hero media

An immersive Harry Potter exhibition is coming to Sydney this May

Taylah Darnell Taylah Darnell
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.

Harry Potter: The Exhibition in Sydney, NSW
Each space is filled with authentic props, original costumes and other iconic memorabilia.

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!

Harry Potter: The Exhibition in Sydney, NSW
Stop by Hagrid’s Hut to see where the friendly giant made his home.

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.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

AI Prompt

The details

Harry Potter: The Exhibition in Sydney, NSW
Harry Potter: The Exhibition will open to the public on 14 May.

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 wait list. Fans of all ages are welcome, but those aged 18 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Harry Potter: The Exhibition in Sydney, NSW
Paddington Pavilion is accessible for guests with limited mobility.

 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.

Taylah Darnell
Taylah Darnell is Australian Traveller's Writer & Producer. She has been passionate about writing since she learnt to read, spending many hours either lost in the pages of books or attempting to write her own. This life-long love of words inspired her to study a Bachelor of Communication majoring in Creative Writing at the University of Technology Sydney, where she completed two editorial internships. She began her full-time career in publishing at Ocean Media before scoring her dream job with Australian Traveller. Now as Writer & Producer, Taylah passionately works across both digital platforms and print titles. When she's not wielding a red pen over magazine proofs, you can find Taylah among the aisles of a second-hand bookshop, following a good nature trail or cheering on her EPL team at 3am. While she's keen to visit places like Norway and New Zealand, her favourite place to explore will forever be her homeland.
View profile and articles
north sydney pool reopening
Sydney

Iconic North Sydney pool to reopen this August after five years 

Following five years of closure, the harbourside North Sydney Olympic Pool finally has a reopening date.

Read more
The living space of a modernist home in Sydney
Sydney

IKEA is offering a designer stay in Sydney for just $19.95 a night

To celebrate the new IKEA PS 2026 collection.

Read more
The Oriana in Sydney, NSW
Sydney

A four-level dining venue with dazzling views just opened on Sydney Harbour

Right on time for Vivid Sydney, this newly launched dining destination truly has it all.

Read more
view of Sydney Harbour from Canvas restaurant at MCA
Sydney

60 of the best restaurants in Sydney for 2026

We’ve scoured the city to find the best Sydney restaurants to put on your radar in 2026.

Read more
hero media

The tastiest new players on Newcastle’s dining scene you need to try

    Carla Grossetti Carla Grossetti
    Continue
    Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

    When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.

    aerial of Nobbys beach in newcastle nsw
    Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)

    Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.

    1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

    pastries next to a pastry box from crumb cafe in newcastle
    Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)

    Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB, the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.

    Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.

    Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe.

    2. Destination dining

    Blanca resuarant in newcastle nsw
    Step inside Mediterranean-inspired eatery, Blanca. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca, which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.

    One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie, the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.

    Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.

    3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

    people swimming at Newcastle Ocean Baths
    Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)

    What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?

    Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach. Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen, which is open from 6am.

    Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse.

    You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach, where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.

    Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.

    4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

    couple eating at Flotilla newcastle
    Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)

    In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.

    Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.

    Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.

    5. Newcastle nightlife

    Bartholomew's small bar in newcastle nsw
    Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)

    As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.

    If a small bar in a grand old building is more your style, check out Roxanne, Bar Mellow and Bartholomew’s.

    Start planning your Newcastle culinary coastal getaway this summer at visitnewcastle.com.au.