A family-friendly guide to Brisbane, Australia, with Bluey’s mum

Australian actress Melanie Zanetti, the voice behind Chilli Heeler, knows exactly what makes Brisbane so special. Here are her top picks for families in Queensland’s capital.

Brisbane has quietly reinvented itself in recent years, shaking off its once-sleepy reputation to become one of Australia’s most exciting cities. Long overshadowed by Sydney and Melbourne, the Queensland capital now hums with a creative energy that feels distinctly its own. Spots like the revitalised Howard Smith Wharves and vibrant laneway bars prove that this subtropical city isn’t just growing up – it’s thriving. And with the 2032 Olympics on the horizon, Brisbane is ready to take its place on the global stage.
Adding to Brisbane’s shine is Bluey, the hugely popular children’s show that’s produced and set here; capturing hearts worldwide and offering a window into Brisbane’s sun-drenched, easygoing lifestyle. From the show’s lush parklands and characteristic veranda-wrapped Queenslander homes to its playful focus on family life, Bluey – and the city’s new interactive Bluey’s World experience – captures the essence of what makes Brisbane special.
“It’s like the fabric of Bluey is in Brisbane,” says Melanie Zanetti, the voice of Chilli Heeler, Bluey’s beloved TV mum, noting that the city, like the show, has something special to offer families everywhere: a reminder to slow down, play and find joy in the everyday. “It’s a gorgeous place to raise children. It is such a warm and friendly city, climate-wise, but also just the general energy of the place.”