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

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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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5 of the best Sunshine Coast day trips

    Kate Bettes Kate Bettes
    City buzz, gourmet trails, surf breaks and art scenes are all at your fingertips.

    When it comes to planning a trip, picking a holiday destination is the easy part. The real dilemma is where to set yourself up for the night. Do you go coastal, city, or countryside? Somewhere remote and rugged, or right in the action? Luckily, the Sunshine Coast, and huge number of amazing Sunshine Coast day trips, have kindly made the choice for you.

    Ditch the hotel-hopping and suitcase-lugging. Instead, base yourself at Novotel Sunshine Coast or Mantra Mooloolaba, where big-city culture, vine-covered valleys, and theme parks are all within a two-hour drive.

    1. Sunshine Coast to Brisbane

    Drive time: 1 hour 20 minutes (105km)

    Shake off the sand from your sandals and swap the beach for the throb of the Queensland capital. Ease in gently with a bougainvillea-filled stroll through South Bank, iced latte in hand, before cooling off at Streets Beach lagoon – Brisbane’s answer to the coast (but without the waves).

    Once firmly in big-city mode, hit up the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), home to Australia’s largest collection of modern and contemporary artworks. Dive into the past at the Queensland Museum, where prehistoric fossils of Australian dinosaurs and megafauna collide with First Nations cultural collections and interactive science exhibits.

    All this learning got you hungry? Howard Smith Wharves calls. Here, riverside dining delivers breweries with meat-forward menus, Japanese fine dining and overwater bars. If you’ve got room for more, Fortitude Valley’s shopping boutiques await you and your wallet.

    woman walking around Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA)
    Wander the Gallery of Modern Art. (Image: TEQ)

    2. Sunshine Coast to the Scenic Rim

    Drive time: 2 hours 15 minutes (170km)

    Make your way inland to the Scenic Rim for the state’s best vineyards and age-old volcanic slopes. Start your day early (like, sparrow’s breakfast early) at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat in Lamington National Park. Here, take a treetop walk through the canopy and hand-feed the wild birds who flock here.

    Next, it’s your turn to eat. Here, the food scene operates where locally sourced produce is an expectation, not an exception. Order a picnic basket crammed with regional wine and cheese to devour next to the creek at Canungra Valley Vineyards. Or perhaps a grazing platter of vegan and non-vegan cheeses at Witches Falls Winery.

    Feeling bold? Tackle the Twin Falls circuit in Springbrook National Park. Or keep the gourmet life going with a Scenic Rim Brewery tasting paddle, best enjoyed while taking in the rise of the Great Dividing Range.

    woman with cheese and wine at Witches Falls Winery
    Enjoy a cheese platter at Witches Falls Winery. (Image: TEQ)

    3. Sunshine Coast to the Gold Coast

    Drive time: 2 hours (180km)

    Surf, sand and sparkling skylines might be the Gold Coast’s MO, but there’s more to Surfers Paradise and beyond. Kick things off with a beachfront coffee at Burleigh Heads, then hike through Burleigh Head National Park to look over the ocean and whale sightings (dependent on the season, of course).

    Cool off in the calm waters of Tallebudgera Creek before chowing down on the famously buttery Moreton Bay bug rolls at Rick Shores. Travelling with the kids? Then you can’t miss Australia’s theme park capital, with Dreamworld’s big rides and Warner Bros. Movie World’s Hollywood treatment at hand to keep the family entertained.

    aerial view of Tallebudgera Creek
    Dive into Tallebudgera Creek. (Image: TEQ)

    4. Sunshine Coast to Tweed Heads

    Drive time: 2 hours 15 minutes (200km)

    Dare to cross enemy lines? Then welcome to New South Wales. Tweed Heads blends the laid-back attitude of the Northern Rivers with high-quality dining, experimental art, and farm-fresh indulgence – a combo worth the drive.

    Start strong with a long, lazy brunch at Tweed River House, then swing by Tropical Fruit World for exotic finds like red dragon fruit, handfuls of lychees and black sapote. Next, hit M|Arts Precinct – an art deco hub of micro galleries, artist workshops and one-off boutiques.

    Round off the day with sunset drinks at Husk Distillers among the glowing cane fields, and order one with their famous Ink Gin. You’ll thank us later.

    exterior of Husk Distillers
    Taste the famous Ink Gin at Husk Distillers. (Image: Destination NSW)

    5. Sunshine Coast Hinterland

    Drive time: 1 hour (70km)

    Strap on those hiking boots and make tracks inland, where volcanic peaks, misty rainforest and hinterland townships beckon. Ease in with the Glass House Mountains Lookout Walk, or, if you have energy to burn, tackle the Mount Ngungun Summit Walk for a 360-degree sight of the surrounding summits.

    Next: Montville. This township delivers European-style architecture and old-world appeal. Nearby, settle in at Flame Hill Vineyard, where a large pour of estate-grown wine comes with encompassing views of the countryside.

    Not ready to leave the hinterland villages just yet? Of course not. Meander past art galleries and indie shops at Maleny. Nab some fudge from Sweets on Maple for a sweet fix. Or go salty at Maleny Dairies with a farm tour and a chunky wedge of their deliciously creamy cheese.

    End the day among the eucalypts and rainforests of Kondalilla National Park. Here, the Kondalilla Falls Circuit winds down through trees humming with life to a rock pool beneath a waterfall – as if designed for soaking tired feet before heading back to the coast.

    view of Mount Ngungun on the scenic rim queensland
    Take on the Mount Ngungun Summit Walk (Image: TEQ)

    Start planning your Sunshine home base at all.com.

    An Insider's Guide To Bluey's Hometown | Australian Traveller