Why the new Bluey’s World in Brisbane will leave you in tears

It’s perhaps one of the most highly anticipated openings of the year. But if you’re expecting fun and laughter from start to finish, think again.

If there are two words that will send a swarm of school-aged kids into a spin, it’s the pairing of ‘Bluey’ and ‘World’.

After much hype, anticipation and excitement — Bluey’s World in balmy Brisbane has officially opened, and for those who were expecting smiles and laughter from beginning to end — think again.

On Tuesday, Australia’s newest interactive and immersive world opened its doors to the Heeler House, for the grand unveiling of Bluey’s World.

Spread across a 4,000sqm custom-built Northshore Pavilion in Brisbane — an enjoyable 45 minute ferry ride from the bustling shores of Howard Smith Wharf — Bluey’s World offers a unique guided experience for families and fans of the ever-popular children’s show.

With tickets landing guests a 70-minute guided exploration through innovative set designs, interactive games, and activities for children and adults alike, the world has been carefully curated to mirror the spirit of the world-famous series — encouraging creative play, connection with each other and even a big old tug at the heartstrings.

Stepping through Bandit, Chilli, Bluey, and Bingo’s oversized front door sweeps you straight from the banks of the Brisbane River into a realistic replica of the Heeler’s humble home.

Starting the experience in Australia’s favourite family’s loungeroom, the experience is lead by a magical fairy and a charismatic gnome, leading your intimate group to Bluey and Bingo’s bedroom, playroom, kitchen, backyard and into an ending that was so moving — it had half the room in tears (myself included, thanks to you mama Chilli).

The first glimpse of Bluey's World Brisbane as doors into the Heeler’s home officially open. Photo: Supplied.

Blueys World will be open until September 2025.

And while the emotion that swept over me was completely unexpected — especially after an hour of fun, laughter and thrills for young and old — the tears are all part of the experience.

Sitting down with news.com.au, Andrew Kay — the producer of Bluey’s World — said what happens inside the Heeler’s home is an experience you won’t find anywhere else around the world.

“It was about putting together a creative team who came up with a vision that had to be more than a normal immersive experience … because Bluey is more than a normal children’s show,” Mr Kay said.

“This is multi-generational and it’s for real life … so we had to deliver for two-year-olds, and we had to deliver for grandma as well.

“Each child responds in a different way, and what I love [is] when we do this immersive experience … we are trying to develop a real connection. The acting is based on relationships … we are all on the journey … absorbing what is going on. The trick of our team, designers and narrative directors, is to try and make it work for everyone.”

The set design within Bluey’s World will have you entertained for hours.

The highlights were the kitchen, playroom and backyard zone.

Mr Kay said having visited other immersive experiences around the world, he noted how some tours worked and connected for a five-year-old, but a seven-year-old would walk away bored. This was a challenge he knew he had to overcome.

“This is Bluey, so that cannot happen. We had to exceed expectation,” he said.

“We care deeply about Bluey. We care about the children and the families and meeting their expectations. We left no stone unturned. In my view, this is the greatest immersive experience in the world. Nothing matches this … this has heart. You will be quite emotional from this journey, and that is a real surprise.

“It’s not a fun thing where you run through, have a good time, grab a bit of merchandise and go home … this will stay with you and live with you and make you want to come back.”

Bluey's World has officially opened in Brisbane

A sneak peak inside Bluey and Bingo’s playroom.

Bluey’s World tickets are on sale now for visits from now through to September 2025, with tickets from $49.90 per person for an experience that lasts around two hours (including a stop at the gift shop and some time at Bluey’s playground).

This journalist travelled to Bluey’s World as a guest of Tourism Events Queensland.