FAMILY FUN IN QUEENSLAND: A 13-DAY BLUEY-INSPIRED ITINERARY

Want to experience Bluey's world, for real life? Bluey’s World Brisbane will be open to families from 7 November 2024 - and it's a one-of-a-kind immersive experience that can't be missed.

If you're coming all this way across the Pacific, why not extend your trip to see a few more Queensland icons? The experts at Aspire Down Under believe travel isn't supposed to be trifficult, and have put together curated Bluey-inspired itineraries so you can worry less, and adventure more.  

Bluey says life's more fun when you're silly - but we reckon life's more fun when you're in Queensland. Discover how you could spend 13 days in Australia's Sunshine State.

Transport: Private car and driver from Brisbane International Airport to your hotel in Surfers Paradise. 

Located an hour's drive south of Brisbane and stretching along 43 miles of coastline, the Gold Coast is Australia's most vibrant playground. The impressive coastal strip is dominated by high-rise accommodations, retail and tourist shops, international-standard resorts and restaurants, nightclubs, neon signs, and endless things to do and explore. And if you're a tourist - the heart of the action is found at the Gold Coast's most famous stretch of shoreline, glittering Surfers Paradise.

This afternoon is at leisure to relax and explore on your own. Here's a few ideas to get you started. But first, let's check in.

Accommodation: Spend two nights at voco Gold Coast, an IHG Hotel, in a Standard Twin Ocean View Room. Includes two full breakfasts per person, and as a special offer, receive one kid's meal with every adult main meal purchased. Kids will also get an activity pack and slap wristband on arrival.

Located in the heart of energetic Surfers Paradise, the voco is adjacent to SkyPoint Observation Deck and just a short stroll from magnificent beaches, shopping, dining and entertainment experiences. You'll also be close to many of the Gold Coast's best restaurants and bars - a great way to kickstart your Queensland adventure.  

DAY TWO | EXPLORE THE GOLD COAST

Morning

Kangaroos and Mountain Views Tour, operated by Southern Cross Tours. Includes light refreshments, national park fees and an expert tour guide.

The Gold Coast is famous for its golden beaches, but did you know it's surrounded by a green belt of ancient rainforest full of outdoor adventures? It's known as the Gold Coast Hinterland, and this morning you'll explore one of its prettiest patches on a five-hour tour.

Start with a wildlife walk through Tamborine National Park, where you have the opportunity to see koalas and kangaroos in the wild. Then head to Tamborine Mountain for handcrafted scones and tea at a historic mountaintop cafe. Explore the unique crafts and local artistry along Gallery Walk, and enjoy stunning panoramic views of the Gold Coast from the mountaintop. After the tour, make your way to your next adventure.

Afternoon

City Tour and River Cruise, operated by Aquaduck Gold Coast. Includes a 20-minute city tour, 40-minute river cruise and live commentary.

This 1-hour tour aboard the amphibious ‘Duck’ is one of the most exciting ways for the whole family to see the Gold Coast, combining an informative city tour with a unique river cruise, travelling past the glitzy waterfront mansions of the rich and famous, and taking in the spectacular views of the Gold Coast waterways and its famous landmarks. After the tour, make your own way to your accommodation.

DAY THREE | TRANSFER FROM THE GOLD COAST TO BRISBANE

Transport: Private car and driver from voco Gold Coast to your hotel in Brisbane. 

Daytime

Welcome to the river city of Brisbane. As Queensland’s capital city - and the third largest city in Australia - Brisbane strikes a unique balance between a modern metropolis and a relaxed, subtropical destination. And it's home to nearly two million culturally diverse people, vibrant cultural precincts,  world-class sporting venues, and inviting parklands and outdoor spaces.  

Accommodation: Spend one night at voco Brisbane City Centre, an IHG Hotel, in a Double Standard City View Room. Your stay includes one full breakfast per person and as a special offer, receive one kid's meal with every adult main meal purchased.

Situated on the banks of the Brisbane River with panoramic views over Southbank Parkland and Queensland Performance Arts Centre (QPAC), this is the perfect base for staying in Brisbane. voco will feel like your home away from home, with an upscale yet laidback look and feel, an abundance of natural light, smart in-room technology, and modern amenities.

