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."

Zanetti's connection to Brisbane isn't just professional – it's personal. She grew up in Brisbane with her five siblings, and while she now splits her time between the US and the Queensland capital, she loves returning to her hometown. "When I've been in LA and New York and then come back, it's like I can breathe," she says. "The sky is different here; it's a clearer, crisper blue. There's not the pollution you get in other big cities. It's really beautiful in that way."

We asked the actress – whose voice will also feature in the just-announced Bluey movie – about the best things to do, eat and see in Brisbane, for kids and adults alike.

"Brisbane has really got into its stride," she says. "The city is having a moment. We've got the Olympics coming up, and there's an energy in the air that things are getting exciting. Whenever I come back, I'm shocked by how many incredible new restaurants have opened and amazing, delicious, world-class dining. [For families] there are so many gorgeous bushwalks, and then there's hinterland and beaches not that far away. And now Bluey's World sweetens the deal – I know people in the US whose kids are obsessed with coming to Brisbane, which blows my mind."

Here are Zanetti's favourite family-friendly ways to enjoy the sunny Australian city.

The phrase "for real life" in Bluey has become a heartfelt mantra, celebrating the beauty and importance of everyday moments. It's a tribute to the authentic connections between family and community, inspired by Brisbane's down-to-earth lifestyle.

For Zanetti, the best place to experience this laid-back spirit is New Farm Park, a heritage-listed riverfront park that features in the Bluey episode Spy Game. "It's a staple of Brisbane life," she says. "It's all the things. It's a green space. There's a playground. There's these huge old fig trees. It's on the river, there's barbecues. It's an all-in-one wonderful place to be."

Located on the banks of the Brisbane River, New Farm Park is a community hub that's perfect for everything from lazy Sunday picnics to brisk morning jogs. Visitors can enjoy barbecues under the shade of century-old trees, people-watch from the sprawling lawns, ire the famed rose garden and take in the sweeping city views. "I went there a lot in my childhood, there's great places to run around and ride bikes," says Zanetti. "It's central and a great place to congregate."

Next door, the Brisbane Powerhouse, a former 1920s power station reimagined as a cutting-edge arts venue, hosting theatre performances, exhibitions and a weekly farmer's market, as well as free outdoor events and plenty of space for kids to roam. After immersing yourself in the arts, grab a meal at the Powerhouse's riverfront restaurants or explore the Brisbane Riverwalk, a scenic pedestrian path linking New Farm to Brisbane's central business district.

Website: https://newfarmpark.com.au/

Address: 1042 Brunswick St, New Farm QLD 4005

Phone: (07) 3403 8888

Instagram: @newfarm_park

Nestled within Brisbane's vibrant Cultural Precinct in South Brisbane, the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) is a must-visit for families and anyone keen to soak up Brisbane's cultural energy, says Zanetti. As part of a connected hub that includes QPAC for theatre and music, the Queensland Art Gallery and the State Library, GOMA stands out as a modern architectural masterpiece on the Brisbane River.

"It's a wonderful gallery. The space is beautiful and so well constructed to have incredible international exhibitions," says Zanetti, who grew up visiting the neighbouring Queensland Art Gallery before GOMA was built. "When GOMA arrived, it meant we could host these enormous shows we couldn't have before – like the Iris van Herpen exhibition, which was astounding."

GOMA, Australia's largest gallery of modern and contemporary art, has become renowned for hosting major international exhibitions. It's also home to the Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art, a groundbreaking event that Zanetti has attended since its inception. "I think I've seen every one of those," she says, reflecting on the gallery's ability to connect local audiences with global perspectives.

GOMA offers free ission to its permanent collection and hands-on programmes and activities. "They always have great kids' activities tied to the exhibitions," Zanetti notes, "to the point where I think, 'Am I allowed to come here if I don't have kids">window._taboola = window._taboola || []; _taboola.push({ mode: 'alternating-thumbnails-a', container: 'taboola-below-article', placement: 'Below Article', target_type: 'mix' });