SUNNY DAYS AND BLUEY ADVENTURES: BRISBANE TO HAMILTON ISLAND IN 9 DAYS

Craving a family adventure?

With a one-of-a-kind immersive experience, Bluey’s World Brisbane, open from 7 November 2024, there’s never been a better time to come to Queensland, Australia. Better still, the travel experts at Aspire Down Under have put together curated, bookable Bluey-inspired itineraries so you can worry less, and adventure more on your Aussie holiday of a lifetime.   

Want to wow the kids with the excitement of Bluey's World while experiencing the best of Queensland? Here's how you could explore Brisbane, a pure island paradise, with famous beaches and the Great Barrier Reef in nine incredible days.

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 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.  

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

Accommodation: Emporium Hotel South Bank in a River City Twin Suite for four nights. Includes: 4 x Full Breakfast per person, and a special offer for the Bluey's package: kid's arrival amenity, kid's breakfast in Signature Restaurant daily when in-suite dining with an adult, kid's meal from ISD per stay.

An urban sanctuary in the heart of Brisbane’s South Bank, Emporium Hotel is among Brisbane’s finest places to stay. Beyond the stylish suites, riverfront views from the infinity pool, and exquisite restaurant and rooftop bar, guests of the Emporium are within walking distance to many of the city’s best sights and attractions.

If time permits this afternoon, get your bearings with a stroll around South Bank – this guide will help. 

DAY TWO | GET WILD IN THE SUNSHINE COAST HINTERLAND

Activity: Full Day Private Australia Zoo Guided Tour Operated by Eco Safaris Queensland. Includes hotel pick up and drop off, lunch, morning or afternoon tea, admission to Australia Zoo, entry to Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, personal guide, food for kangaroos.

This 8 hour tour takes you to Australia Zoo, made famous by Steve and Terri Irwin. 

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. The croc show is a must-see while you're here. If interested in the cuddle a koala experience, we recommend booking in advance.

Travel back to Brisbane – if time permits you’ll stop to explore a charming hinterland village – then you’ll be dropped right at the door of your Brisbane accommodation. 

DAY THREE | IMMERSE YOURSELF IN BLUEY'S WORLD

Activity: 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.

Today is free 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 and landscaped gardens, the Wheel of Brisbane. It’s also just moments from the city's best museums and galleries, including the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art, which offers hands-on kids activities to spark their creative spirit.

Or, perhaps you’d like to experience one of Brisbane’s spectacular islands? Join River to Bay for a small boat ride from the city into Moreton Bay to explore the natural wonder of Mulgumpin (Moreton Island). It’s one of the largest sand islands in the world, and an action-packed day trip will transport you from the City Botanic Gardens to endless adventures.

Snorkel the world-famous Tangalooma Wrecks, climb the island’s sand dunes, swim in some of the clearest waters in the world, and witness the abundance of sea life that our crew will point out on your adventure; turtles, dolphins, sting rays, dugongs and perhaps even whales!

DAY FIVE | TRAVEL FROM BRISBANE TO HAMILTON ISLAND

Transport: Private car and driver from your Brisbane hotel to Brisbane Domestic Airport.

Fly from Brisbane to Hamilton Island Airport. Your flight today is not included in your Aspire arrangements.

Hamilton Island

Nestled amongst the Whitsunday Islands at the edge of the Great Barrier Reef, Hamilton Island is one of Australia’s dreamiest escapes. Set amidst pristine surroundings, guests are spoilt for choice with endless activities right here on the island, or jumping off to other incredible Whitsundays wonders, like Heart Reef, Hill Inlet and Whitehaven Beach. 

Accommodation: The Reef View Hotel in a two-bedroom/two-bathroom Terrace Suite for four nights. Includes full breakfast daily, return Hamilton Island Airport/Marina to hotel transfers, newspaper daily, use of catamarans, paddle skis, windsurfers and snorkelling equipment, unlimited use of the scheduled Island Shuttle service (7am–11pm daily), access to a gym, spa, sauna, tennis court hire.   

