An immersive Harry Potter exhibition is coming to Sydney this May

From authentic props to interactive lessons, this hands-on experience invites fans into the wizarding world of Harry Potter.

Still waiting for your Hogwarts acceptance letter? The next best thing is coming to Australia this May. Delivered by Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences in partnership with Imagine and Eventim Live, Harry Potter: The Exhibition is bringing your favourite childhood series to life.

The experience

Opening in Sydney, Harry Potter: The Exhibition invites fans to experience the wizarding world up close. It follows the success of Melbourne’s Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience last year, but on a far larger scale.

Spanning the full film series, plus Fantastic Beasts™ and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, it’s the most extensive touring exhibition of its kind that Australia has ever seen. The interactive installation unfolds across a collection of themed rooms, each inspired by an iconic moment from the films.

Harry Potter: The Exhibition in Sydney, NSW — Step inside the wizarding world of Harry Potter this May.

A first edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone greets guests upon entry, followed by a multimedia presentation in the Page to Screen Theatre. Here, an inspirational video featuring movie scenes and literary quotes fills the room, punctuated by projections of the Marauder’s Map, Whomping Willow and Dementors.

Guests then journey through five immersive spaces, bought to life by music, soundscapes, atmospheric lighting, props, costumes and set pieces. It begins in the Great Hall, an architectural icon of the series that celebrates its most magical moments.

Then there’s the Hogwarts™ Houses gallery, where guests can view the Sorting Hat and learn more about the four houses: Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin. Next is the Hogwarts Classrooms, which spotlights some of the films’ most recognisable props, creatures and costumes.

Digital touchscreens and interactive games allow guests to take part in lessons like Potions, Divination and Defence Against the Dark Arts. You can even pot a mandrake in the Herbology Greenhouse – just don’t forget to don your earmuffs first!

To round out the experience, you’ll explore Hagrid’s Hut and the Forbidden Forest, home to a hands-on Patronus charm challenge. Wander through the forest to spot magical creatures such as centaurs and Acromantula, before stepping inside a life-sized replica of Hagrid’s cosy hut.

Upon your return to the Muggle world, be sure to check out the official merch store. Here, fans can purchase everything from house-themed jumpers and jewellery to plush toys and pocket-sized trinkets, as well as treats like Chocolate Frogs and Butterbeer.

The details

Harry Potter: The Exhibition is a self-guided experience, running for 60–90 minutes per session. It will open on 14 May at Sydney Olympic Park’s Paddington Pavilion, previously home to similar events such as Bubble Planet.

The popular venue is wheelchair accessible and fitted with closed-caption screens for guests with hearing impairments. Visitors with sensory needs should note that loud sounds and bright lights are featured throughout the exhibition.

Tickets go on sale 26 March, with early access available if you sign up to the wishlist. Fans of all ages are welcome, but those aged 18 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Sydney Olympic Park is roughly a 20-minute drive from Sydney’s CBD via the M4. There are a number of multi-level car parks onsite, with rates from $7 an hour or a maximum of $35 per day. Street parking is also available for the same price.

Public transport is another convenient option, with regular buses and ferries servicing the precinct. Trains also run frequently to Sydney Olympic Park station, about a 10-minute walk from Paddington Pavilion. Further details on session times will be released alongside ticket sales.

Sunshine, sea breezes and sand-speckled locals: the Sutherland Shire is perfect for an idyllic Sydney summer.

The Sutherland Shire is one of Sydney’s most dynamic regions. Home to an eclectic mix of top-notch eateries and drinking holes, a flourishing arts scene, and striking land and seascapes, it’s a haven for foodies, culture seekers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

It’s also an ever-evolving destination with a constant wave of new places to eat and drink, and under-the-radar pockets to explore – many of which are dog-friendly.

If you’re venturing to this gorgeous part of the world this summer, here’s your guide to what’s new and worth discovering.

Savour the summer dining scene

Fred’s After Hours on the sutherland shire — Pop into Fred’s After Hours.

The Shire’s buzzing dining scene is one of its biggest drawcards, and many of the region’s culinary highlights can be found in the sun-soaked beachside hub of Cronulla. A bunch of newcomers have recently set up shop, making the area ripe for culinary adventure.

Homer Rogue Taverna is exactly as its name suggests: a cheeky take on classic Greek food. Expect meze and mains bursting with bold flavours and a wine list packed with standout Greek drops.

Freds Providore – a Cronulla favourite for casual cafe fare and excellent coffee – is now open late from Thursday to Sunday. Come sundown, it morphs into Fred’s After Hours, serving a refined European-inspired menu, wines, cocktails and a laid-back yet polished vibe.

Bobbys is a slick destination right on Cronulla Beach, where you can grab a plate of freshly-caught seafood and a summery cocktail while cooling off in the sea breeze.

