It was then time for us to hit the trail – when we say trail we really mean it. This isn’t a cute wander through the woods but approximately three kilometres of bushland hiking paths – mostly flat but still worth wearing comfortable shoes.
We did clock quite a few prams on the trail so it’s definitely doable with little ones. The walk from the car park through thick grass, however, may prove more challenging on wheels.
The trail follows the films chronologically with each section littered with recreations, characters and audio.
Letters for wizards from owls, if you know, you know.Credit: Neesha Sinnya
The forest is littered with statues and installations of unicorns, nifflers and even a very realistic Dementor. The details are pretty impressive from the blue flying car to Cho Chang and Harry’s mistletoe moment in The Order of the Phoenix. They even had audio of Moaning Myrtle, the ghost who hangs out in the toilet in The Goblet of Fire, playing in the portaloo. Classy touch!
The interactive opportunities where you can cast spells and share a moment with Buckbeak the Hippogriff, were a definite highlight. All of these hands-on parts are included in the ticket price and we found the lines to be fairly modest.
Notably, the trail felt relaxing, there’s no rush. If you’re more of a Chamber of Secrets fan than a Deathly Hallows stan you can spend longer in that section deciphering the thoughtful references and taking loads of photos.
It’s a seamless experience, from start to finish we were fully immersed in the wizarding world with no jarring reminders of the real world to disrupt the magic.
The lighting and ambience is spot on with each section really leaning into the themes of the film. Things get progressively darker in mood as you advance the trail.
If concerned about He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named appearances giving you nightmares, rest assured knowing the experience doesn’t lean into the scary elements as much as the magical ones. Speaking of character appearances, we were excited to see Harry, Draco and Hagrid in statue form. But what about everyone else? A glance of Hermione or Ron wouldn’t have gone astray.
Social media producer Neesha Sinnya checked out the highly-anticipated Harry Potter experience at Mount Cotton.Credit: Alec McFadden
Now, let’s address the elephant (or should we say Hippogriff) in the room: the ticket price. The average is about $80 per adult and $70 per child. Factoring in food and drinks, plus a souvenir at the conveniently placed gift shop at the end of the trail, you’d be forking out a couple of hundred dollars – at least – for this family night-out.
Is it worth it? For a 45-minute to an hour experience, a handful of photo opportunities and a couple of spells, we’re not so sure. But, if you’ve got little Potterheads (or are one yourself) who could truly believe they’ve been transported to the forests of Hogwarts then it may well be worth your time and dime.
You’ve got to give it to Warner Bros. for delivering this irresistible experience for the insatiable Harry Potter fandom. With no plans on Harry Potter’s Wizarding World theme park joining the ranks in the Gold Coast alongside Movie World and Dreamworld, this may be the closest thing Brisbanites get to a behind-the-scenes glance.
Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
Read the full article here
