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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.

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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.

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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 check out places like Scotland and North America, her favourite place to explore will always be her homeland.
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Art, wine & fireplaces: 8 reasons Bowral is the ultimate winter getaway

(Credit: Destination NSW)

    Carla Grossetti Carla Grossetti
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    The Southern Highlands earns its title as Australia’s top country town in the cooler months, and it’s worth every minute of the 90-minute drive from Sydney.

    Many Sydneysiders head to the Southern Highlands in spring for the tulips. It’s one of the most stunning spring carnivals in Australia. But the ones in the know come to Bowral in winter.

    The first thing you notice at this time of year is the quality of the light. It catches the tangled limbs of the gums and tints the fields, farms and forests a pretty shade of Granny Smith green. And then, a world-class art museum, an impressive network of walking trails, great shops, cosy restaurants and bars and luxury accommodation take centre stage, making Bowral a place you want to linger as the mercury drops.

    Just 90 minutes south of Sydney, a Bowral winter getaway is the coolcation city folk desperately need. Here are eight reasons to pack a good coat and head for the Southern Highlands.

    1. Check in

    aerial of Ardour Milton Park Bowral in winter
    Check in to the gorgeous Ardour Milton Park Bowral. (Credit: Destination NSW)

    Ardour Milton Park Bowral rises like a hologram in the hazy green light as you turn onto Horderns Road. A $10 million refurbishment of the grand 1910 estate was completed in early 2026, and the beautifully restored hotel now includes 44 guest rooms washed in sage green, cobalt blue and dusty blush. The dining room at Horderns Restaurant continues with a botanical theme – earthy banquettes, floral touches throughout – and a menu that moves with the seasons.

    After enjoying slow-braised Cowra lamb and a second glass of red, move to the Polo Bar, which has a fireplace and views across the estate gardens. Build a grazing board from the dedicated Charcuterie Room and take it outside while the light lasts. If the sky clouds over, use this as your cue to enjoy a next-level spa experience at Èliva.

    2. Hunt for treasure

    couple exploring Dirty Janes bowral
    Find vintage treasures in Dirty Janes. (Credit: Destination NSW)

    Winter is the perfect season to lose an afternoon inside Dirty Janes Bowral. Over 1600 square metres of covered space houses 90 individual sellers of everything from mid-century furniture to industrial lighting, antique silverware, vintage clothing and objects whose previous lives you can only imagine. Enjoy a bit of off-the-cuff banter with your fellow fossickers in between searching for that must-have military jacket or vintage silk scarf.

    Around the corner, find the Instagram-famous front door of FoundAntiques, though the real finds are deeper inside. Bring cash, wear comfortable shoes and leave some room in the boot.

    3. Slow down in a beautiful gallery

    kids posing with donald bradman statue in bowral's The Bradman Museum
    Learn about an Aussie legend at The Bradman Museum. (Credit: Destination NSW)

    Ngununggula – meaning ’belonging’ in the language of the Gundungurra First Nations people – is the region’s first dedicated regional gallery, housed inside the sustainably transformed old dairy building at historic Retford Park. The onsite White Cottage Gallery and restored grounds of the former Fairfax estate reward a slow wander. Find a spot to sit in the courtyard filled with rivulets of winter light and enjoy the plaintive call of a currawong carrying across the heritage-listed grounds. It’s one of the best things to do in Bowral.

    Add Bowral Honey Farm for a hands-on harvest experience, then continue into town to the Milk Factory Gallery to admire eclectic works by local artists in a converted industrial space. The Bradman Museum also knocks it out of the park. Australia’s largest dedicated cricket museum sits beside the heritage-listed Bradman Oval, where a young Sir Donald Bradman first picked up a bat.

    4. A taste of France

    table spread at Lucette bowral
    Enjoy a taste of France at Lucette.

    For a taste of France without the airfare, husband-and-wife team Julien and Romy Besnard – of long-loved Franquette Crêperie – have opened Lucette, a French cafe-bistro with Paris-born chef Guillaume Dubois at the helm. Dubois brings serious pedigree from Michelin-starred kitchens in France and Sydney’s former two-hatted Monopole, and it shows. Start your day with pastries for breakfast and bookend it with boeuf bourguignon for dinner. The chocolate mousse, freckled with Guerande Salt, is the kind of dish that will make you feel smug about the decision to drive south. Join the Sydneysiders dressed in charcoal coats, boots and black tights who’ve already worked this out; the whole scene is worthy of splicing it into an Instagram reel.

    Francophiles should also be across Julien’s Bowral Brasserie – led by Frenchman Julien Viel, who also found his way to the Southern Highlands and stayed.

    5. Indulge in a tipple

    Centennial Vineyards bowral in winter
    Spend time amongst the local vines. (Credit: Destination NSW)

    The drive to Centennial Vineyards passes through a beautiful woodland idyll, the countryside a fuzz of green all around. Inside the Barrel Room, a tasting flight of cool-climate pinot noir, chardonnay and reserve shiraz viognier flaunts how well the Southern Highlands does winter.

    This is a region that takes its cool-climate wines seriously, and the pinot noir is one of the stars – a gentle, easy-drinking style with red cherry aromas. Follow your tutored cellar door tasting with another glass of wine in the Terrace Bar, which overlooks the vineyard and manicured grounds.

    6. Blend your own gin

    Millsheds Distillery & Bar
    Pop into Millsheds Distillery & Bar. (Credit: Mattia Panunzio)

    Millsheds Distillery & Bar is somewhat of a local secret. The award-winning small-batch operation produces gin, vodka and liqueurs using Australian botanicals and has picked up silver medals at both the London Spirits Competition and International Wine & Spirit Competition. Beyond the tasting paddle, the hands-on blending masterclass – where you design and leave with two bottles of your own custom gin – is the experience to book, while the terrace bar that wraps around the courtyard is a fine place to settle in afterwards.

    7. Go for a walk at dawn

    Switch your phone off sleep mode and set your alarm to early. Mt Gibraltar rises to 864 metres just east of Bowral’s main street and offers the best views in town. You will pass a raggle-taggle bunch of hikers on the way up to the summit, all making the same quiet pilgrimage into the crisp high-altitude air. On a clear morning, the bony ridges of the ranges come into sharp relief against the light. The return loop takes roughly 90 minutes. A flat white in Bowral tastes considerably better after completing one of the scenic walking trails.

    8. Cosy up by the fireplace

    Aspinalls Whisky Bar & Lounge at the Berida Hotel
    Get cosy in the Berida Hotel’s whiskey bar.

    A cosy bar is the perfect complement to winter in Bowral, and there are a few worth committing to. Aspinalls Whisky Bar & Lounge at the Berida Hotel is built for long, languorous evenings. Take a seat beside the fireplace laden with gnarled logs and work your way through a few whiskies and bar bites like Rangers Valley beef tartare, or salt cod and potato croquettes.

    At Hickory’s within Peppers Craigieburn, well-dressed waiters in denim and leather move quietly between tables, and the cosy fireplace in the adjoining guest lounge attracts an Escape to the Country crowd.

    Start planning your Bowral escape at visitsouthernhighlands.com.au.