(EDIT, 7th of June 2019: Vertic Alley was shut down due to copyright issues and Embiggen Books will be closing its doors in June. There are also Potter themed stays available at the Windsor Hotel, just down the road from the Princess.)

In October of 2017, the Michael Cassel Group announced that it would be producing the Australian premiere (and only Australian production) of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in Melbourne. It came as no surprise to me – Melbourne has always been an enchanted city. Magic runs through its veins, catching on the tram tracks and spreading out into the laneways and cafes and galleries and theatres and other hidden secrets.

My first visits to the city as a child were always filled with awe. I couldn’t take it all in fast enough; as my eyes darted from windows to balconies, from hidden alcoves to art filled corners, from street performers to baristas working their magic behind so many nozzles and buttons. Even as an adult, I still hold that wonderment whenever I return to the city. There’s always so much to discover. So much to see and do. It’s a city that’s always alive, always breathing life into everyone who walks the pavements and cobble stoned laneways.

With visitors pouring in from across the country and the globe to witness this landmark production, I wanted to post a little blog on a few Potter themed and Potter adjacent locations in the city for you all to visit on your journey to Hogwarts.

Before we begin, make sure you keep your Marauder’s Map to Melbourne handy. Locations mentioned on the blog will come with a number which you can find on the map. And don’t forget to make a stop at the old ANZ Bank on Collins street (above lower left, no. 8 on the map) to take out some sickles and galleons for the adventure ahead!¹ And remember, travelling via tram is free in the city. I also highly recommend a trip on the city circle tram for a uniquely Melbourne experience.

Remember that this blog is only a guide. The journey is whatever you make it. Tread carefully, choose wisely, and don’t forget to look up.

The best parts of any city are its secrets. Everything else is just superficial – the curated version of a place that everyone sees. But the lifeblood, the story that a city has to tell is kept in its hidden spaces. Its alleyways and dark doorways and mysterious windows. Melbourne is a secret, waiting to be shared with those who are willing to listen.

We may begin our journey at Flinders Street Station, as most journeys to hidden wizarding schools do. But, rather than taking the main exit out onto Swanston Street, why not take the road less travelled and wander down to the Degraves Street Subway (no. 2)? Full of fascinating shops and rotating art exhibits in the long walkway that follows, this is one of my favourite spaces in Melbourne.

As you climb the steps at the end of the subway and up into the light of Degraves Street – you’d be hard pressed not to feel a little bit of Melbourne’s unique magic. Follow the laneway through to Centre Place and then on to the Block Arcade and Royal Arcade, breathing in the enriching smell of coffee brewing as you go.

Melbourne was designated a City of Literature, the second in the world after Edinburgh, back in 2008 and has always fostered a thriving culture of literature – from the gorgeous State Library on Swanston Street to the many hidden city bookstores both under and above ground. There is an extensive supply list for students each year at Hogwarts and you will be spoilt for choice when it comes time to purchase the books from this list.

You can find most of your books for the school year ahead at the Haunted Bookshop (no. 9) on McKillop Street, which runs off Little Collins Street. They also offer ghost tours, which they have been running since 1997. Journey off the cobble stoned street, up the stairs, and through the blue curtains. Tread carefully – this store is full of wonders and magic.

Why not take a moment from your journey to visit the Redmond Barry Reading Room at the State Library (no. 15) to browse their extensive collection. Or perhaps the La Trobe Reading Room, often called the Dome Reading Room, is more to your liking? Don’t forget to take a wander through the Dome galleries to see their permanent exhibition, The Changing Face of Victoria, and visit the beautiful stained glass Shakespeare Window on the sixth floor. While he is not an enchanted portrait, there is a certain inspiring magic about this piece – as he gazes out across the balcony and into the beautiful reading room below, where students of the world devour books and spill their ideas out onto pages and screens alike.

Did you know that there is an extensive magic collection in the State Library? The bulk of the library’s resources on magic are within the WG Alma Conjuring collection which contains around 2000 books, 60 magazine titles, 1500 photographs, 300 posters, and much much more. Take the free Dome to Catacomb tour and ask the staff about the top secret collection, down in the depths of the library.

If you’re still on the lookout for that elusive tome on Astronomy, or the Gilderoy Lockhart textbook was far too mainstream for the Haunted Bookshop, perhaps try Embiggen Books (no. 17) on Little Lonsdale Street? While you’re there, take a gander at their glass case and shelves of curiosities. Order a flat white and take a seat while you flip through a book – like a real Melburnian.

Closer to the Princess Theatre are Hill of Content (no. 20) and the Paperback Bookshop (no. 22). Amble up the steps to the second level of Hill of Content, past the Harry Potter tote bags, for books with a view of the bustle of Bourke Street below. Squeeze into the Paperback Bookshop and just try to leave the warmth and charm of that little independent store for the unpredictable Melbourne weather you left outside. Stronger witches and wizards have tried, and failed (me).

And for all your secondhand textbook needs, you can always try City Basement Books (no. 3) on Flinders Street – because, let’s be real, secondhand books are the best.²

No visit is complete without a trip to the Store of Requirement (no. 14) up on Smith Street in Collingwood. The friendly team are there to help with all your wands, robes, and Hogwarts house gear. You can also find books, collectables, toys, sweets, and more! Don’t forget to purchase a self-inking quill with the “Store of Requirement” stamped on the feathers! For a detailed look at what they have in stock, refer to their website. Collingwood is accessible via tram, but it is outside of the free tram zone so don’t forget to top up and touch on your myki!

For all your equipment and other magical supplies for the year ahead, you can’t go past Muses of Mystery (no. 4) and Spellbox (no. 10). The latter is housed in the beautiful Royal Arcade and has been around for as long as I can remember. Even just peering in through the windows at the beautiful artefacts, finely crafted broomsticks, and detailed tapestry – you can’t help but feel inspired to go inside and experience the store for yourself.

