Queensland Sets World Record For Biggest Game of Keepy Uppy

The Sunshine State is now officially the home state of TV’s Bluey after it bump-passed a tidal wave of red balls.

In a dizzying display of fun-fuelled athleticism, nimble Aussies right across Queensland have set a world record for playing the biggest game of Keepy Uppy.

As seen in the children’s TV series Bluey, Keepy Uppy involves keeping an inflated ball airborne as long as possible by ever-so-strategically whacking it from one person to another.

Fnas play Keepy Uppy on the Gold Coast at Kurrawa Beach — Kurrawa Beach on the Gold Coast was one of the three sites where fans could join the biggest game of Keepy Uppy. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

About the Keepy Uppy world record attempt

The mammoth mission, staged on Sunday, 2 June, enlisted 702 people in total to give it an almighty crack across almost 2,000 kilometres, sweeping iconic Queensland hot spots including Cairns, Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

After a sea of ruthless, soaring limbs kept the game’s signature red balls in the air for one simultaneous minute at each location, The Australian Book of Records’ newest entry was officially cemented.

In Cairns, where Australian Traveller was invited to take part in the state-wide endeavour, a sun-soaked crowd at Cairns Esplanade erupted in applause as youngsters sporting Bluey and Bingo ears and snacking on Bluey-branded snacks, squealed in the arms of relieved, over-exerted parents who struggled to regain a steady breath.

Families playing KeepyUppy on the Esplanade in Cairns — The Esplanade in Cairns played host to the Keepy Uppy game. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

To instil further giddy elation, Bluey and Bingo themselves also made an appearance, inviting starstruck kids (and parents, in all honesty) in for meet-and-greets overlooking the Esplanade’s famed pelican-frolicked mudflats.

It was a fitting scene as the quintessential Queensland landscape provided inspiration for Bluey’s touching Fairytale episode, which explores how the kids’ dad, Bandit, first met their mum, Chilli, while holidaying separately in the region.

Kids on the Gold Coast with Bingo and Bluey — Kids got to cosy up to Bingo and Bluey during the world-record setting day. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Queensland’s Minister for Tourism and Sport, Michael Healy, was also in attendance in Cairns and couldn’t resist posing for photos with the global megastars, whose animated antics are broadcast and streamed in more than 60 countries.

Meanwhile that morning, similar scenes of glee lit up the Gold Coast’s Kurrawa Beach and Brisbane’s South Bank, home to further landmarks that provide inspiration for the show.

Bluey and Bingo on stage in Southbank in Brisbane — Bluey and Bingo kept spirits high in Brisbane. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Why did the Keepy Uppy event happen?

The blockbuster stunt marked the launch of Tourism and Events Queensland’s biggest global campaign in more than a decade as Queensland officially brands itself the home state of Bluey.

Seizing the opportunity to showcase the spectacular real-life backdrops that inspire the Heeler family’s adventures in the TV show, the state is now inviting holidaymakers to plunge themselves right into Bluey’s world and recreate their favourite onscreen moments themselves.

Swim with whales in Hervey Bay — Swimming with humpback whales in Hervey Bay. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

The campaign, which has also recruited Robert Irwin as ambassador and star of its TV advertisement, is anticipated to attract an extra 1.3 million visitors to Queensland as it targets key markets in the United Kingdom, the United States, Singapore, Japan and New Zealand, in addition to interstate Bluey fans.

Scenic imagery from 13 of Queensland’s top tourism destinations will feature in a series of ads that will be sent around the world.

Kid on a waterslide onboard Sunlover Reef Cruise, Cairns — Kids can make a splash on the Great Barrier Reef with Sunlover Reef Cruise from Cairns. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Flight and accommodation deals from campaign partners including Flight Centre Travel Group in Australia and New Zealand, Qantas Group, Expedia Group and Accor in Australia, will also form a crucial part of the campaign.

By June 2025, an additional $1.7 billion is predicted to be spent in Queensland as a result of the multi-faceted roll-out.

Queensland Premier, Steven Miles, attended the Brisbane Keepy Uppy game with his daughter on Sunday, where he spoke about the state’s unique appeal to global audiences.

“We have some of the world’s best tourism assets, and this is our chance to use Bluey to showcase them to the whole world," he said at the event.

The majestic Mount Mulligan is one of many iconic spots to visit in Queensland. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

What else will the ‘Queensland is Bluey’s world for real life’ campaign involve?

While Keepy Uppy certainly made its mark over the weekend, the campaign is destined to maintain momentum thanks to the launch of an extravagant 12-night Queensland holiday giveaway which will see one family sent to explore a string of bucket list destinations including the Gold Coast, Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef.

From luxury glamping in Noosa and Gold Coast theme park hopping, to riding the famous Kuranda Scenic Railway and snorkelling the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, it’s a glittering prize from Tourism and Events Queensland that’s guaranteed to entice.

Family at Warraba Sunflowers in Cambooya — Visit Warraba Sunflowers in Cambooya. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Plus, the inclusion of VIP tickets to the Bluey’s World immersive experience, opening on November 7 at Brisbane’s Northshore, will mean the winning family will be one of the very first to step foot inside the interactive adventure.

For your chance to be in the running to win, visit queensland.com/blueysworld . Entries close AEST 5pm, 30 June 2024.

From the moment you arrive in Moreton Bay, stunning natural vistas, fresh and tasty dining, history and more invite you to stay and play.

