YOUR BLUEY-INSPIRED, QUEENSLAND FAMILY HOLIDAY ITINERARY

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By Kristie Lau-Adams

Planning a family holiday to Queensland? Here’s how you can discover the real-life playground of Queensland that inspires the beloved TV series, Bluey.

DAY ONE: FLY INTO THE GOLD COAST

Come on kiddos, let’s do this! Kick off your incredible Queensland escape with flights to the Gold Coast. Once you’ve checked into your room at Peppers Broadbeach, it’s time to sit back and relax at the outdoor spa, heated resort pool, sauna and steam room.

While in Broadbeach, take a dip at Kurrawa Beach and sample the local foodie scene.

DAY TWO: VISIT THE GOLD COAST THEME PARKS

Family walking towards Tiger Island at Dreamworld — Dreamworld, Gold Coast

It wouldn’t be a trip to the Gold Coast without screaming at the top of your lungs on The Giant Drop. Grab a family pass to Dreamworld for barrels of fun on your second day, granting you access to Whitewater World’s exhilarating water and thrill rides. When you need a breather, slow things down with magical wildlife encounters and the Southern Hemisphere’s first flying theatre, Sky Voyager. To plan your way around, check out the ultimate guide to Gold Coast theme parks.

DAY THREE: UNCOVER ICONIC BLUEY LOCATIONS IN SOUTH BANK, BRISBANE

Family walking along Streets Beach at South Bank Parklands — Streets Beach, South Bank Parklands, Brisbane

Drive 90 minutes to Brisbane (or catch the train!) and check-in to your room at Mantra South Bank

Spotted familiar backdrops on Bluey over the years? Dropping into the show’s most recognisable locations is on today’s to-do list. From exploring South Bank (with a ride on The Wheel of Brisbane) to hangs at Queen Street Mall and one very special picnic at New Farm Park, it’s a dream come true for Bluey fans.

DAY FOUR: MAKE FURRY FRIENDS AT AUSTRALIA ZOO

Once your camera’s overworked, you’ll be transported to The Crocodile Hunter Lodge where adventures on the beautiful Sunshine Coast await.

DAY SIX: MAKE FURRY FRIENDS AT AUSTRALIA ZOO

A grandad and grandson looking over the fence at giraffe — Australia Zoo, Sunshine Coast

Snap a selfie at Australia Zoo where you and your family will be treated to up-close-and-personal encounters with Australian native animals. Home to more than 1200 animals across 110 acres, the wildlife haven is the world’s most interactive conservation destination and its daily Wildlife Warriors Show in the enormous Crocoseum is utterly unreal.

Here’s how to get the most out of your day at Australia Zoo.

DAY SEVEN: GO SURFING ON AN EPIC BEACH DAY AT NOOSA

Children running on the beach towards the ocean — Noosa Heads Main Beach, Sunshine Coast

Factor in a few tactical wees during your final hours at The Crocodile Hunter Lodge before heading to Noosa. The Sunshine Coast’s glittering town flows with top-notch eateries and pristine beaches and a surfing lesson will ensure you’re riding high by the day’s end. Rest weary heads (and those Stickbird stockpiles) at the centrally located Mantra French Quarter Noosa.

Got spare time up your sleeve? Here are the best things to do in Noosa with kids.

DAY EIGHT: LEAN INTO LUXURY GLAMPING IN NOOSA

Family having a drink and toasting marshmellows while at Habitat Noosa — Habitat Noosa Everglades Eco Camp, Sunshine Coast

Dial up the adventure by moving your home base to the great outdoors. You’ll check in for two nights at Habitat Noosa Everglades Eco Camp, a glamping experience submerged in the spectacular Great Sandy National Park. With the day’s activities left entirely open-ended, you can sit back and let the kids find their very own Jean-Lucor or opt into a range of water activities.

DAY NINE: GLIDE ALONG THE NOOSA EVERGLADES

Got your barky boat? It’s time to hit the magnificent Noosa Everglades. A half-day tour with Everglades Eco Safaris will take you on board an eco-vessel to marvel at the River of Mirrors and its untouched surroundings. Keep your eyes peeled for extraordinary wildlife along the way with more than 44% of Australia’s bird species calling this serene corner of the world home.

DAY 10: HIT THE GATEWAY TO TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLAND

Family enjoying the Cairns Lagoon — Cairns Esplanade Lagoon, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

Smoochy kiss the Sunshine Coast goodbye as you board a flight to Cairns. Check into Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort, the basecamp for the final leg of your Queensland prize. Once you’ve settled into your new digs, take a stroll to the city’s bustling Esplanade and its bars and eateries. Keen for a whole lot of nothing? Cocktails by the pool are never a bad choice.

DAY 11: BE SPELLBOUND BY THE GREAT BARRIER REEF

Tick one of the world’s most breathtaking natural wonders off your bucket list with a day trip to the Great Barrier Reef. Frankland Islands Reef Cruises will set you on a rainforest river expedition before you reach the reef itself and then onto Frankland Islands National Park. It’s an incredible experience and you might even swim with turtles.

DAY 12: BREATHE IN ANCIENT RAINFOREST TRANQUILITY AT KURANDA

Family at the Edge Lookout with Barron Falls in the background — Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

Oh, biscuits, it’s the final full day, so let’s go out with a bang. A day trip to Kuranda will see you wandering boutiques and galleries within its quaint rainforest village. But the real stars? Step on board the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and Kuranda Scenic Railway to discover the depths of the region from two jaw-dropping perspectives.

DAY 13: FLY HOME

It’ll be trifficult but all good things must come to an end. Jump on board a flight from Cairns to Brisbane before a connecting flight takes you back home to reflect on a Queensland holiday like no other.

Now you know where you’re going, it's time to pack like the Heelers - here's everything you need for a Bluey-inspired Queensland holiday.