Harry Potter: Forbidden Forest Location

Get directions to a perfectly magical experience

Have you ever wondered what you would find in the Forbidden Forest if you were sent in there for a detention period? Well, now’s your chance to find out! Head to this nighttime woodland trail experience where you can encounter Buckbeak and other magical forest creatures from the Harry Potter series and try your hand at casting spells! We've curated a handy guide for you to make note of the best ways to get to your destination.

Harry Potter: Forbidden Forest location

Address: The Briars Community Forest, 442 Nepean Hwy, Mount Martha VIC 3934, Australia.

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Located in the heart of Mornington Peninsula, the Briar Community Forest is a lush green area just about an hour’s drive away from Melbourne.

Getting to Harry Potter: Forbidden Forest

By public transport

Travel time: 2.5 hours
Closest railway stop: Frankston Railway Station
Timings: The Frankston train is available every 20-30 minutes. From the Frankston Railway Station, you can get a bus every 40-60 minutes.

The journey from Melbourne city to the Harry Potter: Forbidden Forest is a little tedious through public transport. You will first have to take a train to Frankston Railway Station, from where you’ll get a bus to the Briars. It will take you around 1 hour and 10 minutes from Flinders Railway Station in the heart of Melbourne, to Frankston Railway Station. From there, another 45 minutes via bus.

By car

Travel time: 1.3 hours

From Melbourne City Centre, drive along M1 until you reach the Eastlink exit. Take this exit and then continue on M3 until Carrum Downs. From here, take the route M11 towards Portsea and then take the 19th exit. This takes you onto a roundabout where you’ll need to take the 3rd exit to get onto C784. Continue until you reach Craigie Road and then turn left onto Craigie Road. Take the exit to B110 and then follow the signs to The Briars.

Parking: There is paid parking on-site for AU$20. However, you can also pre-book your parking pass online for AU$16 or a premium parking spot closer to the entrance for AU$27.

Best ways to reach Harry Potter: Forbidden Forest

Budget-friendly: The train and bus combination is the most inexpensive way to reach the Harry Potter: Forbidden Forest. However, it has a much longer travel time. Additionally, since the hike is at night, getting back to Melbourne City via public transport might be tricky.

Convenient: The fastest and the most convenient way to reach the Harry Potter: Forbidden Forest is by car. You could opt for your personal vehicle, taxi, or a ride share, and park it at the venue.

To sight-see: Traveling by car or taxi is one of the best ways to catch the views en-route to the Harry Potter Forbidden Forest. You can follow the Beach Road and the Nepean Highway to get spectacular coastal views all the way from Melbourne.

Frequently asked questions about Harry Potter: Forbidden Forest location

What is the best way to get to the Harry Potter: Forbidden Forest from Melbourne?

Driving to the Forbidden Forest is the best and fastest way to reach the location, as it cuts about an hour from your travel time as compared to public transport.

How do I return from the Forbidden Forest after the nighttime experience?

If you are not using your private vehicle, it is advisable to book a taxi in advance to pick you up after the experience, or stay overnight at Mt. Martha and return the next day.

Are there places to stay overnight around the venue?

You can find plenty of stay options near the Briars within Mornington Peninsula. Check out the Seppelt House Bed & Breakfast, Boardwalk Cottages or the Mt Martha Beach House.

Are there disabled parking options at the Forbidden Forest trail?

Yes, visitors can reach out to the organizers while purchasing the parking pass to inform them of a special requirement.

Can I walk to the Harry Potter Forbidden Forest?

No, the Harry Potter Forbidden Forest trail is quite a distance from Melbourne making it a difficult walk. Instead, opt for ride sharing to optimize for time and costs.

When should I reach the Harry Potter Forbidden Forest trail?

We recommend you reach at least 15 minutes prior to your ticket time in order to ensure a smooth check-in process.