To celebrate the return of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, we've put together a full-day itinerary for Slytherins in Melbourne
Slytherins get something of a bad rap in the Harry Potter books. But of course, they do – the books are written from a Gryffindor perspective, and the emerald and ruby houses are traditional rivals, on and off the Quidditch pitch. How would you fare if your story were told by your worst enemy? The truth is Slytherins have a lot of admirable qualities – they’re cunning strategists, patient, rational, driven and ambitious. They also have an appreciation for the finer things in life. The most famous wizard of all time, Merlin himself, was a Slytherin. If you also fly the green and silver, here’s where you should go to have the most perfect Slytherin day in Melbourne.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child has reopened in Melbourne – a groundbreaking two-part live theatre show you can see right now at the Princess Theatre. To celebrate, take yourself out on a full-day adventure based on your Hogwarts house: Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff or Ravenclaw.
Start your day with a quick coffee and pastry and hit the town – sleeping in is for Hufflepuffs. The Slytherin common room has a view into the Black Lake and the magical creatures therein, so you’ll be right at home at Melbourne Aquarium, which includes a giant shark tunnel. You can also try your Parseltongue (most common among Slytherins) on Pinjarra, one of the largest saltwater crocodiles on Earth. Parseltongue isn’t just for snakes – it works with basilisks too – so it’s worth a shot.
Australia’s most visited gallery has an absolutely killer fashion collection, which is sure to appeal to Slytherin sensibilities. The gallery’s Triennial exhibition is on until April, and it's the cultural event of the year, so of course Slytherins have to be seen to be there. Jeff Koons' 'Venus' sculpture is just about the shiniest thing we've ever seen, far more beautiful than Draco Malfoy's cursed opal necklace. It was also made using cutting-edge, explosive technology. Very Slytherin.
Slytherins enjoy the finer things in life, and is there a finer thing than a lobster roll? Supernormal claims it to be "Melbourne's favourite dish", and its lineage is as old and noble as noted Slytherins the Black family. A few oysters make the perfect introduction to the meal – just think, what would Draco Malfoy do?
Think logic and problem-solving are just for those smarty-pants Ravenclaws? Think again. Cunning and problem-solving are some of Slytherins’ strongest traits, which is why you should head to one of Melbourne’s hardest escape rooms. Try the Leaper room – it’s top of Woodbury’s rooms for both difficulty and fear. And while they’re no Gryffindors, recklessly charging into danger to prove their bravery, Slytherins have plenty of backbone.
Underground, secret, filled with French Champagne and the best place to party all night – wait, are we describing the Slytherin common room or Bar Margaux? Melbourne’s hottest bar opening of 2019 is the place to see and be seen – for the few who know where it is. The Malfoy family would drink here – and there are plenty of French bistro classics to keep you sated well into the wee hours. And there are plenty of dark corners for whispering dark secrets.
Slytherins like to enjoy the finer things in life, and there are few finer hotels than the Windsor. It’s got elegance, class and a noble lineage – just like the members of the most misunderstood of Hogwarts houses.
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Full of curious alleyways, erudite museums and the world’s greatest bookstore, Melbourne is the perfect city for those who look good in blue and bronze.
Embarking on courageous adventures is what Gryffindors are known for, so here are a bunch of ideas for your next group hang around Melbourne. The best part? There will be plenty of time for a (butter) beer.
Hufflepuffs are the best kind of friends – their common room’s proximity to the Hogwarts kitchens means they absolutely love food.