And nestled away in the gorgeous Nicholas Building, amongst all sorts of mysterious and wonderful independent stores, is Muses of Mystery. Stepping inside feels like entering another world, utterly removed from the historic office building that houses it. Special points if you can spot the wand within a glass case which looks very much like the one owned by Albus Severus Potter.

Wunderkammer on the corner of Queen and Lonsdale Street is also more than worth a stop. Their name comes from the German word which literally means “wonder chamber” or “cabinet of curiosities” and there is no better way to describe this enchanting little shop. It’s like nothing else in this city and has to be seen to be believed.

You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to food in Melbourne. But, usually, the best places are hidden away out of sight. Often when I’m meeting a friend for brunch, I’ll be sent on some kind of wild goose chase down alleyways and through parking lots – up staircases, through windows, that sort of thing – and yet the cafes at the end of these wild adventures are always just as busy as any other cafe in the city. That’s Melbourne for you.

For more curated food, you can always hit up Vertic Alley right next door to the Princess Theatre. But more on that later. Here’s a few suggestions for anything from a quiet brunch spot to pre-show eats minutes away from the theatre:

A familiar sight in Melbourne is Clocks, at the Arts Centre end of Flinders Street Station. Usually associated with televisions streaming various muggle sports games while off the clock businessmen play the pokies – there’s actually a new restaurant there called the Green Light Diner. Take a left when you enter off Swanston Street and find a quiet compartment for you and your friends to wile away the hours over hearty meals worthy of a Hogwarts Feast. Don’t forget to stow away all luggage, keep your arms and legs inside the carriage, and – for goodness sake – do not cross the Trolley Witch.³

Tucked under the archways of Saint Paul’s Cathedral and just off Flinders Lane is Chapter House Coffee. Find a table inside by the window for some prime people watching, or snag a spot under the archways for a very Hogwarts experience. Ron, Hermione, and Harry will be running around the corner any minute now.

Hidden away under the State Library is the Moat Bar and Restaurant. Surround yourself with books and warm, cosy vibes as you unpack the events of your weekend getaway in Melbourne. It’s impossible not to feel inspired as the history and knowledge of the State Library and the Wheeler Centre seep through the brick walls and into your hearts.

For a similar space, you can always head up the road to Alchemist’s Refuge (no. 13) and its downstairs bar space. Usually home to trivia and games nights, you can always set yourself up on one of the leather couches with a couple of themed cocktails and board games after a long day of exploration.

One of my personal favourite cafes is Captains of Industry, on Somerset Place which runs off Little Bourke Street. Nestled away up a narrow staircase, the cafe is all large windows and small tables with vintage sewing machines accompanying the salt and pepper shakers. While not specifically on theme with the rest of this blog – they do a mean grilled cheese sandwich that I couldn’t possibly leave out of the list. But there’s plenty of cafes on Little Bourke Street you can stick your head in. The one with the chairs hanging from the ceiling is particularly good.

You can always drop by Hopetoun Tea Rooms in The Block Arcade. One of the most gorgeous, historic locations in Melbourne – it’s always such a delight to pass by on my city walks, peering through the windows at delicious cakes and untouched Victorian splendour. Unfortunately, there’s always a line for a table in the tea rooms – so you might be better off heading further down to Barbarella. It’s hard to miss, it looks like someone shoved a tram in a hole in the wall and called it a day. They do fantastic coffee and delicious eats – away from the bustle of the laneway cafes just opposite where you’re constantly at risk of having your coffee dislodged by passersby.

Before embarking on the train/tram to Hogwarts, you’ll need a snack (or two) for the journey. My personal favourite pre-show eats have always been a couple of share plates of dumplings inhaled by my friends and I in Chinatown before an evening performance in one of the East End theatres. Stop by Empress of China for well priced, fast service and perfect pork and veggie dumplings.

Or why not book a table at the Spaghetti Tree on Bourke Street for a deliciously filling meal in a warm, delightful atmosphere. Or how about Pellegrini’s just across the road for a bowl of pasta and some conversation with the wonderful staff. Sisto left a space that cannot be filled – but his spirit lives on in the soul of this Melbourne institution.

Of course you can always book a booth at Vertic Alley (no. 23) for themed share plates and delicious “Buttah Beer”. But, fair warning, this rooftop bar is likely to be booked out and overcrowded for pre and post show drinks – so you might be better off saving this place for a morning or afternoon fly by. You don’t have to book a booth to enter this rooftop bar, you can always show up and find a table for you and your mates.

Just next door to Vertic Alley is the Spring Street Grocer (no. 24), where you can purchase a delicious cup of gelato – or perhaps journey through the rainbow selection of fruit, veg, and other delicacies, before heading down into the hidden cheese cellar. Yup, that’s right. There’s a hidden cheese cellar. The more you know.

Now you’re finally ready for the journey to Hogwarts. Please arrive promptly to the theatre, as there is a lockout period. Tickets are available at the box office, merchandise can be purchased from the two dedicated shops on both levels of the theatre. Food and beverages can also be purchased from the two Princess Theatre bars – but please be reminded that hot food and drinks are not permitted in the auditorium, and filming and photography is strictly prohibited. Have a pleasant and safe journey, I hope you’ll one day return to Melbourne for more adventures in our wonderful city!

¹. Muggle money cannot be exchanged for wizard money. To exchange foreign currency for Australian dollars, please see The Currency Shop for the best exchange rates in the CBD!

². Please be aware that cursed diaries, books owned by certain half blood princes, and other enchanted textbooks are not permitted at Hogwarts. You have been warned.

³. Trolley Witch not included.