And if you’re after a bit of everything, the sprawling and multifaceted Parc Pavilion is a melting pot of dining experiences. It blends a cafe, bistro, bar, Italian restaurant and a host of regular events, all tied together in a cool coastal setting.

Got a Saturday morning to spare? The Shire Farmers Market in Sutherland is a must-do ritual, letting you (and your four-legged friend) browse fresh produce, flowers and gourmet treats against a backdrop of live music and local chatter.

Dive into ocean pools

ocean pool on the sutherland shire — The ocean pools beckon.

Given its prime coastal positioning, the Shire teems with crystal-clear ocean pools and enclosed bathing spots. Silver Beach Tidal Baths offers a netted
swimming experience in Botany Bay. Tucked beside a small sandy beach, the tidal baths at Gunnamatta Park are calm and shallow – making them an ideal setting for less confident swimmers.

Just a hop and a skip away is Shelly Park Ocean Pool, a magical rock pool carved in the ocean. It’s well-suited to young kids and offers sweeping views towards the open sea.

Experience local arts and culture

Hazelhurst Arts Centre in Gymea is elegantly positioned within a lush garden landscape, serving as the Sutherland Shire’s premier destination for arts and culture. This summer, experience the Art on Paper Award 2025 – a celebration of innovation and creativity through the versatile medium of paper.

Set within the leafy surrounds of Hazelhurst Arts Centre, Hazel Kitchen & Bar has curated the ultimate picnic experience. Think abundant cheese platters, artisan charcuterie boards, fresh OJ and a thoughtfully chosen wine list, all available to take away and enjoy in the art-filled gardens just beyond the restaurant. Best of all, four-legged friends are welcome to join the fun.

Next, venture south to the artsy village of Bundeena for the monthly Bundeena and Maianbar Art Trail . This self-guided journey through local artists’ studios offers a glimpse into their work and creative spaces.

Relish the dog-friendly atmosphere

a dog on Greenhills Dog Beach sutherland shire — Let the dog off-leash at Greenhills Dog Beach.

The Sutherland Shire is a bona fide playground for pups and their humans. Find a string of dog-friendly beaches popular with locals, visitors and pups alike. Silver Beach in Kurnell is a peaceful pocket, allowing dogs off-leash without restriction. While Horderns Beach in Bundeena and Greenhills Beach in Cronulla are equally serene and provide off-leash access (be sure to check times and seasonal restrictions before you go).

If you’re planning to make a weekend of it, book yourself and your pooch into Quest Cronulla . With stylish and spacious pet-friendly accommodation, thoughtful amenities, and a prime location just steps from Cronulla Esplanade and a variety of dog-friendly cafes, it’s the perfect spot to rest after a full day of exploring.

Get into nature

Sunrise at Curracurrong Falls and Eagle Rock in the Royal National Park, Sydney. — Find natural beauty in Royal National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to outdoor escapes: imagine rugged bushwalks, breezy beachside tracks, meandering cycling trails and lookouts galore. The best part? Many of them are perfectly suited to dogs.

Take your canine to Cronulla Esplanade – the Shire’s version of the famed Bondi to Coogee Walk. This eight-kilometre route takes you past the region’s most picturesque beaches, offering panoramic vistas and an electric energy. It heaves with locals every morning and weekend, getting their steps in with a coffee in one hand and a dog leash in the other.

If you’re travelling without furry friends, stop by the Royal National Park. You’ll be engulfed in ancient bushland, craggy cliffs, towering rock formations, diverse wildlife and twisting tracks. The Jibbon Loop Track is a highlight, with spectacular views over the sea. Alternatively, the Karloo Track forms a loop that winds through untamed bush, freshwater pools and waterfalls. Re-lace your walking shoes or grab a bike to follow The Bundeena Drive to Marley Walk past freshwater pools and creeks, on to scenic beach views of Little Marley Beach.

Hit up the beautiful beaches

aerial of cronulla beach and esplanade — Enjoy postcard-perfect beaches. (Image: Destination NSW)

The stretch along Cronulla bursts with postcard-perfect beaches, each offering a different flavour. With rolling waves, regular patrol and a steady stream of beachgoers, Cronulla Beach and North Cronulla Beach are buzzy and built for all kinds of swimmers. Elouera Beach is a quieter option, attracting early-morning surfers hoping to catch the perfect wave.

If you prefer a side of dramatic scenery, visit Wanda or Greenhills – in addition to ocean panoramas, both are backed by towering golden dunes and wild scrub. Looking for something more subdued? Shelly Beach Ocean Pool is a relaxed – yet no less captivating – retreat.

Start planning your Sutherland Shire summer at visitsutherlandshire.com.au.