Latest news with #BlueysWorld
News.com.au
07-06-2025
- News.com.au
Brisbane is the family holiday destination we've all been sleeping on
Whether you're seeking sun over the cooler months or after an action-packed itinerary, a Queensland getaway is a no-brainer for anyone planning a family holiday. But while a couple of popular hotspots typically come to mind – the nation's theme park capital on the Gold Coast, luxe and laid-back Noosa, and the natural wonders of the tropical far north – there's an even more obvious destination too many of us have been sleeping on. Having spent my first two decades living in the state's capital, I never imagined Brisbane would be high on my list when it came to booking my first proper family holiday with kids in tow. But it turns out I, and plenty others, have been overlooking an ideal family holiday spot. The city is known for its year-round stunning weather and laid-back vibes, but its best-kept secret is how much more it has to offer when it comes to things to do. And for any parent of young kids, the secret to a successful family holiday – and ironically the only way to relax on one – is to pack in as many activities as possible. Leaving for a trip to the sunshine state's capital during the most recent school holidays with my two- and four-year-old, I was almost nervous looking at our itinerary and seeing how much we had jammed in. But it turns out, keeping busy is the ultimate holiday hack. In only a three-night stay, we managed to meet koalas and other wildlife at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, TV stars at Bluey's World, visit a museum and multiple play centres, enjoy a classic high tea, dine at trendy restaurants, check out the sights of two neighbouring cities, and somehow also had time to relax and enjoy the offerings of the five-star Westin hotel in Brisbane's CBD. While we didn't ward off the tantrums completely (see attempted fine-dining experience below), packing the schedule with easily accessible activities and attractions kept everyone occupied and entertained, gave us plenty to talk and laugh about, and even wore out the kids enough to give us a real break. What to do in Brisbane The city's star attraction at the moment is without doubt the epic immersive experience that is Bluey's World, which has now extended its run until February next year. The kids' cartoon turned global pop culture phenomenon was born (and is set) in Brisbane, and even the drive to the attraction in the riverside suburb of Hamilton – past landmarks featured in the show and quaint Queenslanders in which the Heeler family would right be at home – feels like part of the experience. Bluey's World is a big hit for the kids, obviously, but the stunning detail of the set and emotive storytelling that goes into the immersive journey through the replica Heeler house is enough to pull at any adults' heartstrings as well. From one cultural icon to another, our next day's outing at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary was just as much of a hit. Having set aside only a couple of hours, we ended up spending most of the day there starting with a 'Koala Moment' encounter, which allows visitors to get up close and even pat a koala while capturing the encounter on your own device. The following hours were spent feeding kangaroos, marvelling at crocs and reptiles, and cooing at baby barn animals, as well as taking advantage of the animal sanctuary's multiple dining options to keep us going. Of course, it wouldn't be a trip with kids without a few disruptions and mishaps along the way. After a smooth experience at trendy yet family-friendly CBD restaurant Cantina on night one, our attempt at upgrading to family fine dining was a decided fail. Even with a 5pm sitting at the hotel's Settimo restaurant, fellow early diners would have agreed the sophisticated Italian diner wasn't an ideal setting for a wired preschooler and wiped-out toddler after an action-packed day. Luckily, after dining in shifts and whisking the children from the restaurant and off to bed in our adjoining rooms, we were able to take advantage of the hotel's epic room service offering, enjoying the restaurant's signature tiramisu dessert, along with a cocktail, in the five-star comfort of our suite. What to do in Ipswich Under an hour's drive west from Brisbane is Queensland's oldest provincial city, which has recently had a facelift. After a morning at the Queensland Museum Rail Workshops, we visited Ipswich's revamped city centre. The transformed Nicholas St Precinct has turned the area into a lively dining and entertainment hub, while maintaining its historical charm. The over-a-century-old pub, Hotel Commonwealth, is a great example of this, holding onto its cosiness and character after a 2024 redevelopment that saw it fitted out with a cocktail bar, beer garden, multi-storey dining options and function spaces. Also in the new precinct are a number of entertainment venues for all ages and interests. Again, we spent hours longer than expected at both the Mini Bounce play centre and neighbouring General Public, which caters to a slightly older crowd and features bowling, arcade games and, conveniently, a bar and diner. While we didn't stay in Ipswich or its surrounds on this trip, boutique farmstay Linning's House at Twigley Farm is on the list for another school holiday adventure, as is the Llama Farm in nearby Pine Mountain. What to do in Logan Just over half an hour south of Brisbane is Logan, yet another nearby city which features stunning bush scenery alongside urban convenience, and the most epic indoor playground I've ever come across. Area 51 is an adventurous kid's dream and caters to children as young as two with its soft play offerings, right up to the most fearless teenagers who can enjoy high ropes, a ninja park and huge trampoline park. Then for those not as physically adventurous, high tea at Devon Pixies – located within the historic Kingston Butter Factory Precinct – is a good way to recover. The very quaint cafe, located in one of the factory's original workers cottages, puts on a traditional high tea with its own blend, delicate sandwiches and baked goods, and a kid-friendly adaptation featuring fairy bread, decorated biscuits and milkshakes. The venue also caters to kids with a small playground in front of its welcoming veranda, which we made good use of rather than overstaying our welcome inside the tea room after learning our lesson earlier in the trip. Other recommended attractions in the area include the FGS Chung Tian Temple, which provides a venue for the community to celebrate its multicultural community (Logan is home to people from more than 215 cultures) and the Daisy Hill Koala Centre.
