EXPLORE LIKE BLUEY: BRISBANE AND PORT DOUGLAS IN 9 DAYS

Itinerary

By Bunji

Ever dreamed of taking a family vacation to Australia? 

From the Great Barrier Reef to the ancient Daintree Rainforest, welcoming cities and unique wildlife you won't find anywhere else on earth, Queensland is home to the iconic experiences you've longed for. 

And with the one-of-a-kind immersive experience, Bluey’s World Brisbane, open from 7 November 2024, there’s never been a better time to visit. 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.   

So why not escape the northern hemisphere winter for some Queensland sunshine? Here's how you could explore Brisbane and the tropical north in nine incredible days.

DEAL

Work with a travel advisor to visit Bluey's world in Queensland for real life

Feeling inspired to explore Queensland? Expert travel advisors at Aspire Down Under can customize travel itineraries to your interests and budget. Make your trip a reality!

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DAY ONE | ARRIVE IN BRISBANE

Streets Beach, South Bank Parklands, Brisbane

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 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 as a special offer for the Bluey's package: kid's arrival amenity, kid's breakfast in Signature Restaurant daily when dining with an adult, and a kid's meal from in-suite dining 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 of 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

Australia Zoo, Sunshine Coast

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

Bluey's World, Brisbane

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.

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. Here you'll 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.

DAY FOUR: EXPLORE BRISBANE YOUR WAY

The Wrecks, Moreton Island, Brisbane

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 PORT DOUGLAS

Four Mile Beach, Port Douglas, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

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

Once you've arrived in Cairns, guests will be transported to Port Douglas.

Port Douglas

Just an hour’s drive north of Cairns, along one of Australia’s most scenic roads, Port Douglas is a sophisticated yet low-key haven for travellers, surrounded by tropical beauty.

The charming town is lined with boutique stores, exquisite alfresco restaurants and cafes, and stylish resorts, only moments from the golden sands of the famous Four Mile Beach. And while the serene surroundings will make you want to cosy up and enjoy the views – some of Australia’s best adventures can be found right here. That’s because Port Douglas is the perfect base to explore the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation. 

Accommodation: Mandalay Luxury Beachfront Apartments in a two-bedroom/two-bathroom deluxe apartment with daily service) for four nights. Special Offer for Bluey's Package: One children's chocolate pack on arrival, and late check-out of 11.00 am.

Situated in quiet seclusion, the coastal elegance of Mandalay Luxury Beachfront Apartments is your ideal base. Nestled among tropical gardens, the resort has the essential pool to stave off that tropical heat, and all the amenities your family needs for a relaxed stay in between epic adventures. It’s also very walkable, with Four Mile Beach just 330 ft away, and buzzing Macrossan Street a 0.3 mile walk. 

This afternoon is at leisure to relax and explore on your own. Four Mile Beach and Rex Smeal Park are both great spots to explore and if you want to get your step count up post-flight, Flagstaff Hill Walking Trail is an easily accessible summit that serves as Port Douglas’ ultimate viewing point, providing majestic, sweeping views of the sandy Four Mile Beach below as well as the surrounding mountain and sea panorama. The lookout is accessed via steps at 4 Mile Beach’s north end. 

DAY SIX: GET TO KNOW THE GREAT BARRIER REEF

Sailaway, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

Activity. Full-Day Outer Reef Tour with Sailaway. Includes: Hotel pick up and drop off, morning and afternoon tea, buffet lunch, snorkelling equipment, optical mask, seasonal lycra snorkelling suits, wet suits & floating devices, instruction and in-water assistance, guided snorkel tour, glass bottom boat viewing and reef interpretation, Environmental Management Charge (EMC) and Beach Sun Smart Souvenir including beach towel, sun hat, sunscreen and re-usable calico beach bag.

Today’s adventure starts with an early departure from Port Douglas Marina. Sit back, relax and enjoy the beautiful coastline views from the yacht, while your expert crew sets sail to the coral cays of Mackay or Undine Reefs.

