No one does adventure like the Heelers. Whether you're heading to the Gold Coast or the Sunshine Coast, add these spots to your itinerary, including a visit to the new Bluey's World Brisbane immersive experience There’s plenty to do in Queensland (clockwise from top left): Visit immersive experience Bluey’s World Brisbane, sail a private electric boat, catch crabs and meet a rainbow lorikeet. PHOTOS: BBC STUDIOS ANZ, GO BOAT/FACEBOOK AND CATCH A CRAB/FACEBOOK It’s no secret that Queensland, the Sunshine State of Australia, is a paradise for outdoor adventures.
Now, there's another reason to visit – it's the hometown of Bluey, the Emmy-winning animated series adored by fans worldwide. For fans of the show, Queensland offers a chance to step into Bluey's world in real life. Known for its picturesque drives and vibrant destinations, Queensland is a road trip haven that promises unforgettable experiences for families.
Two of the most iconic road trips in this region are the Gold Coast, an hour south of Brisbane, and the Sunshine Coast, an hour north. Each route highlights the state’s unique beauty, from golden beaches and thrilling theme parks to serene hinterlands. And when you’re back in Brisbane , don’t forget to check out the new Bluey’s World Brisbane experience opening in November (see “Immerse yourself in Bluey's World” below), where you can live and play like Bluey.
So, whether you’re a devoted Bluey enthusiast or seeking a relaxing Aussie escape, Queensland has everything you need. Add these must-see spots to your next road-trip holiday. An essential stop on this road trip would be the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary .
You get to carry koalas, feed kangaroos and have breakfast with rainbow lorikeets, friendly and social birds who belong to the parrot family. Your little one will love cosying up to an adorable Koala at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. PHOTO: TOURISM AND EVENTS QUEENSLAND Dinosaur lovers will be thrilled by the interactive extinction trail.
As you walk through the lush, subtropical environment, the sights and sounds of the dinosaurs bring the ancient past to life, and you’ll get to see life-size animatronic dinosaurs – including the fierce velociraptors and quirky Muttaburrasaurus . Adventure-junkies can take on the Tree Top challenge – a high ropes course featuring over 80 aerial obstacles, including ziplines, suspension bridges, and swinging ropes, set among the towering trees. For a family outback experience there’s Outback Springs, where everyone can hunt for gemstones, meet farmyard animals and reptiles, and sip on true blue Australian Billy tea.
If the sun gets too hot, everyone can cool down in the Splash Zone, a waterpark equipped with jets, streams and a tipping bucket. Immerse yourself in Bluey's World Explore the Heeler family's iconic home, backyard and beyond in a one-of-a-kind guided immersive experience at Bluey's World Brisbane. Exclusive to Queensland, this multi-sensory journey will feature real-life sets, beloved characters, and recognisable scenes from the show.
You’ll be able to play games, explore rooms and embark on an interactive adventure. Bluey’s World Brisbane officially opens on November 7, 2024. Take your kids on a memorable Australian adventure to Queensland and enjoy Bluey’s world in real life this December school holidays.
Book your trip now with EU Holidays . Indulge in water activities Book a Catch a Crab tour to learn crabbing and enjoy your fresh catch as a tasty lunch. PHOTO: CATCH A CRAB TOUR/FACEBOOK Next on your itinerary should be the Catch A Crab tour.
Ideal for seafood lovers, you visit an oyster farm, trap live crabs, haul in fish from the Tweed River, pump for yabbies and hand feed wild pelicans before sitting back to enjoy your fresh catch for lunch. Can't get enough of being out on the water? GoBoat gives you the chance to captain your own “ship”, so you and the fam can glide around the local waterways of the Gold Coast in your own private boat. These environmentally friendly, self-drive electric boats each seat eight passengers, and are so easy to drive you don’t need a boat licence.
It also has a picnic table onboard so pack a hamper of goodies and climb in. The locals recommend wine, cheese and light bites from Charis Seafoods, Peter’s Fish Market or Miami Fish Market. Sail down the waterways of the Gold Coast in your very own self-drive electric boat as you enjoy a picnic lunch.
PHOTO: GO BOAT/FACEBOOK Embrace tranquility at a farm stay or with nature trails If farm life is more your cup of tea, book yourselves a Paradise Country Farm Stay , which incorporates glamping eco-tents with lots of interactions with farm animals. Kids can start the day by bottle feeding calves, milking cows and collecting eggs. They can go on to enjoy encounters with goats and kangaroos, while you relax with a Sirromet Wine Tasting experience.
On select evenings you can also take part in grape stomping. Hearty meals crafted out of farm-fresh produce can be savoured at the on-site Farmhouse Restaurant, before the evening wraps up with roasting marshmallows around a campfire. Nature lovers must not miss out on Mount Tamborine which is a 50-minute drive from the Gold Coast.
There are different hiking trails there but one of the best has to be the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk, an elevated walkway winding through the rainforest canopy. Everyone will enjoy spending time at Mountview Alpaca Farm — kids because they will get to walk and feed alpacas, adults because this farm is set in a vineyard, so they can picnic with wine and cheese by the creek, with live music if it’s the weekend. Thunderbird Park is also a must-visit when at Tamborine Mountain.
