Harry Potter and the Cursed Child itinerary

Even the greatest adventures come to an end. After a record-breaking season and over one million tickets sold, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child must leave Melbourne on 9 July.

The smash-hit production brings the beloved magical world to life in a single evening (or matinee) experience. Harry, Ron and Hermione dazzle on stage with a new generation of wizards and all your favourite characters at Melbourne’s historic Princess Theatre.

Book your seat and be transported with epic illusions and sensational spell-making until 9 July 2023. 

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child has won six Tony awards on Broadway and picked up a show-stopping nine British Olivier awards. 

Arrive in the city the day before and make it a two-night affair to set yourself up for maximum wizarding fun. Our itinerary has all the ingredients required for a perfect performance-enhancing potion.

Check in at your accommodation in the afternoon and get set for magic in Melbourne as darkness falls. Fable's rooftop bar views sweep across Melbourne's skyline from the top end of the city. Stay for the creative cocktail line-up and the aperitivo or Mediterranean-inspired menus.

As night sets in, head back onto land and along Swanston Street towards HER. This multi-level spot brings all things eat, drink and entertainment together in a show-stopping experience. Fill up on luxe modern Bangkok-inspired street food at BKK, or enjoy it with a beverage on the heated, all-weather HER Rooftop. Build the buzz some more with a night of DJ'd tunes at MUSIC ROOM.

Fuel yourself for the performance tonight with a top-notch brekkie. There's wondrous stuff being created in the kitchens at Ten Square, Higher Ground, Pope Joan and Hardware Societe. Plan your day over waffles, eggs and – naturally – superlative coffee.

Get your imagination soaring with a trip up Melbourne Skydeck, the Southern Hemisphere's loftiest observation deck at 300-metres high. Step out into a glass cube and test your nerves at The Edge, and check out the incredible virtual and augmented reality experiences.

For those less altitude inclined, spend your morning at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) exhibition NGV Winter Masterpieces® Pierre Bonnard: Designed by India Mahdavi where you can explore the timeless creations of the French Post-Impressionist artist. While you're here, stop by the Temple of Boom and step back in time, on a wander through this reimagining of the ancient Parthenon or Acropolis buildings in Athens.

Make lunch a noteworthy affair at Federation Square. Sit down at Hero, where beloved chef Karen Martini transfixes with modern European flavours, or at Big Esso by Mabu Mabu for share plates and native flavours from Torres Strait Islander chef Nornie Bero.

Stop by ACMI's Goddess: Power, Glamour, Rebellion exhibition to celebrate the artists and cinematic trailblazers over the last 120 years.

Pre-book to explore Melbourne's iconic laneways, street art and hidden secrets on a city- or Fitzroy-based walking tour. Or head a short trip north on the 86 tram to explore the creative community at contemporary art hub Collingwood Yards.

Alternatively, take some time to sort a transformative outfit for tonight's show. Zip through the city's sparkling malls and historic arcades, and look out for brilliant Melbourne designs from Alpha60 and Kuwaii, as well as stylish vintage from Vault. Wend your way across the city through Emporium, St. Collins Lane, Block Arcade and 80 Collins Street for big-name local and international designers.

Put your feet up for a micro rest at your hotel before changing into your most magical attire. Fortify yourself with elegant drinks and snacks at Embla or Gimlet before heading to the show in time for curtains at 7pm.

Transfixed and dazzled by Harry and the next-gen of wizarding apprentices, take the electric energy with you for post-show reviews and celebrations. Make it a late steak tartare and champers at sophisticated French-inspired Bar Margaux – or tuck into the very fancy, very juicy MGX burger if you prefer. Go for casual, carnivorous fare at all-day Butcher's Diner. Or settle back for divine Italian at Bar Bambi, rolling from cocktails and antipasti into pasta and dessert – stay for some dancing if you're reluctant to break the spell.