We built a lifesize Catbus you can ride in!

Catbus, a whimsical, foot-powered kinetic sculpture inspired by My Neighbour Totoro and Alice in Wonderland, is a magical Cheshire cat bus who turns up when people are in need and takes them to exactly where they need to go! He is furry, playful, and delightfully independent. But don’t expect him to always do what you tell it — driving Catbus is literally like herding cats! He’s an autonomous being with a mind of his own. He loves pats, catnip and naps in the sun, but does NOT like water.

Built from tubular steel, recycled bicycle wheels, plastic conduit, inflatables, and faux fur, Catbus rides on a four-wheel chassis, has light-up “headlight” eyes, purrs and meows and plays his favourite songs as he trundles around. He’s big enough for 2 adults or 3 kids to cruise inside on his plush, fur-covered bench seat.

Catbus first began as a 4-person family costume for Ironfest in 2019. Inspired by the build methods of Chinese dancing dragons and Adam Savage’s one day Totoro costume build, his huge fluffy tail and soft bouncy head was an instant hit with kids and adults alike. Since then, Catbus has evolved and grown. He’s a regular feature at Ironfest and Burning Seed, and competed in the Canberra Kinetic Sculpture Race, gunning for fun, pageantry and engineering rather than speed.

Wherever he goes, Catbus brings joyful, magical weirdness.

Catbus has been seen at:

• 2024 Ironfest ‘Stayin’ Alive‘ in Portland
• 2023 Burning Seed ‘Rekindle‘
• 2022 Canberra Kinetic Sculpture Race
• 2019 BOSS Decompression
• 2019 Burning Seed ‘Zoomorphism‘
• 2019 Ironfest ‘Once Upon a Time‘

Catbus crew: Bea (creative lead / maker), Adam (engineer / maker), Lynx, Kai, Sal, Alex, Lumiel, Goldie