Magical experiences around Melbourne

Before Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’s long-awaited Melbourne opening on February 23, there are magical experiences to be discovered throughout the city, where enchantment and fantasy await any would be adventurer willing to look.

At fantasy world, Storyville, a world of childhood favourites have literally jumped off the page and come to life. Inspired by famous fairytales and fables, Storyville’s signature cocktail list boasts a truly unique collection of drinks, all influenced by famous literature. There’s a Vesper Martini for those who prefer their drinks shaken not stirred or for a peek through the looking glass, Storyville’s mystery potion which comes under a veil of fog complete with resident magician who specialises in up-close magic. 185 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne.

Double, double toil and trouble, where drinks change colour and cocktails bubble. Rumoured to bringing its magical fun to Melbourne this April is The Cauldron Bar, giving would be molecular mixologists a chance to mix their own cocktails under the watchful eye of a trained ‘potions master’. Every drink wizard receives a robe and magic wand on arrival and will of course be able to consume their recently concocted magical brew. The where and the when is said to be unveiled very soon.

From Newt Scamander’s wand, personalised Marauder’s Maps and Triwizard Tournament garbs, Smith Street’s Store of Requirement specialises in the kind of objects that would please even a dark wizard. This inspired store has everything an aspiring wizard or witch could ever want and is worth a visit - even for non magical folks. 6 Smith Street, Collingwood.

Eye of newt and toe of frog, wool of bat and tongue of dog. In a building flanked by the mythical figures Gog and Magog, is a little store with an impressive magical catalogue. Far from the flare and showmanship of stage magic is SpellBox, a bewitching little specialty store where spells, potions and charms are used to awaken the heart and mind. With everything from magic classes for mystical artists and wannabe enchanters to in-store readings, there’s magic to be found at SpellBox. Shop 17 Royal Arcade, Melbourne.

A blend of elegance and astonishment and set in lavish and elegant surrounds is Impossible Occurrences, Melbourne’s premiere magic show by master magician, Luke Hocking. With audiences limited to 60 guests, performances are extremely intimate and able to be paired with a tantalizing two-course meal from a contemporary Australian menu. Fridays at the Marriott Hotel, Cnr Lonsdale and Exhibition Street, Melbourne.

Source: www.visitvictoria.com