A Visit to Bluey’s World: A Joyful, AccessibleAdventure in Brisbane

by Alexis Van Fleet
Written on the lands of the Yugambeh Nation

If you’re looking for a moment of joy amid the chaos of everyday life, a visit to Bluey’s World in Brisbane might be exactly what you need. My husband and I (visiting without kids) explored the experience in January for our wedding anniversary, and it was an unexpectedly delightful way to spend the day. We’re longtime Bluey fans thanks to our own blue heeler girl, and were curious to see the life size set version inspired by the beloved Brisbane born animation.

Bluey has become a global phenomenon since its debut in 2018. The seven minute episodes are celebrated for their warmth, humour, and distinctly Australian charm. Bluey’s World brings that universe to life through a fullscale, immersive walkthrough experience inspired by the show’s iconic locations.

What to Expect and Accessibility Notes

We arrived not knowing what the experience involved and were surprised to discover that it is fully interactive. Without giving too much away, you move through a series of themed rooms as part of a guided storyline. As a couple with both physical mobility needs and neurodivergent considerations, we paid close attention to the environment and supports

available.

The website provides detailed accessibility information, including wheelchair access, Auslan sessions, sensory sessions, accessible toilets, and participation in the Sunflower Program for hidden disabilities.

Arrival and Early Rooms

 Visitors begin in a waiting area (standing only) until enough people have gathered for the session. Bluey characters appear early on, and while interaction is not mandatory, they will ask you questions grown ups! Thankfully for us there was one child and that little man made our day with his exuberant joy. Staff were consistently friendly, attentive, and

proactive in offering accommodations.

The journey through the Heeler home includes:

• Living Room: Ramp and/or stair entry and some seating available.

• Cubby: Highly interactive, dark, with bright and flashing lights; seating limited to floor cushions.

• Bedroom: Bright and quiet with minimal seating; requires a slight stoop to enter.

• Dance Party: Darkened room with flashing lights, music, and no seating; the slightly raised platform may feel tight for mobility aids.
  

Play Spaces and Calmer Moments

The Playroom offers more space and handson activities like decorating a wooden cake or

assembling an oversized sandwich. This leads into the Backyard, the most spacious area with a two storey open space, ample seating and room to move freely.

The final room is a quiet, darkened space with perimeter seating and a ceiling projection designed as a welcome pause after the more stimulating sections. The activity in the room requires lying down and looking up to the projections on the ceiling, but it is still possible to enjoy this even from a seated position if lying down isn’t possible, as long as you can look up or recline.

A final photo opportunity with life-sized Bluey and Bingo characters is available on a small platform. Staff were happy to bring the characters to floor level for accessibility. After exiting, visitors can enjoy a large indoor and outdoor play area, café, gift shop and toilets.

Overall Experience

Every staff member we encountered was warm, considerate, and genuinely invested in ensuring visitors had a positive experience. The performance quality of the character actors was exceptional — polished, engaging, and easily comparable to the high standards of major international entertainment productions.

We travelled via the CityCat from SouthBank along the Maiwar (Brisbane River), a 50cent ticket and a 45min ride which offered accessible boarding and multiple and spacious accessible seating options. Choosing an afternoon session worked well for us, allowing time to rest and eat beforehand and take advantage of the lower offpeak pricing (a not too shabby saving of nearly $15/ticket).

With an understanding of your own access needs, Bluey’s World is a joyful, wellcrafted experience that I would happily recommend.