Australia A Harry Potter Forbidden Forest experience is coming to

Emily MurphyBy Emily Murphy
hero media
Harry Potter fans rejoice! A brand-new experience taking fans through the magical Forbidden Forest is about to hit Australian shores.

In an Australian-first, Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience is coming to Melbourne’s Mornington Peninsula in April, following hugely successful runs in Belgium , the United Kingdom and the United States .

Flying car at Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience
Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience is coming to Melbourne’s Mornington Peninsula in April. (Image: Warner Bros)

Visitors will get to explore the iconic Forbidden Forest from the Harry Potter series as they pass by mystical creatures like Hippogriffs, unicorns and Nifflers from the beloved Wizarding World.

An experience for the whole family, visitors will follow a mesmerising light trail through the forest and be able to cast their own spells and Patronus’ along the way. A themed village will end the experience, complete with Harry Potter-inspired food and drinks and a gift shop.

Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience light trail
Visitors will follow a mesmerising light trail through the forest. (Image: Warner Bros)

The enchanting outdoor spectacular will open on 6 April and will now be held at The Briars Community Forest on the Mornington Peninsula. Tickets are on sale now, with prices starting at $41 for children and $56 for adults.

Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience will take roughly 60 to 90 minutes to complete with sessions starting at 5.30pm and the last entry at 9.45pm Sunday to Thursday and 10.15pm on Friday and Saturday. Please note this is an outdoor trail, conducted during dark hours.

Casting spells at Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience
Cast your own spells along the way. (Image: Warner Bros)

The arrival of Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience on the Mornington Peninsula is the latest drop of magic from the beloved franchise to come to Australia, following the four-year-spell of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the Princess Theatre.

If you can’t wait until April, Sydney fans can immerse themselves in Harry Potter Christmas Lights at 30 Alfred Street, Ramsgate Beach until 26 December.

Deer Patronus at Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience
Learn how to cast a Patronus. (Image: Warner Bros)

Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience is created by Warner Bros. Discovery Global Themed Entertainment in partnership with Fever, Thinkwell and Unify. Currently on in Little Elm, Texas until 13 January 2024, the experience will begin in Sentosa, Singapore on 3 February 2024 before coming to Victoria.

Buckbeak at Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience
Pass by mystical creatures like Hippogriffs, unicorns and Nifflers from the beloved Wizarding World. (Image: Warner Bros)
Emily Murphy
Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her time at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? Tasmania and The Kimberley.
See all articles
Mornington Peninsula
Mornington Peninsula

This is Mornington Peninsula’s most indulgent itinerary

The Mornington Peninsula blends vineyards, galleries, golf and delicious finds for an unforgettable getaway that indulges all penchants. 

Read more
an aerial view of Cape Schanck Lighthouse
Mornington Peninsula

Mornington Peninsula’s storied past: war, shipwrecks and a runaway convict 

The Mornington Peninsula is a coastline of contrasts, where convict and military history meets shipwrecks, wild seas and adventures above and below the surface.

Read more
interior of Peninsula Hot Springs Glamping
Mornington Peninsula

This Mornington Peninsula glamping stay is an all-round wellness experience

A weekend of glamping at Peninsula Hot Springs turned out to be the perfect way to bond with loved ones.

Read more
The Sanctuary Villa view of the bathroom and deck
Mornington Peninsula

Victoria’s newest mineral springs bathhouse now has luxury villas to match

The Mornington Peninsula's newest bathhouse just became a complete wellness destination with the addition of The Sanctuary.

Read more
hero media

The Gold Rush town that’s become Victoria’s best country escape for foodies

    Jocelyn PrideBy Jocelyn Pride
    Continue
    The well-preserved Gold Rush town where an idyllic country vibe meets the best of city living.

    Cafe culture

    ‘Slow down’ is the mantra of Tortoise Espresso , and it’s apt for anyone visiting town. This local coffee hangout was the brainchild of Lloyd Meadows, who at 16 started it as a hole in the wall of an old pub. Five years on, it graces a fine shopfront with a menu of around 60 different coffees. Other one-off centrally located daytime cafes, such as Saffs, Togs, Saint Florian and Lazy Bones, are tucked into historic buildings and serve creative menus featuring local produce. A personal favourite is Origini, where chef Luca Sartori brings a taste of northern Italy to his rustic restaurant. For the best banh mi outside Vietnam head to Super Hero, and the pastries at Johnny Baker are legendary.

    the Saint Florian Cafe, Castlemaine
    Saint Florian is one of many businesses tucked away in a historic building. (Image: Griffin Simm)

    On the town’s fringe you’ll find some treasured cafes: Blackbird. Grist, Doveton Corner Store, and the cosy Aitken’s Corner. The Mill precinct also brings another dimension to Castlemaine. Located directly opposite the beautiful Botanical Gardens, this once-derelict woollen mill is a hive of creativity and collaboration. Retaining an industrial feel, it is home to a myriad of 44 unique businesses, galleries and studios that stretch over the three-hectare site.

    Brilliant brews, bars and food

    diners at The Mill, Castlemaine
    The Mill is home to many local businesses. (Image: Visit Victoria/Michelle Jarni)

    The Mill is also home to one of Castlemaine’s bespoke breweries, Shedshaker Brewing Company and Taproom. Within the sensitively restored walls of the oldest part of the building (circa 1875), small-batch, handcrafted beer features alongside fine wholesome food and live music.

    A more recent newcomer to the brewing scene is Love Shack . Starting small as a laneway pop-up in 2021, visionaries Conna Mallett and Harry Cox were armed with a Melbourne beer culture pedigree, which helped them create a great new ‘pub’ that feels as though it’s been there since the 1850s. Other atmospheric bars and restaurants are dotted around town – Grafting Cellars for local wines by the pour; buzzy Mostyn Street Cellars; Table Records plays vinyl on weekends; and the quirky Maurocco bar is not to be missed.

    food and drinks at Love Shack Public Bar & Bistro, Castlemaine
    The nostalgic Love Shack Public Bar & Bistro serves comfort food. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    For food you’ll write home about, the hatted Bar Midland serves exquisite dishes from Victorian-only produce. The freshly renovated Wild is located in the original firestation, Voor Ouker specialises in Indonesian/Dutch fusion, and the Railway Hotel oozes English pub charm.

    the Theatre Royal, Castlemaine
    Theatre Royal is the longest continually operating theatre on the mainland. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)

    Much-loved Teatro Regio, found in the magnificent Theatre Royal , is the go-to for pizzas with a twist. As mainland Australia’s longest continually running theatre, this grand dame is also one of more than a dozen performance spaces that add to a rich and diverse entertainment and festival scene.

    pizza at Theatre Royal
    Dine before a show at Theatre Royal. (Image: Tourism Australia/Visit Victoria)

    Quirky country stays

    Quirky, authentic and perfectly located, the Midland Hotel is a private hotel that dates back to 1879. Each of the nine rooms at the Northern Arts Hotel is different and named in honour of an Australian artist. Castlemaine Boutique Accommodation also has a range of properties to suit all types of travellers.

    A Harry Potter Forbidden Forest Experience Is Coming To Australia - Australian Traveller