The iconic Heeler family home from hit Australian kids’ show, Bluey, has been recreated ‘for real life’ and is being listed on Airbnb in Brisbane. One lucky family will win the opportunity to live like the Heelers for the ultimate Bluey fan weekend.
Bluey is now a global phenomenon that follows the adventures of Bluey – a six-year-old Blue Heeler dog – who lives with her Mum (Chilli), Dad (Bandit) and little sister Bingo. The show screens in over 60 countries and is loved by both parents and kids for its heart, humour and relatable family moments.
Airbnb has partnered with BBC Studios, co-commissioner and global distributor of Bluey, on this one-of-a-kind experience.
Nestled on a quiet, tree-lined street in Brisbane – the city which has inspired the show’s colourful backdrop – the house has been entirely customised to bring the cartoon experience to life, featuring quirky details Bluey fans will recognise from the Heeler family home in the show.
From the moment guests step onto the front lawn, they’ll be transported to Bluey’s imaginative world as they spot familiar touches like the red letterbox, bone-shaped chimney, and charming bay window.
Inside, the interior has been re-imagined with a breezy Mid-Century aesthetic coupled with playful pops of colour. The girls’ playroom with its signature rainbow canopy, kiwi rug and numerous toys – including Bluey’s beloved Chattermax toy and magic xylophone – is the ultimate setting for creative play and make believe.
Kids can stay overnight in Bluey and Bingo’s bedroom, equipped with two single beds fitted with a custom stained-glass window feature, colourful hanging lanterns, cloud cushions and, of course, a hand-crafted watermelon rug.
Once the kids are snuggled down with Bingo’s Floppy and Grey Dancer toys, parents can retreat to Bandit and Chilli’s airy and plant-filled master bedroom – complete with queen-sized bed, rattan furnishings and neutral hues.
The backyard is a verdant oasis for family games – like Horsey Ride and Keepy Uppy – with a BBQ, trampoline, Grannies’ car, custom toadstool seats and bespoke dog garden gnomes. Yummy snacks can be found in the fully stocked fridge, including Bandit’s famous duck cake.
The weekend getaway includes:
- An exclusive behind the scenes tour of the Ludo Studio, where Bluey is created
- A Chinese takeaway feast in the lush backyard (don’t forget the spring rolls!)
- An afternoon decorating the Heelers’ famous duck cake, where the whole family can test their culinary skills
- A puppet-making craft session featuring Bluey’s famous Bob Bilby character.
This two-night stay*, sleeping two adults and two children, will take place from Friday 18 February to Sunday 20 February 2022 for only $20** (or $10 dollarbucks a night!). All guests must be residents of Australia. Bookings are available on a first come first serve basis. Bluey fans can request to book this stay on Tuesday 15 February at 8am AEDT at airbnb.com/bluey. To request to book, guests must have a verified Airbnb profile, a history of positive reviews and be aged 18+. Airbnb is committed to helping to ensure each stay is a positive experience for guests, hosts and local neighbourhood communities.
For those who miss out on the stay or are located outside Australia, an Online Experience hosted by one of the Bluey composers Jazz D’Arcy, part of the team behind the music in the series, along with Brisbane-based children’s choreographer, Cherie Lange, will be available for kids and their parents; 10 spots will be available to book in each of three distinct time zones (Australian, US and UK).
Hosted live from Bluey’s house, the whole family can participate in this fully interactive online workshop where guests will be dancing, singing and laughing as Jazz and Cherie recreate some of the most beloved songs and dance moves from the show. Bookings for the Online Experience sessions open on Tuesday 15 February 15 at 8am AEDT at airbnb.com/blueyexperience. Guests who request to book the Online Experience must also have a verified Airbnb profile and be aged 18+.
“Like many parents with young children, I’ve been captivated by the adventures of Bluey and her family, which bring so much joy and quintessential Aussie humour to audiences across the globe,” said Susan Wheeldon, Airbnb country manager for Australia and New Zealand.
“The Heeler house is almost a character in its own right,” says Madeleine Jelfs, Bluey senior marketing manager, BBC Studios Australia and New Zealand. “We’ve been amazed at the outpouring of love the fans have shown for this iconic setting, and for all the beautiful Queensland locations the crew have so lovingly included across the three series. Bringing Bluey’s backdrop to life in such an ingenious and colourful way for our fans has been an absolute delight.”
House rules
- A game of musical statues to the Bluey theme song is recommended on arrival
- Please keep sticky geckos off the ceiling
- Be sure to take some adventurous snaps with Bob Bilby
- Maximum two adults and two children can stay at the house for the overnight weekend stay
- For safety reasons, it is recommended children aged four plus sleep in the single beds in the playroom. A cot can be provided for younger guests.
- No smoking
- No pets allowed – especially emus named Shaun
- Reasonable accessible accommodations can be made if required; these will need to be pre-arranged in advance.
All guests must present a negative Covid-19 test result obtained within 72 hours prior to check in. Masks must be worn by adults during the tour of Ludo Studio and when interacting with campaign staff.
Created by Joe Brumm and made entirely in Brisbane Australia, Bluey is produced by the multi-Emmy award-winning Ludo Studio for ABC KIDS (Australia) and is co-commissioned by ABC Children’s and BBC Studios, with production support from the Australian Government through Screen Australia, and support from the Queensland Government through Screen Queensland’s Post, Digital and Visual Effects (PDV) Incentive.
Guests are responsible for their own travel to and from Brisbane. Airbnb is closely monitoring Brisbane infection rates and government policies and will offer booking guests a AUD $1,000 Airbnb credit if it becomes necessary to cancel the stay.
*This two-night stay is not a contest. **Plus taxes and fees.
Photography: Hannah Puechmarin