Sailaway is one of the leading eco-tourism operators on the Great Barrier Reef – offering an experience that’s not only spectacular but sustainable. With Master Reef Guides on board, you’ll not only explore the Great Barrier Reef but learn deeply about this living natural wonder along the way.

Once arriving at the protected coral cays, nature activities will include a marine biologist-guided snorkelling tour, time to swim, and the option of taking a glass-bottomed boat ride. No matter which you choose, you’ll experience encounters with abundant marine life, including turtles, clam gardens, and hundreds of colourful tropical fish.  

DAY SEVEN: AN ADVENTURE IN CAPE TRIBULATION

Billy Tea Safaris, Daintree National Park, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

Activity: Full Day Private Daintree Cape Tribulation 4WD Bloomfield Tour with Billy Tea Safaris. Includes: Hotel pick up and drop off, lunch, morning tea, tropical fruit ice cream at the Daintree Ice Cream Company, one-hour Daintree River cruise, guided National Park boardwalk tour.

Take the scenic route from Port Douglas to Cape Tribulation via Mossman today, discovering famous sites and hidden gems of Queensland’s tropical north.

The full-day tour is like a highlights reel of nature, with moments set to thrill and others that will leave you in quiet wonder. Like a croc-spotting cruise on the Daintree River. Or a walk among the ancient rainforest, keeping your eye out for the rare southern cassowaries that call this dense, protected area home. 4WD along the famous Bloomfield Track to reach Cape Tribulation’s remote corners, relaxing in the cool waters of Emmagen Creek, and sinking your toes into the sandy beach where the rainforest meets the reef.

Enchanting, and unforgettable. 

DAY EIGHT: CULTURAL IMMERSION IN THE DAINTREE

Walkabout Cultural Adventures, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

Activity: morning private Ngana Julaymba Dungay (Daintree) with Walkabout Cultural Adventures. Includes: Hotel pick up and drop off, Professional Aboriginal Guide, Bush Tucker Tasting (seasonal & tidal), morning tea.

Your experience with the magic of the Daintree continues this morning. Embark on a half-day tour with a local Aboriginal guide, to learn about the cultural significance of this ancient rainforest and the relationships the Kuku Yalanji people have with this sacred land.

Enjoy a guided walk through the rainforest and coastal habitats learning about the environment, different foods and medicines utilized from nature, sample some bush tucker, collect shellfish and try traditional Aboriginal hunting practices, have a go at spear throwing and if you are lucky, catch a mud crab. 

Back Country Bliss, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

Activity: afternoon Private River Drift Experience with Back Country Bliss Adventures. Includes: Hotel pick up and drop off, all safety equipment, wetsuits, and snacks.

From cultural immersion to physical immersion, this afternoon you’re swapping the beach and mangroves for a river drift experience. 

This unique 3.5-hour tour offers a blend of hiking and serene river floating in the lush rainforest of the Mossman River. Begin with a rewarding walk upstream on a granite sand bed, towing your lightweight river sled behind amidst the rainforest canopy.

Uncover the fascinating history and significance of the Mossman River, learning about its vital role in the ecosystem, take refreshing swims in clear waters, and soak up your stunning surroundings. The journey takes an exciting turn as you board your river sled, setting off on a floating adventure downstream. Gliding through a secret creek, you'll merge onto the main Mossman River. Here, surrounded by rainforest and the gentle sounds of flowing water, the river carries you through its winding path. This tour is an ideal mix of active exploration and relaxed floating, making it the perfect way to cool off and connect with nature. 

DAY NINE| DEPART PORT DOUGLAS

Transport: Private car and driver from Port Douglas to Cairns Airport.

Soak up the last sunshine-filled rays of paradise this morning, as your Bluey-inspired Queensland adventure comes to a close. 

EXPLORE BLUEY'S WORLD, QUEENSLAND

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