SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA — Get ready, Bluey fans: the beloved garden gnomes that sparked pandemonium in 2023 are making a highly anticipated return. This May, Bunnings Warehouse is bringing back the wildly popular “Hammerbarn” collection — and this time, it’s bigger, better, and set to create even more backyard magic.Launching May 8, 2024, the new drop promises to deliver six brand-new Bluey and Bingo gnome designs, a special-edition “Dad” Bandit gnome, and — for the first time — a range of miniature Hammerbarn-inspired garden accessories. If last year’s frenzy is anything to go by, fans should brace for a sell-out.
The Craze That Started It All
When Bunnings first announced its Bluey garden gnome collaboration in 2023, no one anticipated the cultural phenomenon that would follow. Inspired by the hit ABC Kids episode “Hammerbarn”, in which Bluey and Bingo embark on a fantastical family trip to a hardware store, the gnomes quickly became more than just garden ornaments.Within days of hitting the shelves, the pint-sized characters vanished from Bunnings stores across Australia and New Zealand. Resale listings popped up online at eye-watering prices, and social media was awash with triumphant shoppers showing off their new treasures.“It wasn’t just a product release,” says Melbourne-based Bluey superfan and collector, Sophie Martin. “It felt like being part of a cultural moment. Bluey isn’t just a kids’ show — it’s something that resonates with everyone. Pairing that with Bunnings, which is such an Aussie institution, was genius.”The demand was so overwhelming that many fans missed out entirely. “I went to two stores on launch day and they were gone by the time I got there,” Martin recalls. “When I saw them selling for triple the price online, I knew this was huge.”
Why Bluey Gnomes Hit So Hard
The gnomes’ success is no accident. It’s the perfect storm of nostalgia, pop culture relevance, and national identity.
Bluey’s Global Appeal: With more than 400 million views globally, the Emmy-winning series is praised for its relatable parenting moments, clever humor, and heartwarming lessons.
Bunnings’ Aussie Icon Status: Saturday morning trips to Bunnings, complete with a sausage sizzle, are a rite of passage for many Australians.
Collectibility Factor: Garden gnomes themselves evoke a sense of classic backyard charm, but combine that with a hit children’s series, and you’ve got irresistible pop-culture collectibles.
“It’s not just about owning a piece of merchandise,” says Emma Fraser, a Brisbane-based cultural commentator. “These gnomes tap into shared experiences — watching Bluey with your kids, wandering the aisles of Bunnings. It’s clever marketing, but also genuinely joyful.”
The 2024 Hammerbarn Collection: Bigger and Better
The new 2024 Hammerbarn collection builds on that success with an expanded lineup that gives fans more reasons to head to their local Bunnings.Here’s what’s new:
Six brand-new Bluey and Bingo gnome designs: Fresh characters to add to your growing collection.
Special “Dad” Bandit gnome: A nod to the fan-favorite character and his iconic “every-dad” energy.
Miniature Hammerbarn accessories: For the first time, fans can create an entire Bluey-themed garden scene with pint-sized props, including:
A tiny Bunnings shopping trolley
A mini sausage sizzle stand (snag not included!)
A mini wheelbarrow
A miniature tool kit
Each gnome will retail for $19, while accessories will be just $10 each, keeping the collection affordable for families and collectors alike.
A Collaboration That Just Works
Why has this collaboration resonated so strongly? It comes down to authenticity.“The ‘Hammerbarn’ episode brilliantly captured what it’s like to go to Bunnings,” says Fraser. “It wasn’t just product placement — it was a love letter to an Australian weekend tradition.”In the episode, the Heeler family turns an ordinary shopping trip into an imaginative adventure — a narrative that mirrors how kids (and parents) experience the world.“Pairing that storytelling with tangible, collectible products people can actually put in their gardens was a stroke of marketing genius,” she adds.
The Resale Market: Expect Another Frenzy
Last year’s limited release sparked a thriving resale market, with some Bluey gnomes fetching up to three times their retail value online.“Collectors went wild,” says Martin. “People were swapping and trading gnomes in Facebook groups. It was almost like a modern-day treasure hunt.”With six new designs and multiple accessories this year, the completionist factor is expected to drive even higher demand. “If you want them all, you’ll need to act fast,” warns Martin.
When and Where to Buy
The new Bluey Hammerbarn collection drops on May 8, 2024, and will be available in all Bunnings stores across Australia and New Zealand.But here’s the catch: it’s only available for a limited time.Given the chaos of last year’s release, Bunnings is advising customers to plan ahead. “We expect strong demand again this year,” a Bunnings spokesperson told us. “If you’re keen, make sure you visit your local store early.”
Beyond the Gnome: Why This Matters
In an age of disposable merchandise and endless brand tie-ins, the Bluey x Bunnings collaboration stands out because it feels genuine.“It’s not just a cash grab,” says Fraser. “It’s a celebration of Australian culture — from the humor of Bluey to the community feel of a Bunnings trip. That’s why people love it.”These gnomes are more than quirky garden decorations. They’re symbols of play, nostalgia, and everyday joy.“They remind us to look at life the way Bluey and Bingo do,” Martin adds. “Even a trip to Bunnings can be magical.”
Tips for Scoring Your Gnomes
If you’re planning to add to your collection, here are some pro tips:
Arrive early: Stock is expected to sell quickly, especially in metropolitan areas.
Check multiple stores: Regional locations sometimes have lower demand.
Follow Bunnings’ social channels: For updates on availability and restocks.
Don’t wait: Limited-time collections rarely get restocked once they’re gone.
The Final Word
Whether you’re a die-hard Bluey fan, a collector, or just someone who loves adding a touch of whimsy to their backyard, this is one collaboration you don’t want to miss.Mark your calendars for May 8 and get ready to join the queue — because these gnomes are set to fly off the shelves faster than a Saturday morning sausage sizzle.
