CityCats Archives - Hamilton Today

From CityCats to CityDogs: Bluey Takes Over Northshore Hamilton

The Northshore Hamilton precinct is transforming into a celebration of Australia’s most beloved cartoon export, as CityCats don the playful personas of Bluey and Bingo.

Read: Step Inside Bluey’s World: New Immersive Experience in Hamilton

These newly christened “CityDogs” are set to become the star transport link to the eagerly awaited Bluey’s World Brisbane at the riverside location.

The precinct’s ferry terminal has become the gateway to what promises to be Queensland’s most talked-about family attraction. Visitors arriving via the whimsically transformed vessels will find themselves immersed in the Bluey experience before they even reach their destination.

The collaborative effort between Ludo Studios, BBC Studios, and Brisbane’s CityCat team has turned everyday commuter craft into floating tributes to the globally successful children’s series.

The precinct’s transformation aligns with its growing reputation as a cultural and entertainment hub. The CityDogs will serve as more than just transport – they’re floating ambassadors for Brisbane’s identity as Bluey’s hometown.

BBC Studios ANZ Brands and Licensing Director Kate O’Connor emphasises this connection: “Reimagining two of Brisbane’s CityCats as CityDogs is a fun and fitting tribute to the show that has become a global phenomenon while still proudly calling Brisbane home.”

Bluey’s World Brisbane, launched on 7 November, promises multiple interactive rooms and games that reference the show’s most memorable moments. The Northshore Hamilton location has been carefully chosen to create an immersive experience that captures the essence of the series’ Brisbane setting, with the river journey aboard the CityDogs adding an extra layer of authenticity to the adventure.

For visitors making their way to Northshore Hamilton, the journey has become part of the destination. Whether they’re local families, interstate tourists, or international Bluey enthusiasts, the precinct is set to become a must-visit destination that showcases Brisbane’s unique blend of family entertainment, cultural significance, and riverside charm.

Read: Private Sector Proposes $6-Billion Northshore Hamilton Olympic Precinct

For more information on how to reach Northshore Hamilton via the CityDogs, visitors can check the Translink website for details on operating times and tickets.

Published 6-November-2024

TransLink Seeks Feedback on Proposed Dogs on Ferries and CityCats Trial

A trial that will allow pet owners to take their dogs on ferries and CityCats has been proposed, and TransLink customers are being asked to have their say.

The proposed trial, however, requires that dogs only travel during off-peak times; be in a carrier or on a lead and should be wearing a muzzle; and remain under the control of their handler at all times.

“There will undoubtedly be different views on this — which is why I encourage anyone who catches a ferry or City Cat and has an interest in this to share their views,” Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said.

“We want to get the right balance between customer comfort and safety while making sure there is space for dogs on ferries too.

“TransLink will gather feedback through September with a view to starting the trial before the end of this year.

Mr Bailey said that given that there are many places around the world where dogs are allowed on public transport, he believes that now is the right time for a trial of allowing dogs on Brisbane river ferries and see what the public thinks about it.

Affected services of the proposed trial include CityCat, Kangaroo Point Cross River Ferry, Bulimba to Teneriffe Cross River Ferry, Norman Park to New Farm Park Cross River Ferry, and CityHopper.

The survey seeking feedback from the community, the ferry operator and other stakeholders, on how the trial should run will be open until 30 September.

New Express SpeedyCat to Service Northshore Hamilton Through $68 Million Investment

Brisbane City Council’s $68 million investment promises to shorten travel time along the Brisbane River as new express SpeedyCat services will be deployed between Northshore Hamilton and University of Queensland.

Brisbane’s river transport network has been servicing more than five million passengers every year. According to Lord Mayor Graham Quirk, the new express SpeedyCat services will significantly improve public transport services for commuters on the water.

“CityCats are icons of our New World City and Council will introduce around 100 new express ‘SpeedyCat’ services per week from September, that will travel from the University of Queensland and Northshore Hamilton, into the city,” Cr Quirk said.

“These new express services will operate during weekday peak periods, saving river commuters up to 24 minutes between Northshore Hamilton and Riverside, while passengers will be able to travel between the University of Queensland and North Quay in as little as 16 minutes,” he added.

The Council Annual Plan and Budget 2018-19 also includes a $4.5-million funding to deliver a larger, new generation CityCat. This will be added to the current 21 vessel fleet servicing 25 terminals across a 22-kilometre stretch of the Brisbane River.

The new CityCat is set to hit the water in 2019.

The 2018-19 Budget also has allocations for ferry terminal upgrades.

“A further $19.3 million will be dedicated towards upgrading ferry terminals across the city, including a major overhaul of the Guyatt Park ferry terminal at St Lucia, with construction starting in the coming year,” Cr Quirk said.

“The upgrade will include replacing the existing pontoon with a new flood-resilient terminal that will be easily accessible for all ages and abilities,” he added.

Improvements to Brisbane’s river transport network follows Cr Quirk’s promise for new CityCat services in the 2016 elections. Although it took two years for the Council’s promise to be delivered, commuters will be able to take advantage of the shortened travel time starting in September.