Untouched national park, mirror-like lagoons and endless stretches of beaches all make Moreton Bay experiences feel like you’ve stumbled across a secret Queenslanders collectively vowed not to tell. Yet it’s easily accessible. Explore further and discover hinterland farms, ancient rainforest, fresh seafood and more: there’s something on offer for every pace, interest and generation.

Just 20 minutes from Brisbane Airport, it’s hard to believe how underrated this Queensland getaway is. Here’s your ultimate guide to rediscover play with unmissable experiences in Moreton Bay.

1. G’Day Adventure Tours, Bribie Island

G’Day Adventure Tours’ Sea to Table Experience should be your first agenda item in Moreton Bay. Take a 4WD journey through the sandy tracks of Bribie Island’s beaches to the still, glassy waters of the island’s lagoons. Glide over perfect replicas of paperbarks and fluffy blue clouds mirrored in the lagoon waters in your kayak. Listen as native birdsong echoes around you.

Then, it’s on to Fort Bribie. During the Second World War, these concrete bunkers – now slowly being enveloped by the dunes – were the last line of defence for Moreton Bay.

End the day with a sun-dappled beach picnic of locally caught Queensland prawns and famous Moreton Bay bugs. As you head home, watch the dolphins playfully dart in and out of the surf.

2. Morgan’s Seafood at Scarborough

Right on the Scarborough Boat Harbour, you’ll find Morgan’s Seafood . Between the luxury yachts, you’ll also spot trawlers and fishermen delivering their day’s catch right to Morgan’s. The family-owned and operated spot is one of the best places to try the region’s eponymous Moreton Bay bug. Or, sample more of the area’s direct-from-the-boat seafood fresh at their oyster and sushi bar. If you’re lucky, your visit might coincide with a day they’ve caught tuna.

Picture fish caught that day, prepared and then served to you as fresh sashimi as the sun sets over the unique silhouette of the Glasshouse Mountains.

3. Woorim Beach, Bribie Island

On Bribie’s eastern coastline, you’ll find Woorim Beach : aka the closest surf beach to Brisbane. Find a place on the sand by the patrolled area or wander further south to find a quiet spot and while the day away between the shaded dunes, the pages of your book and the peaceful sound of rolling waves.

Ask any local where to grab lunch, and they’ll direct you to Bribie Island Surf Club Bistro . Tuck into a fresh, local seafood platter, just metres from the beach.

4. D’Aguilar National Park

D’Aguilar National Park is a 40,000-hectare slice of greenery that stretches from urban Brisbane right up to Woodford (home of the Woodford Folk Festival). The vast expanse of park is home to ancient rainforests, eucalypt forests and shaded swimming spots hidden within gorges and under waterfalls. The area is significant for the Jinibara and Turrbal people, with ceremonial bora rings and dreaming trails all found within the park.

Carve out some time in your itinerary to explore the park’s many trails. The Maiala day-use area is the perfect starting point for walks for all levels of ability.

5. Arcade Wine Bar

arcade wine bar moreton bay — Sit down to a menu inspired by Italy.

Opposite the Redcliffe Jetty and down a laneway, you’ll find an unassuming wine bar. Venture inside and quickly fall in love with Arcade Wine Bar , one of the region’s most beloved local haunts.

Owners Danilo and Matt have a combined 50 years of sommelier experience, which they have poured into the menu, styling and wine list. More than just a hole-in-the-wall wine bar, Arcade Wine is an enoteca (a wine repository), whose walls are lined with bottles upon bottles of Italian wine varietals from every corner of Italy.

Settle in with a wine and work your way through the menu inspired by Danilo’s native Italy: traditional meatballs, their quick-to-sell-out terrine, or a selection of Italian cheeses, charcuterie and arancini.

6. Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail

Away from the ocean, tucked in the hinterland, is the Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail . Perfect for cyclists or walkers, the trail was built to showcase the history of the Caboolture to Kilcoy rail corridor (last operating in 1964) and makes for the perfect family day out. The trail runs for 10.5km and connects Wamuran and Caboolture via an accessible path.

Pass through former railroad, bridges and shaded bushland as you cut from A to B. Plus, visit in winter for a detour along the way to one of the many pick-your-own strawberry farms.

7. Farm Visits

Beaches, mountains and history make an enticing combination. But Moreton Bay also brings hinterland, family-friendly farms to the table. Trevena Glen is one of the area’s most loved, with bunnies, ponies, sheep, alpacas (and more) available to visit for the kids. For the adults, book a horse-riding session and be treated to a grazing platter as you watch the sun set over the mountains of D’Aguilar National Park.

At White Ridge Farm , find camels, putt-putt, train and tractor rides and all kinds of animals. The entire farm is paved, making it accessible for all.

8. Miss Sprinkles

Miss Sprinkles Gelato moreton bay — Pick your scoop at Miss Sprinkles Gelato.

An ice cream at the beach is one of life’s most perfect pleasures. While in town, stop by Miss Sprinkles for the locals’ pick of homemade gelato on the Scarborough foreshore.

The gelato here is made the authentic Italian way and scooped up just across from the beach. Or, settle in at their kitschy pink wooden tables for traditional gelato in the sunshine. Aside from the homemade gelato, you’ll also find tarts, pies and even doggie gelato.

To start planning your Moreton Bay trip, or for more information, head to visitmoretonbay.com.au.

Queensland sets world record for biggest game of Keepy Uppy