Special Offer for Bluey's Package: AUD$50.00 Family Dining Credit per room per stay (cannot be redeemed for cash).

Directly opposite Catseye Beach, Hamilton Island’s favourite spot for watersports, the name ‘Reef View Hotel’ says it all. The hotel features extremely spacious, well-appointed rooms that overlook either tropical gardens or the breathtaking vista of the Coral Sea. 

Important to know:

• Hamilton Island experiences high demand for their restaurants and availability can be limited. We recommend that you pre-book before arriving for lunch or dinner at certain restaurants. You can book restaurants up to 90 days in advance.
• Hamilton Island Buggy Hire - To avoid disappointment, we recommend that you book a buggy as soon as their accommodation is confirmed.  An ongoing guest room refurbishment will be taking place until further notice. There will be limited impact on guests, floors will be blocked off above and below works to reduce any inconvenience.

This afternoon is at leisure to relax and explore on your own. 

DAY SIX | EXPLORE THE WHITSUNDAY ISLANDS

Activity: Morning tour to Whitsunday Islands and Whitehaven Beach, operated by Cruise Whitsundays. Includes morning tea, protective stinger suits, and Solway Circuit walk.

The Whitsundays is a boating mecca, and today you’ll get a front-row seat to one of the world’s most pristine paradises on a four-hour tour through remote corners, beautiful bays and peaceful islands

Sit back, breathe in the sea air and marvel at the 74 island wonders of The Whitsundays, starting with views of the imposing Pentecost Island, while enjoying commentary on the history and natural wonders of the area.

The waters of Solway Passage lead to the world-famous Whitehaven Beach – voted as one of the most beautiful beaches on the planet. The crystal clear aqua waters and pristine white silica sand stretch for over four miles along Whitsunday Island: feel the sand squeak beneath your toes and wander along the beach to your own secluded stretch, laze on the beach or cool off in the azure waters. This uninhabited island is one of Australia's true gems. 

Once back on Hamilton Island, the afternoon is at leisure to relax and explore on your own: the resort’s pools, spas, hiking trails and restaurants are waiting.  

DAY SEVEN | MEET THE GREAT BARRIER REEF

Activity: Full Day Great Barrier Reef Adventure operated by Cruise Whitsundays. Includes: morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, snorkelling gear, light wetsuits, stinger suits, semi-submersible guided tour, underwater observatory and Environmental Management Charge (EMC).

This incredible 8 hour experience is one of the best ways to get up-close to the Great Barrier Reef, with plenty of time to relax and soak it all in.

Cruise from Hamilton Island to Cruise Whitsundays’ own floating pontoon at Hardy Reef, the perfect base for the next four hours with plenty of space to relax, undercover seating and tables, sun decks for topping up the tan, freshwater showers, change rooms and full access to the air-conditioned comfort of the cruise vessel.

There are numerous ways to explore the Reef, from the underwater viewing chamber to the semi-submersible submarine or guided snorkel safari – there’s countless tropical fish and over 1,400 species of coral to spot. If you’re lucky you’ll meet the giant groper fish that calls Hardy Reef home. 

DAY EIGHT | SOAK UP ISLAND TIME

Today is free to relax and explore on your own, diving into the many family-oriented activities on Hamilton Island.

Meet native Aussie animals – including a koala encounter with a park ranger – at Hamilton Island Wildlife. Tour the island by gold buggy and hike to scenic points at South East Head or Passage Peak. Bushwalk to the secluded Escape Beach, or take advantage of the sports centre and rent kayaks and paddleboards for some fun on Catseye Beach.

Sometimes the beauty of Hamilton Island is simply doing nothing at all. Indulge yourself in a peaceful afternoon by the pool, and soak up the warm rays.  

DAY NINE | DEPART HAMILTON ISLAND

Transport: Shared Transfer Hotel to Hamilton Island Airport, operated by Reef View Hotel. 

From Bluey’s World to island paradise, your nine days in Queensland have come to an end. 

There are so many more incredible Queensland experiences waiting for your family – hopefully, it’s not goodbye, but see ya later.