CityCat ferries rebrand into CityDog in honour of Bluey and Bingo

Two CityCat ferries have been transformed into Brisbane’s favourite blue heelers ahead of the opening of Bluey’s World. SEE THE VIDEO

Sisters Lucy 7, and Charlotte Krista 9, with Bluey and Bingo at the launch of the new City Dogs ferries at to operate on the Brisbane River. Picture Lachie Millard

Brisbane’s public transport just got a very cute upgrade, with iconic blue heeler sisters taking over the CityCat fleet.

Announced on Sunday, two CityCats – or CityDogs – have been completely repainted to resemble children’s cartoon characters, Bluey and Bingo.

Arriving just in time for the grand opening of Bluey’s World, the CityDogs will travel the full length of the Brisbane ferry route.

New Bluey CityDog ferry to operate on the Brisbane River. Picture: Lachie Millard

The interactive experience is due to open this month in Hamilton, with visitors now able to arrive at the attraction in a CityDog.

The Bluey and Bingo vessels will operate as part of the regular CityCat fleet and commuters can check the TransLink or marine traffic tracking apps to see where the CityDogs are arriving and departing from.

Fans of the much-loved children’s show will have plenty of time to jump on a CityDog, with the two vessels here for a full year.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the ferry makeover was all about making sure the world knows that Bluey came from Brisbane.

“Each and every episode is made here in Brisbane and Brisbane talent, and depicting Brisbane to the world is something that makes me incredibly proud,” Mr Schrinner said.

“We’re already seeing Bluey tourism that’s happening here in Brisbane. We know that will only grow and grow and grow.

“We’ve seen this being one of the most watched shows in the United States of America, and we know that people want to come to Brisbane and have a Bluey experience. One of the ways that they can now have a bluey experience is on the Brisbane River.”

BBC Studios ANZ brands and licensing director Kate O’Connor said the CityDogs were a fun and fitting tribute to a show that has become a global phenomenon.

“Over the past six years Bluey has had a number of really exciting partnerships and activations, including Hammerbarn, a 16m high balloon in the Macy’s thanksgiving parade, but we’ve never had public transport before,” Ms O’Connor said.

New Bluey CityDog ferry to operate on the Brisbane River. Picture: Lachie Millard

“We are thrilled to offer families, visitors and locals a chance to experience Bluey and Bingo in a totally unique way for real life and for anybody who’s coming to see the Bluey’s World immersive experience that opens later this month.”

Minister for the Environment and Tourism and Minister for Science and Innovation Andrew Powell said Bluey’s World is expected to bring in an additional $18 million into the state’s economy.

“We know that when Bluey’s world opens, it’s not just going to be an event. We want it to be an experience,” Mr Powell said.

“Bluey is a global phenomenon, and Queensland is a global holiday phenomenon.

“By pairing them up, by using the fact that Bluey is the number one watched program in the United States – a key tourism partner of Queensland – we believe that the opportunities will just get better and better and better.”