This afternoon is at leisure to relax and explore on your own. Here are a few activities the whole family will love. If you want to stretch your legs, you can't go wrong with South Bank Parklands, home to an inner-city beach, playgrounds, gardens, the Wheel of Brisbane, and moments from the city's best museums and galleries.

Evening

Twilight Climb, operated by Story Bridge Adventure Climb. Includes commentary, group photograph, climb suit and harness, hat, and weather jacket.

As the sun begins its descent, get ready to embark on an adrenalin-fueled journey that will leave you breathless, both from the climb and the mesmerizing city skyline views. This two-hour climb experience offers your family a front-row seat to Brisbane’s most enchanting time of day, as the city transitions from day to night, and the city lights start to twinkle.

Along the way, your guide will regale you with fascinating stories, little-known facts, and quirky anecdotes about Brisbane and its beloved Story Bridge. Expect plenty of laughter, entertaining tales, and maybe even a few surprises along the way.

Note: Participants must be a minimum of six years old and 110cm to join a climb.

DAY FOUR | BRISBANE

Daytime

Full Day Private Brisbane operated by Eco Safaris Queensland. Includes hotel pick up and drop off, lunch, ice cream, snacks and chocolate.

Come and visit the many beautiful scenes inspired by Bluey’s hometown, Brisbane. Your six-hour tour focuses on seeing as many sights as possible, including the riverside parklands, lookouts and leafy suburbs with homes of that unique ‘Queenslander’ architecture. Just minutes in, you’ll see why Brisbane is one of the world’s greatest places, according to TIME Magazine 2023.

The tour also includes a visit to Bluey’s World Brisbane – a 40,000 square-foot, unique, immersive 70-minute experience for anyone who loves Bluey. Embark on a brand-new immersive journey with Bluey, Bingo, Mum and Dad in their beloved home, backyard and beyond. Explore your favourite rooms, play interactive games, and keep your eyes peeled for surprises around every corner… and maybe even a Longdog or two! Crawl, climb and walk (funny walks encouraged) your way through the various cubby rooms, see what’s cooking in the Heeler’s kitchen, decorate a pavlova like Bluey and venture out to the backyard for maximum play time around the poinciana tree. Finish your day at the playground and gift shop.

Once you’re done, you’ll visit Mt Coot-tha Lookout with stunning views over Brisbane and out to the islands – it may look familiar to ‘The Sign’ episode. You’ll also see for yourself where Bingo and Bluey create so many games in pretty parks and playgrounds such as New Farm Park and Kangaroo Point, similar to those in ‘Shadowlands’, ‘Turtleboy’ and ‘Wagonride’.

While you're here, see why South Bank is the inspiration for some Bluey episodes, including the famous Streets Beach, river walk, lively café scene and the ‘Wheel of Brisbane’. It’s the perfect spot for ice cream and bin-chicken spotting! At the end of your tour, you’ll be transferred to your Brisbane city accommodation.

Evening

Transport: Transfer to the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Private car and driver from voco Brisbane City Centre to your accommodation on the Sunshine Coast. 

Accommodation: Spend the next two nights at The Crocodile Hunter Lodge in a Two Bedroom/One Bathroom Cabin. Your stay includes a full breakfast daily, unlimited entry to Australia Zoo during your stay, a 'Sneak Peak' entry to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, shuttle service between the Lodge and Australia Zoo, and a welcome gift on arrival.

This property is nestled into the bush beside Australia Zoo, near the iconic ancient peaks of the Glass House Mountains and golden Sunshine Coast beaches. Immersed within lush bushland and home to an array of native wildlife, this property has been built from the aspirations of the original Wildlife Warrior, Steve Irwin.

Guests can admire these wonderful animals from their unique, family-friendly rustic cabins, or while sitting in the outdoor dining area of the restaurant or relaxing in the infinity pool.

DAY FIVE | EXPLORE AUSTRALIA ZOO

No Queensland vacation is complete without a visit to one of the country's most iconic attractions, the legacy of our most famous family: the Irwins. And today you get to spend the entire day exploring - sure to be your wildest adventure yet. 

Australia Zoo is home to a team of passionate conservationists working around the clock to deliver animal experiences like no other. The zoo is home to over 1000 mammals, birds and reptiles from Australia and around the world - and it's the interactive and educational experiences that set Australia Zoo apart from any other wildlife sanctuary on the planet.

