at hamiltonisland.com.au.