The Sun
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Strictly star lands new TV gig in Australia – and it's worlds away from the ballroom
A POPULAR Strictly Come Dancing star has landed a new TV gig in Australia - and it's worlds away from the ballroom. Dianne Buswell - who won Strictly last year with comedian Chris McCausland - is now taking on a whole new challenge, in her native country. 6 6 6 6 Now it's been revealed the in demand Strictly pro dancer has been snapped up to join the Bluey cartoon family. The show is made in Australia, and Dianne features on their new digital series, Blueydancealongs. Filmed in Brisbane, the Australian dancer returned to home soil to shoot the new show, which is being produced by BBC studios. Dianne choreographs and stars in a series of five dance videos. Each video features a beloved song from the popular cartoon and takes place in a different location within Bluey's World. Dianne is also joined by young fans of the show, who she will seen teaching dance routines to. Speaking about being the show, the popular star said: "How cool that I got to go to Bluey's World in Australia to dance in Bluey's house with some incredibly talented kids dancing to some of Bluey's favourite tunes. "I love the message that Bluey sends out, to not just kids but grownups too. "I can't wait to see everybody trying the dance moves at home and joining in the party." HECTIC SCHEDULE It comes after Dianne recently told The Sun On Sunday how she wants to start a family soon, but at the moment her work schedule is just to hectic. Strictly's Dianne Buswell stuns in black swimsuit on the beach as she enjoys Christmas with Joe Sugg and her poorly dad The dancer is in a relationship with YouTuber Joe Sugg, who she met when they competed together on Strictly in 2018. In our exclusive interview last weekend, she said: 'I would like to have children, 100 per cent. 'Joe and I love kids, and that's definitely something that we would absolutely love. I haven't really thought about how many I would like. It will definitely happen.' But Dianne said one of her biggest challenges may just be finding the right time. 6 As well as her new Bluey show, she and fellow Strictly pro Vito Coppola have just announced a 30-date tour, Red Hot And Ready, starting next month. Dianne and her winning Strictly partner Chris — the programme's first blind contestant — have also just launched their own podcast, Winning Isn't Everything. On the prospect of motherhood, Dianne said: 'It is quite tough because my job is quite demanding, and I love it so much. 'It is a tough one to balance out and think about. It would take a lot of thought, but eventually one day we will get there, but there is lots happening at the moment. It will happen when it's supposed to.' BECOMING A STAR Dianne toured with hit show Burn The Floor in 2011, and also appeared on So You Think You Can Dance Australia. In 2015, she starred in Australia's version of Strictly and landed the role in the UK show in 2017. As well as dancing, she and Joe are one of social media's highest- earning couples in the UK, with a reported combined fortune of £8.8million. 6
Daily Mail
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Strictly Come Dancing star lands new role in spin off of smash hit kids' cartoon Bluey
is a Strictly Come Dancing champion, and as of last week, a BAFTA winning performer. But the dancer has landed an exciting new TV role, with her cameo appearance in smash hit children's cartoon Bluey announced on Thursday. Tapping into her Australian roots, Dianne has teamed up with the popular show for a new digital series, Bluey Dancealongs. Filmed at Bluey's World in Brisbane, the new spin off series will air on the Official Bluey YouTube, and Bluey social channels and inspire fans to dance. Dianne will step into Bluey's World, to choreograph and star in a series of five dance videos. Each video will feature take place in a different location within Bluey's World, inviting fans into the immersive For Real Life experience. Dianne will be joined by young fans of the show to creat the routines which will turn the much-loved Bluey songs turned into easy-to-follow choreographed dances. 'How cool that I got to go to Bluey's World in Australia to dance in Bluey's house with some incredibly talented kids dancing to some of Bluey's favourite tunes,' Dianne, who filmed the series during one of her recent trips home, gushed. 'I love the message that Bluey sends out, to not just kids but grownups too. I can't wait to see everybody trying the dance moves at home and joining in the party'. Bluey Dancealongs is Dianne's second collaboration with the TV sensation following the moment when Bluey was transported directly into the Strictly ballroom alongside the show's pro dancers for BBC Children in Need in 2024. The creatives behind Bluey have been busy airing a string of short spinoffs whilst the main show is on hiatus after 154 back to back episodes. Back in December the creator of Bluey announced he will step away from the wildly popular Australian children's animated series, leaving fans devastated. Joe Brumm penned a gut-wrenching open letter to parents, confirming 'The Sign' will mark his TV finale for the show, as he now focuses on Bluey's first-ever movie, set for release in cinemas worldwide in 2027. 