Cuddle a koala (we recommend booking in advance), walk with a Sumatran Tiger and watch a crocodile launch from the water’s edge. Your camera will be working overtime today.

DAY SIX | TRANSFER TO NOOSA HEADS  

Transport: Private car and driver from The Crocodile Hunter Lodge to your hotel in Noosa Heads. 

Explore the Sunshine Coast

The beauty of the Sunshine Coast will captivate you. For first-timers, idyllic Noosa Heads is the best base, combining natural beauty with award-winning restaurants and a sleepy yet sophisticated town atmosphere. Listed as an official Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, Noosa is home to a range of pristine natural environments - from waterways full of birdlife to rocky headlands where you can watch whales swim past on their annual migration.

It's an incredibly family-friendly spot, too. Noosa's Main Beach is one of the only north-facing beaches on the east coast of Australia, offering calm waters most days. Noosa River connects with a series of beautiful lakes and is best experienced by canoe, kayak or river cruise.

After exploring the region's natural side, head to Hastings Street - a pedestrian-friendly thoroughfare where locals and visitors enjoy shopping, alfresco dining and people-watching.

Accommodation: Check in for one night at Mantra French Quarter Noosa, in a one-bedroom apartment. This beachside resort is located on Noosa’s famous Hastings Street and offers direct access to the shopping, dining and entertainment hub. From its doorstep, guests can also walk to the National Park and Main Beach.  

DAY SEVEN | ENJOY NOOSA

Today is free to relax and explore on your own. Want to take it slow and soak up a truly Aussie experience? Simply throw your beach towel down on the sands of Noosa Main Beach and let the kids get their fill of swimming and splashing.

Want to dial up the adventure? You could enrol the kids in a learn-to-surf class, pull on your sneakers for a spectacular coastal walk around Noosa National Park, or rent a luxury electric picnic boat from Eco Noosa to cruise the river's calm waters, pulling into sandbars for a swim when the mood strikes (no boat license is required). Here are the best things to do with kids in Noosa.

DAY EIGHT | TRANSFER TO HABITAT EVERGLADES ECO CAMP

Transport: Private car and driver from Mantra French Quarter Noosa to Habitat Everglades Eco Camp. 

Accommodation: Habitat Noosa Everglades Eco Camp is one of the best Aussie glamping experiences, and you'll spend the next two nights in a Paperbark Tent, which features an ensuite bathroom, access to power, ceiling fan, fridge and a private deck.

Uniquely positioned in the national park, Habitat Noosa is just 25 25-minute' drive from Noosa and a 5-minute boat ride to the Noosa Everglades. Set on a 65-acre site by the shore of Lake Cootharaba, it boasts a camp kitchen, a bistro and a kiosk. Everything you need for a comfortable glamping experience, relax and wake up to the sounds of native birds chirping and kangaroos having their morning feed on the grass.

DAY NINE | NOOSA EVERGLADES

Morning

Spend at leisure to relax and explore on your own. Swim, canoe or paddleboard on the lake, read a book under the gum trees, play a round of disc golf, or wander on foot to see who can spot the most native wildlife.  

Afternoon

Activity: Serenity Cruise Tour operated by Everglades Eco Safaris. Includes a glass of beer or bubbles.

Did you know Noosa Everglades is one of only two everglades ecosystems on Earth? While you've no doubt heard of the Florida Everglades, Noosa offers something different - and this afternoon you'll take a 2.5-hour afternoon cruise immersed in Everglades beauty.  

An untouched, pristine wilderness area - and spectacular photo opportunities - awaits you. Over 44% of Australia’s bird species reside within this spectacular region, so keep your eyes out. Pure freshwater pulses out of the Cooloola Sand mass and filters through the tea tree infused ecosystem into this unique river system – creating the most spectacular reflections you will ever see, which is why it gets the name “River of Mirrors”.

After the cruise you'll return to Habitat Noosa for another evening of smores round the firepits.  

DAY 10 | TRAVEL FROM THE SUNSHINE COAST TO CAIRNS

Transport: Private car and driver from Habitat Everglades Eco Camp to Sunshine Coast Airport.

Arrive in Cairns

True tropical paradise, Cairns & The Great Barrier Reef is the gateway to some of Australia’s greatest natural attractions. Sitting offshore and shaping the city’s character is the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest coral reef system and one the world’s most popular diving sites. To the north of the city lies another World Heritage-listed treasure, the ancient tropical rainforests of The Daintree. The city itself offers its own atmosphere, from the esplanade and marinas at the waterfront to the flavour-filled cafes and restaurants that buzz from dawn until after dark.

