Inside Bluey's world: No rides, no photos, and kids still love it
BRISBANE, Australia ― The unassuming building along the Brisbane River may not seem like the place childhood dreams come true, but inside, the bright colors and cartoon landscape let kids live out their TV time fantasies.
I went to Bluey’s World, truly not knowing what to expect. Not only was I not sure what the vibe of the attraction would be, but I really wasn’t that familiar with Bluey to begin with.
Even though I’m not the target audience, I still had a fun morning at Bluey’s World, and I’m sure it would have been even better if I had more skin in the game.
The park is on the outskirts of Brisbane, right on the river, and is easy to reach by road or public transit. There’s a ferry stop right outside the entrance to Bluey’s World, and public transit across the entire city is just 50 Australian cents.
Bluey’s World offers an immersive, accessible and remarkably clean experience with your kids’ favorite Australian characters. I was expecting the stickiness of a 1990s McDonald’s PlayPlace and instead felt more like I was having an adventure at one of my childhood friends’ houses whose mom happened to be a neat freak.
Bluey’s World has a strong focus on accessibility. It’s wheelchair-accessible and also takes sensory needs into account. The attraction is also a member of the Hidden Disability Sunflower Program, a voluntary way for people to self-identify that they may need extra accommodations.
Here are five things to know before your own adventure in Bluey’s World.
1. There are no rides
Bluey’s World isn’t your typical theme park with roller coasters and refreshments. It’s a pretty linear experience where you’re on the hunt the entire time for Floppy, the missing stuffed bunny of Bluey’s sister, Bingo. It’s interactive, cooperative and educational, but not exactly an adrenaline rush.
2. No photos allowed
Bluey’s World has a strict no-photos policy throughout the experience, aside from designated photo areas at the beginning and end of the installation.
I appreciated that policy. The signage emphasizes living in the moment and making memories with your family, and I think that’s a philosophy people should bring to more avenues of their lives.
I also think it’s smart for an attraction that draws so many little kids – you never know how comfortable other parents may or may not be with their own children ending up in your social media posts, so a no photo policy seems like the best hedge against any potential conflicts.
3. It’s a guided, immersive experience
Bluey and Bingo's bedroom.
Unlike other theme parks where you’re free to explore at your own pace, Bluey’s World is guided, and you’re moved through the whole experience pretty efficiently. The attraction’s website says it usually takes about an hour from the time you enter to go through the itinerary. I clocked my time there at about an hour and a half.
As mentioned earlier, Bluey’s World is an experience where you explore different rooms in Bluey’s house with a set goal: finding Floppy. You move through the facility in the same group the whole time, and you’re always with your guide.
4. Time with the characters is limited
The kitchen at Bluey's house.
Aside from brief appearances by Bluey and Bingo at the beginning, and a photo opportunity at the end, Bluey’s World is definitely more about the setting – having a chance to explore Bluey’s house – than about hanging out with the characters. But no one in my group seemed to mind, which brings me to my last point:
5. The kids will love it
Even if it’s not a thrill-focused theme park, I can attest that all the kids in my group had an excellent time. The happy screams and running around of kids having fun are hard to miss.
My one quibble, honestly, was that the whole venue is built like a TV set, open at the top to a lighting layout, so it’s easy for sound from other parts of the experience to drift into different areas, which can be distracting. But that’s me talking as an adult. I don’t think any of the kids in my group noticed. They were all clearly having a great time – no tears as far as I could tell – and were focused on helping Bluey and Bingo find Floppy.
The backyard and verandah at Bluey's house.
How much does Bluey’s World cost?
Bluey’s World uses a dynamic pricing model so ticket prices vary by time, demand and other factors.
In December, prices seem to start at $39 Australian (about $26 USD) and go up to $64.90 Australian (about $43 USD) per person. All visitors ages 2 and up require a ticket.
The reporter on this story received access from Tourism and Events Queensland and Bluey’s World. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of content.
Zach Wichter is a travel reporter and writes the Cruising Altitude column for USA TODAY. He is based in New York and you can reach him at [email protected].
