Harry Potter the Exhibition - Brunswick

If you’ve ever dreamed of receiving your Hogwarts letter, stepping into the Wizarding World, and trying your hand at spellcasting or potion-brewing, then Harry Potter: The Exhibition in Brunswick, just north of Melbourne, is a must-visit attraction. Set in the same venue that previously hosted the Jurassic Park Exhibition, this immersive experience is a spectacular celebration of the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts film franchises—blending real movie props, set recreations, interactive magic, and behind-the-scenes insights for fans both young and old.

It might not have the same level of grandeur as the Harry Potter Studios nor the Universal Studios, but at least it’s something for Melburnians.

Highlights	A magical, interactive Harry Potter experience with props, spellcasting, Quidditch, and stunning recreations. A must-visit for fans in Melbourne!
Cost	$35 per adult (with the family tickets option; minimum 3 tickets)
Location	62 Dawson St, Brunswick VIC 3056
Website	https://melbourne.harrypotterexhibition.com

Booking & Entry Experience

We booked the Family Bundle online, which offered excellent value at $35 per person (minimum of 3 people). We opted for an entry after 4 PM, and since the exhibition closes at 7 PM, this gave us a solid few hours to explore without feeling too rushed and it was plenty of time. We also purchased an audio guide for $10, which only needs to be bought once per group—it works through a QR code, making it shareable across several devices (but it’s entirely unnecessary).

On arrival, we received our interactive wristbands, which were a key part of the exhibition experience. These wristbands track your participation in various activities and allow you to select your Hogwarts House, your Patronus animal, and your wand—details that personalise your journey through the exhibition and affect your interactions with different stations.

Immersive Wizarding World Atmosphere

From the moment you step inside, the atmosphere is captivating. You’re greeted with grand visuals and rich set designs that evoke the magical world of Hogwarts. The exhibition opens with a brief video introduction before you move into a wide array of themed galleries, each designed to transport you into a different part of the Wizarding World.

Some of the most memorable recreations include:

Harry’s Cupboard Under the Stairs, complete with props from the actual films.
A section that simulates the Great Hall, where the magical ambiance really hits home.
Hagrid’s Hut, designed in impressive scale and detail.
Iconic classrooms from Hogwarts: Potions, Charms, Herbology, and Defence Against the Dark Arts.

Each room is filled with authentic props and costumes from the films—robes worn by main characters, original wands, and stunningly detailed artefacts like time-turners, potion bottles, and magical books.

Interactive Fun for Everyone

The exhibition isn’t just about looking—it’s about doing. Thanks to the wristbands, each visitor gets a personalised experience as they participate in various hands-on activities, such as:

Brewing Potions: Mix virtual ingredients and learn the subtle art of potion-making.
Casting Spells: Using motion-based sensors, visitors can practice iconic spells like Lumos and Expelliarmus.
Playing Quidditch: A huge hit with the kids! You can throw a Quaffle through hoops in a mini skill test to simulate playing on a Quidditch team.
Conjuring a Patronus: Experience the thrill of discovering and summoning your personal Patronus.
House Points: Each activity earns you points for your selected House, tracked on your wristband and displayed on leaderboards throughout the exhibition.

Our kids especially enjoyed the Quidditch section—it was a fun and well-designed setup that really engaged them.

Behind-the-Scenes Magic

One of the exhibition’s best features is its educational component. Several stations highlight the incredible craftsmanship and cinematic techniques that brought the wizarding world to life on screen. From hand-stitched costume details to the use of visual and practical effects, you gain a new appreciation for the artistry behind the magic.

There’s also video content and storyboards, showcasing how scenes were imagined, planned, and executed—something film buffs and older fans will especially enjoy.

Photos & Merchandise

Of course, it wouldn’t be a proper magical experience without photo ops and a gift shop at the end! Throughout the exhibition, there are themed photo stations where your group can pose with magical backdrops and props. We opted to buy the photo bundle for around $40, which included one printed photo and access to all digital images sent directly to our email.

The gift shop at the end is filled with exclusive merchandise—from character wands, chocolate frogs, and plush Hedwigs to stationery, jewellery, and clothing. While prices lean towards the premium side, the quality is good and the selection broad.

Additional Thoughts & Tips

Length of Visit: We spent around 90 minutes, which felt just right to take it all in without dragging. You could easily extend your visit if you linger longer at the activities or displays.
Accessibility: The venue is pram-friendly and accessible for those with mobility needs.
Crowds: Arriving after 4 PM helped us avoid large crowds—worth considering if you want to move at your own pace.
Age Suitability: Kids will love the interactivity, and adults will appreciate the film details and nostalgia. It’s definitely family-friendly, though non-fans may not find it as compelling.
Location: Brunswick is well-connected by public transport and has parking options nearby, though it can get busy on weekends.
Comparison: If you’ve seen other Harry Potter-themed experiences, this one stands out for its balance of interactivity, film props, and thoughtful curation.

Final Verdict

Harry Potter: The Exhibition in Melbourne delivers a magical, immersive, and deeply nostalgic experience that fans of all ages can enjoy. From authentic props and costume pieces to interactive spellcasting and Quidditch play, it’s a thoughtful and well-designed tribute to the Wizarding World. The personal touches via the wristbands, the visual quality of the recreated scenes, and the attention to behind-the-scenes craftsmanship make this exhibition more than just a collection of displays—it’s an experience.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan of Harry Potter or just someone looking for a fun, magical afternoon out with the family, this exhibition is worth your time. Just make sure to book ahead, and maybe plan your visit for a weekday afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy every magical moment.

Please support the website by liking the article or subscribing to the mailing list. The review and the experience above are based on my own views. No commission, freebies or payments have been received.

Here are some of my recent articles: