How to have the ultimate Bluey holiday

International tourists are flocking to Brisbane based on what they’re seeing in the hit children’s program Bluey. Check out how Brisbane landmarks compare in the show and ‘for real life’.

Brisbane is basking in a Bluey boom as fans of the furry TV star flock from around the world.

The loveable cartoon character - the biggest thing in children’s entertainment since a bunch of blokes first donned their brightly-coloured skivvies a generation ago - has become the River City’s unofficial tourism ambassador, with images from the show beaming Brisbane to the world in the kind of publicity money can’t buy.

Now being broadcast in more than 60 countries, the cartoon about a growing blue heeler and her family is generating buzz for Brisbane in the same way Lord of the Rings did for New Zealand or Eat, Pray, Love did for Bali and Italy.

South Bank has featured on Bluey, along with New Farm Park and the city CBD while even the Gold and Sunshine coasts get in on the action.

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, who regularly watches Bluey with his kids, said the worldwide phenomenon was fast becoming a major tourism drawcard.

“Bluey is a homegrown superstar who is showcasing our beautiful city, culture and outdoor lifestyle around the world,” he said.

“With a television audience in over 60 countries and a star-studded international fan base that includes the likes of The Tonight Show’s Jimmy Fallon, I have no doubt Brisbane will benefit from Bluey tourism.

“The show is a massive drawcard to attract families and fans eager to visit Bluey’s hometown and explore some of the locations featured on the show – from South Bank and The Powerhouse to our wonderful parks and nature reserves.

“Even a ride on Brisbane’s iconic blue and yellow buses, which feature in the show, can also be part of some visitors’ Bluey experience.”

Accommodation empire Airbnb has already seen the benefits of Brisbane’s Bluey Boom, with a competition inviting people to stay at a house decked out almost identically to Bluey’s family home last year generating extraordinary interest.

The house later sold at auction for almost $2 million.

The iconic Heeler Family home from Bluey was listed on Airbnb before eventually selling at auction in 2022. Picture: Hannah Puechmarin

Brisbane Airport is also noticing an influx of Bluey tourists, even outside of traditional holiday periods.

“Not since Lassie has there been a celebrity canine with so much pulling power,” said an airport spokesperson.

“Interest is off the leash, and a Bluey tour won’t cost you a bone.

“From places at Paddington, Ashgrove, South Bank, New Farm and The Glasshouse Mountains, there are so many locations to explore.”

Exposure from film and television projects is highly-coveted by tourism leaders with coverage often creating instant brand recognition for a destination worth millions of dollars in future visitation.

Griffith University Institute for Tourism Professor Brent Moyle said the potential benefits were enormous.

“Increased publicity from film tourism has immense potential not only to generate visitation to destinations, but for job creation, the stimulation of local creative industries and the preservation of unique and charismatic culture and heritage,” he said.

“Films such as Lord of the Rings for New Zealand and The Beach (Thailand) and more recently Eat, Pray, Love with India, Indonesia and others promote stories, characters and experiences that audiences connect with, immersing viewers in different worlds and cultures, providing unique travel experiences that cannot be replicated elsewhere.

“Bluey presents an amazing opportunity for Brisbane, with its unique representation of Australian culture and family values contributing to a positive image of Brisbane as a destination, with the connection to real-life locations such as South Bank Parklands or the Brisbane Botanic Gardens, inspiring people to visit and potentially even move to the city.”

Sam Moor from Bluey production outfit Ludo Studio, has previously spoken of the “brilliant job” animaters have done in capturing some of Brisbane’s loveliest locations.

“It’s very special to be able to create that connection and to shine Brisbane on a global stage,” she said.

Bluey viewer Monique Mita said her eight-year-old son loved seeing the real life locations captured on the television show.

“We took a Bluey day trip to South Bank recently and noticed the beautiful pink Bougainvillea draped over the walkway and bought an ice-cream from the vendor – just like Blue and Bingo did,” she said.

“I think connecting a real place to characters you love makes the place feel magical.”