It’s the place to be for the Treetop Challenge, with ziplines and high ropes adventures designed specially for children, even those as young as four. Another unique experience is Dig IT – Australia’s first excavator park, where children get to learn how to handle fully functioning mini diggers to excavate, demolish and play other challenging and educational games. The Treetop Challenge at Thunderbird Park includes thrilling ziplines.
PHOTO: TOURISM AND EVENTS QUEENSLAND When you’re back in Brisbane, head to the Home of The Arts (Hota) , a contemporary cultural precinct in the heart of the city. There is art to discover in its galleries, films to watch in its cinemas, concerts to catch in its performance venues as well as trails and walks to explore in its surrounding parklands. On Sunday mornings, the Hota Farmers and Artisan Market give you the chance to pick up farm-fresh fruit, artisanal goodies, unique clothes and quirky handicrafts.
Few Australian families are as well known as the Irwins because of The Crocodile Hunter, the popular wildlife documentary hosted by the late Steve Irwin. That passion for animal conservation can also be seen in Australia Zoo which is now run by his wife Terri and children Bindi and Robert. Catch a glimpse of the famous Irwin family, (from left) Terri, Robert and Bindi, along with her husband and daughter, at Australia Zoo.
PHOTOS: AUSTRALIA ZOO/FACEBOOK Here, close encounters are encouraged in the name of sparking that same love for wildlife in others. Hence you’ll be able to cuddle koalas, feed kangaroos, walk wombats, marvel at meerkats and take pictures with adorable quokkas. You’ll travel in spirit to exotic places like the African savannah with zebras, rhinos, giraffes and cheetahs; as well as the Asian continent with the big cats in the Tiger Temple.
Take a trip to Bindi’s Island to climb a three-storey treehouse, and spot ring-tailed lemurs and giant Aldabra tortoises. Then catch a Wildlife Warriors Show in the Crocoseum for some swooping, jaw-snapping action, courtesy of saltwater crocodiles, birds and snakes. Budding vets will enjoy the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, which gives a look behind the scenes at how sick or injured animals are taken care of.
All that action is bound to tire out the most ardent animal lover so it’s good to know that you can book a stay at the Crocodile Hunter Lodge on site. The best thing about these comfortable cabins? They sit on land that is also home to red kangaroos, emus and koalas, so you can watch them at your leisure as you dine alfresco on the Warrior restaurant terrace or relax in the infinity pool. Bird watching and maze walking The resident birds at the Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World love interacting with visitors.
PHOTO: TOURISM AND EVENTS QUEENSLAND Next, head for Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World , home to more than 600 native and exotic birds. Among them are many Australian species like king parrots, corellas, lorikeets and black cockatoos — most of them unwanted, donated pets to the sanctuary. As you wander through the large interactive aviaries, don’t be surprised to find a parrot landing on your shoulder or a cheeky South American macaw trying to steal your hat.
The botanic gardens are also very pretty, with beds of roses and azaleas, as well as lakes and waterfalls; and after all that walking you can replenish your energy with a luscious Devonshire Tea at the onsite cafe, which boasts panoramic views across the Glasshouse Mountains all the way to Brisbane. Amaze World offers puzzles, riddles and many other games for all ages, including a massive hedge maze (pictured). PHOTO: TOURISM AND EVENTS QUEENSLAND If the family loves brain teasers then you’ll want to check out Amaze World , which has puzzles, riddles, tricks and twists galore.
The challenge starts right from the beginning as you try to figure out how to enter a tunnel without getting splashed by a waterfall. Dive into the huge hedge maze (or the smaller timber, tyre and rope versions), tackle some augmented reality quizzes, or play a round of mini golf. If the season is right, drop in on a fruit farm, like McMartins Strawberry Farm , so the family can do some strawberry-picking.
There’s nothing like selecting and plucking your own berries out in a patch for the kids — so different from just picking them up at a supermarket. Water trails to waterfront fun For a unique end to your trip, a visit to the Noosa Everglades is in order. This is one of only two everglade systems in the world, the other being in Florida, US.
This intricate system of waterways and wetlands connecting the Northern Noosa River system to the Sunshine Coast is a pristine ecosystem that over 40 per cent of Australian bird species call home. Its nickname “River of Mirrors” gives you an idea of its calm, glassy beauty. Stand-up paddleboarding is the perfect way to experience the unique beauty of the Noosa Everglades.
PHOTO: TOURISM AND EVENTS QUEENSLAND One of the best ways to explore it is by kayak or paddle boards. Sign up for an informative guided tour at Kanu Kapers to carve your way through the lily pads floating on the still waters, breathe in the scent of the surrounding tea tree forests and photograph the native flora and fauna from your vessel. Alternatively, you can also book a relaxing Noosa Everglades Serenity Cruise to experience the natural beauty of this region while sipping on a glass of bubbles or with some beer or juice.
Extend your time here by booking a tent at Habitat Noosa Everglades Eco Camp, set amid 26ha of National Park and perched on the edge of the Noosa River. You can choose to rough it in a traditional tent or enjoy a glamping experience in a tent with a private ensuite. Whichever you pick, you will have access to a wealth of waterfront activities, plus walking trails and frisbee golf in a bushland setting.
Take your kids on a memorable Australian adventure to Queensland and enjoy Bluey’s world in real life this December school holidays. Book your trip now with EU Holidays . Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
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