'I always said I wouldn't keep making the show if I thought I couldn't make any new season as good as the last,' Brumm said. 'This would have been the case for me with a potential season four, so I've decided to take a break from my involvement in the TV series. 'In the event I can't wrap my head around doing more seasons myself, The Sign will mark my TV finale for Bluey and I wrote it as such.' The Aussie animator and director explained how creating the highly successful, award-winning kids' show featuring the fan favourite Blue Heeler puppy has 'completely changed my life'. 'It's been an immensely satisfying thing to be a part of, more than I can really put into words,' he said. 'To walk away from it while it's at such a height will seem crazy to some but, for now, I am finding it difficult to reach back genuinely into that four to six-year-old world and write authentically.' However, Brumm quickly reassured fans that the show will go on without him. 'To be clear, this is not an announcement about the end of the show, but it is an acknowledgment that my focus will be on the film,' he said. The director said his Bluey crew, along with the creative people in his life, have supported his decision to step down from the TV series. 'Working with that wonderful group of people has been the absolute highlight of my animation career and I hope Bluey on their CV is a badge of pride for them,' he said.
Daily Mail
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Natalie Barr, 57, reveals the secret to her flawless line-free visage: 'I've been using it for years'
Natalie Barr has revealed the secret to maintaining her flawless-looking skin. The Sunrise host, 57, took to Instagram on Wednesday to give fans an insight into her beauty regimen. In the jealously inducing clip, Natalie flaunted her flawless, make-up free face revealing that she had just woken up from a nap. Admitting her hair looked 'terrible' she kept her locks contained under a 'Wackadoo' hat from Bluey's World, gifted to Nat by co-host Matt Shirvington. 'The most asked question we get is, "What time do you get up?"' Natalie began the clip. 'Then, for women, it's, "What make-up do you use?"' Natalie then revealed the must-haves in her make-up bag admitting that she had been using the products for decades. 'So, I just purchased a whole bunch of my favourite skincare. I've been using it since I was in the mother's group with the founder, many, many years ago,' she said. Natalie then revealed go-to was Aussie brand Dermaviduals, who sent the presenter a gift pack. In fact, the company's foundation is the cornerstone of Natalie's on-air visage. 'It's a really clean, beautiful brand and really simple - even the packaging is really simple,' she said. 'Channel seven purchases their foundation and I use the foundation on air.' She then revealed the first item in her gift pack - a nourishing cleansing milk that retails for approximately $86 for 150ml Her next item was a $45 fleece facemask which Natalie admitted she was eager to sample. It's not the first time Natalie has taken to social media to spruik her favorite products. Back in January, she sent a budget K-Mart utensil viral after raving about it on Instagram. She posted a clip to Instagram on Thursday in which she was seen using the department store's $20 Multi Grater & Dicer. She put both an onion and a carrot into the dicer and was delighted at how quickly the utensil chopped them into tiny pieces. 'I just tried it today, chop, chop! Why didn't I buy one of these before? How much time it's saving!' Natalie began. 'There's a bigger grater for carrots. Look at that, this is amazing. I love this thing, genius.' Natalie later revealed she was receiving many messages from fans asking for details about the dicer, which she happily provided. 'Being swamped with questions on the chopper. I ordered online from Kmart, pretty sure this is it - $20 Multi Dicer and Grater,' Nat told her followers. 'Will let you know how long my late night $20 buy from Kmart lasts.' Natalie's beauty revelations come after she recently flaunted her incredible figure, plunging into an ice bath on air. The presenter and her co-host Matt Shirvington were chatting to Australian boxer Harry Garside about using the bath for muscle recovery. Natalie then stripped into a black swimsuit as she agreed to jump into an ice bath with the sports star. After getting into the ice bath, Natalie joked that the feeling was so uncomfortable she felt like she was going into childbirth. She continued to breath loudly before admitting: 'I hate this.' After getting out of the bath, Natalie explained 'it was really cold on the legs and really hurts the legs' before asking Harry how he felt. 'I feel it in my feet and calves the most. I think because it's the furthest thing from the heart so the blood circulation isn't getting there,' he said.
