WHAT TO PACK FOR THE ULTIMATE BLUEY-INSPIRED FAMILY HOLIDAY TO QUEENSLAND

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By Kristie Lau-Adams

In the wise words of Chilli, boring things are still important. So how do you fast-forward to the fun stuff? Following our packing guide for a family holiday to Queensland is how!

From a morning on the beach to snorkelling in the afternoon and cosying up by the campfire by evening, this forget-me-not guide to visiting Queensland, the home of Bluey’s world for real life will help you navigate every escapade.

Begin your family holiday packing list and immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Queensland, just like the Heeler family does in the hit-show, Bluey.

A SNORKEL TO EXPLORE THE GREAT BARRIER REEF

Family snorkelling in the water, while on a Sunlover Reef Cruise — Moore Reef Pontoon, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

With underwater observatories, kids’ scuba diving lessons and glass-bottomed boat tours through 2,600 kilometres of treasure-filled coastline, the Great Barrier Reef is the ultimate family destination.

Shove a snorkel in your kit to flip-flop the water’s surface in search of rainbow-hued marine life. The Frankland Islands are especially perfect, brimming with giant clams, schools of fish, dugongs and manta rays right across the uninhabited network of five islands.

Family-friendly Great Barrier Reef guide

BINOCULARS TO SEE THE MAGNIFICENT RAINFORESTS

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

The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway in Cairns is made for fun-size explorers and grown-ups so don’t forget your binoculars to make the most of it.

Located in Smithfield, just 15 minutes from the city centre of Cairns, your cable car will soar over an ancient rainforest before releasing you at ground level to soak up Barron Falls and the subtropical gardens of Red Peak.

Queensland adventures for every family

SUNSCREEN FOR SANDY BEACH ACTION

The Heeler family at a Queensland beach — Season 1, Episode 26 | The Beach

Add sunscreen and explore the Gold Coast’s postcard-perfect beaches. Whether it’s the turquoise brilliance of Tallebudgera Creek, the big wave energy of Burleigh Heads, the magnificent rock formations of Currumbin or the dramatic black boulders of Greenmount, a day of sun, sea and sand is guaranteed.

We can’t promise you’ll find Mr. Pelican but you’ll most certainly help the kids grow their mermaid legs.

Kid-friendly beaches in Queensland

A RASHIE FOR A CLASSIC AUSTRALIAN SURF LESSON

Boy surfing in the ocean with the Gold Coast skyline behind him — Tugun Beach, Gold Coast

Who’s excited to hit the waves? Pack a rashie for an adrenalin-pumping surfing lesson - a must-do activity on a family holiday to Queensland.

Beginners are well catered to along the Queensland coastline, but if you're looking for ideas, Noosa Heads on the Sunshine Coast. is filled with quality surf schools and the glittering town’s Main Beach features calm conditions so there’s no excuse for anybody to sit out.

Of course, there's no better place to hit the water than the Gold Coast which has 57 kilometres of sun-kissed beaches and over a dozen surf schools to choose from.

Find Gold Coast surf schools

FANCY CLOTHES FOR A RIVERFRONT MEAL WITH CITY LIGHTS

Friends enjoying a drink at Felons Brewing Co - a riverfront brewery nestled under the Story Bridge — Felons Brewing Co, Howard Smith Wharves, Brisbane

Blast the romance music and prepare to smoochy kiss. You’ll need your snazziest outfit for riverfront dining in Brisbane.

South Bank is always a beauty as its best restaurants span OTTO Ristorante, GOMA Farm-to-Table inside the Gallery of Modern Art and Bacchus.

You’ll also find exceptional dining with a side of direct Story Bridge views at Howard Smith Wharves as restaurants including Felons (Sunday is family fun day), Greca, Stanley and Ciao Papi, dazzle.

Kid-friendly cafes In Brisbane

A HAT FOR A BIG DAY OF WILDLIFE SPOTTING

A mum and toddler feeding a kangaroo — Australia Zoo, Sunshine Coast

Fend off sunburn with a practical yet stylish hat while keeping your eyes peeled for the big blue Daddy Gorilla at Australia Zoo.

This incredible wildlife attraction houses more than 1,200 animals and offers some of the best animal experiences in Queensland, including the local residents of koalas, dingoes, wombats, crocodiles and kangaroos, as well as exotic stars including tigers, cheetahs, elephants and giraffes. You might even spot Flappy fluttering through Grace’s Bird Garden.

A guide to Australia Zoo

MARSHMALLOWS FOR A COSY EVENING CAMPFIRE

Family enjoying a camp fire experience at Mount Barney Lodge — Mount Barney Lodge, Scenic Rim

Pack your marshmallows, kids, we’re going camping. Let them play Torch Mouse as you sit back and soak up pure unadulterated splendour at the Habitat Noosa Everglades Eco Camp. There’s even a microbrewery on-site to help you unwind. It’s the dreamiest of gateways to one of just two global Everglades in the world so unparalleled family holiday memories are guaranteed.

Mount Barney Lodge in the Scenic Rim is another wholesome family getaway and one of the best camping spots in Queensland. There are plenty of kid-friendly activities on-site, including Kids Night Adventure, where you can make a damper on a stick over an open fire, enjoy a sausage sizzle and toast marshmallows.

Family guide to the Scenic Rim

If adventure’s your middle name, check out these top 20 family-friendly adventure activities to discover in South East Queensland.