For all the publicity, here's what you don't know about Bluey's World
One of Brisbane’s most popular exports has come to (real) life, and while there’s been a lot of hype, there are a few things you probably don’t know about Bluey’s World.
I visited the Northshore Pavilion attraction in Hamilton with my five-year-old this week. Here’s what I learnt.
Bluey’s World is a guided experience across 4000 square metres. It takes visitors through an original Bluey storyline, with actors playing fairies and a gnome that comes to life. There’s even a surprise Unicorse.
Bluey’s World has opened in Brisbane, with visitors enjoying a 60-minute guided tour through the Heeler family’s home.Credit: Felicity Caldwell
Children are asked to solve clues to find Bluey and Bingo, who appear at the end. And while it’s interactive, most of the things children can move and pick up are also towards the end, when they explore the playroom and enjoy a game of Keepy Uppy.
One thing that struck me was the size of the Heelers’ house, which has multiple rooms.
You can sit on chairs, Bluey and Bingo’s beds, walk through a cupboard into a dance party, and hop over creatures at The Creek.
The kitchen is even bigger than those in most people’s real homes.Credit: Felicity Caldwell
Lots of thoughtful details are also included. See if you can spot Bandit’s undies in the dishwasher and the kids’ art on the walls.
The tour lasts 60 minutes, so a tactical toilet stop beforehand is wise.
The author at Bluey’s World.Credit: Felicity Caldwell
You’ll get a cute dog-ear headband, and you can choose to be Bluey, Bingo, Chilli or Bandit.
You can’t take prams or outside food in – there’s a cafe at the end, along with a gift shop and indoor playground.
You can’t take photos or videos in most of the rooms either, but as Bluey learnt in the Bob Bilby episode, you get to do some really exciting stuff when you put your screens away.
That also stops social media from spoiling some of the surprises.
There is parking for cars, or you can catch a CityCat – rebranded as a CityDog – to the Northshore Hamilton ferry terminal.
You might cry – well, I did at the end, but Chilli’s checklist helped me dust myself off.
There’s something about being a mum that makes the waterworks start whenever I’m presented with anything a little melancholy.
Perhaps I had something in my eye.
Brisbane Economic Development Agency chief executive Anthony Ryan described Bluey’s World as a “love letter to Brisbane”, and while locals are invited, it’s expected to be a drawcard for interstate and overseas tourists, who are forecast to pour more than $18 million into the local economy.
Tourism Minister Andrew Powell would not be drawn on how much the state government, under the previous Labor administration, contributed to Bluey’s World.
At $64.90 per person on weekends, the tickets are on the pricey side, and there are no child or concession discounts, however children under two can get in for free.
I asked Kate O’Connor, BBC Studios’ director of brands and licensing ANZ, if discounts might be considered for Brisbane residents.
“We are always looking at our ticket pricing, and it’s currently dynamic,” she said, pointing out that weekday tickets are cheaper ($49.90 each), and group discounts are available.
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“I think you’ll see when you get inside just how much love and attention has been given to Bluey,” she said. “It’s worth the money.”
I can’t comment on whether the cost is worth it, as I was lucky to be offered free entry to a media preview, so you’ll have to decide for yourself.
As for my five-year-old, he loved “everything” about it.
Bluey’s World is open until September 14, 2025.
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