Wands Ready: The Magical 'Harry Potter' Forbidden Forest Experience Is Coming to Australia in 2024

After boasting Australia's only run of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, then playing host to a natural history exhibition based on the Fantastic Beasts films, Victoria is set to enchant wannabe wizards and witches again — and muggles, too — with a new Harry Potter-themed experience in 2024. This time, you'll be walking around an illuminated woodland filled with nods to the Wizarding World, with Harry Potter — A Forbidden Forest Experience finally heading Down Under. Accio joy, clearly.

Think: Lightscape, which is returning to Melbourne in 2024, but all about the world that's sprung up around the Boy Who Lived on the page, screen and stage. So, with Harry Potter — A Forbidden Forest Experience taking over The Briars, Mount Martha from Saturday, April 6, 2024, attendees will enjoy a nighttime stroll around a 230-hectare property an hour out of Melbourne. Entering the Forbidden Forest is clearly the big attraction, as lit up with dazzling lights, all while also spying creatures from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts movies.

A hippogriff will feature, as will nifflers and unicorns, plus the chance to pose for a photo mid-wand duel — and to summon up a patronus spell as well. Accordingly, you won't just be surrounded by all things Wizarding World after dark in a forest; you'll be joining in like every aspiring Hogwarts student has always wanted to.

Sounds and special effects will also help bring the experience to life, as aided by award-winning behind-the-scenes folks. Expect to spend around 90 minutes being immersed in the all-ages event — plus however long you need at the onsite shop afterwards buying merchandise. That's part of the village at the end of the trail, where you'll also be able to grab a bite and something to drink. Wands crossed for butterbeer, obviously.

Harry Potter — A Forbidden Forest Experience comes to Australia after seasons in the UK, Europe and the US, and a current stint in Singapore, with Warner Bros behind it just like the films and upcoming Harry Potter TV series.

Also helping conjure up the fun is events platform Fever, adding to a recent Australian slate spanning Banksy and NBA exhibitions, plus the Unko Museum: The Kawaii Poop Experience.

Harry Potter — A Forbidden Forest Experience will take over The Briars, Mount Martha, from Saturday, April 6, 2024, with tickets on sale from 9am AEDT on Wednesday, December 202, 2023 and the waitlist open now. Head to the event's website for further details.