Transport: Private car and driver from Cairns Domestic Airport to Cairns City. 

Accommodation: Make Cairns Harbourside Hotel your base for three nights, staying in a Premium Twin Room. Includes x3 full breakfasts per person. This modern hotel is set on the waterfront, just steps from the Esplanade and a short walk to Cairns City Centre. The kids will love the swimming pool and spa area.

This afternoon is at leisure to relax and explore on your own: clock up time by the pool, or head out to see the sights. Cairns Aquarium is a great introduction to the marine life you'll experience at the Great Barrier Reef. This aquarium is dedicated to this region's extremely rare and incredibly unique species, and there's a range of interactive experiences on offer along with a twilight tour. Here are some of the best things to do in Cairns with kids.

DAY 11 | DIVE ON THE GREAT BARRIER REEF

Activity: Evolution Outer Reef Cruise – Snorkel Tour operated by Down Under Cruise & Dive. Includes hotel pick up and drop off, morning tea, snorkelling equipment, BBQ lunch, glass of wine or afternoon tea on return journey to Cairns, Environmental Management Fee (EMC) and levies.

So large you can see it from space, the Great Barrier Reef rarely needs an introduction. And today you'll get your own introduction to this World Heritage wonder - sure to be a day to remember.

Your tour commences with a transfer from your hotel to the Reef Fleet Terminal, where you will board your vessel. This 8.5-hour tour includes five hours spent visiting two spectacular Outer Great Barrier Reef destinations, with plenty of time to snorkel among the corals and fish, enjoy relaxing and sunbathing on three deck levels - as well as learning fascinating facts about the Reef and its marine life, too.

Upon your return to the Reef Fleet Terminal, you will be transfered to your Cairns area accommodation. The night is yours - why not visit one of Cairns' best restaurants?

DAY 12 | EXPLORE KURANDA

Activity: Full Day Grand Kuranda - Gold Class Operated by Tropic Wings Cairns Tours. Includes hotel pickup and drop off, Kuranda Scenic Railway, Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, Army Duck Rainforest Tour, Tropical Fruit Orchid, Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience, Koala & Wildlife Park, Lunch, Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.

Gold Class Service Includes: Dedicated host service, individual seating in lounge-style chairs, historical décor. Quality refreshments including sparkling Australian wine, beer, orange juice, soft drink, ice water, mocktails, tea, coffee and appetisers and a chilled refresher towel during the journey.  Gift pack including Kuranda Scenic Railway badge, pen, postcard and postage. Souvenir trip guide.

From the magic of the Reef to the magic of the Wet Tropics Rainforest - today you'll be collected from your accommodation for an incredible 10 hour tour through Queensland's living ancient history.

Begin on board Kuranda Scenic Railway, winding through tunnels and over bridges on this magnificent journey, passing Stoney Creek and Barron Falls. Arriving in charming Kuranda Village, tucked into the rainforest, you'll be able to wander the village and markets, and marvel at the largest butterfly flight aviary in the country at Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, with a guided tour through the landscaped gardens.

Transfer to the award winning Rainforestation Nature Park and experience an Army Duck Rainforest Tour with a stop to taste tropical fruits, before learning about the country's rich First Nations culture with the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience. Animal lovers will be excited for a visit to the Koala & Wildlife Park, joining a guided tour to see crocodiles, wombats, snakes, dingoes and a cassowary - as well as hand feed kangaroos and wallabies.

Finally - and possibly the most special experience of the day - transfer to Skyrail Rainforest Cableway where you will glide over the canopy of pristine World Heritage Rainforest, with stops at Barron Falls and Red Peak Stations to walk among the treetops and discover the secrets of the rainforest.

Returning to Cairns, where you will be transferred to your Cairns area accommodation for your last evening in Australia.

DAY 13 | DEPART CAIRNS

Transport: Private Car/Driver Cairns City to International Airport

Oh, biscuits! It's time to go home. All good things must come to an end, but if you have a few hours before your flight, grab a coffee and take once last stroll along the waterfront. Why not end your visit with a dip in the lagoon?

We hope to see you again soon. There are so many more Queensland icons to explore.