Tucked away in the leafy surrounds of Samford Village is a destination where Harry Potter fans can step into a little magic of their own.
The experience begins before visitors even reach the front door of The Store of Requirement. A familiar red London-style telephone box marks the corner, while a Ford Anglia appears to have made a rather eventful escape from the Forbidden Forest nearby. Look closely around the garden and a few other surprises are waiting to be discovered.
Then the doors open – and there is a lot to take in.
Step Inside the Magic
The Store of Requirement is home to Australia’s largest range of officially licensed Harry Potter merchandise, but shopping is only part of the experience.
Brooms hang overhead amongst the decorations, Cabinets of Curiosities are filled with detailed replicas and collectables, and magical creatures can be found throughout the Store. Fluffy, Buckbeak and Fawkes take pride of place in the house-inspired Common Room area and make rather impressive companions for a photo.
Tucked away nearby is the Wand Room, filled with wands for young witches and wizards through to serious collectors, while the Honeydukes-inspired corner is the place to hunt down Chocolate Frogs, Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans and other wizarding treats.
One of the most popular stops is the Store’s talking Sorting Hat. Visitors can take a seat beneath the Hat and discover which Hogwarts house they belong in. The Sorting experience is free, and there is no need to book.
There is no admission charge to visit the Store and photos are always welcome, so families are free to explore at their own pace. There are plenty of unexpected details tucked into corners, cabinets and even overhead.
Whether it is a young fan spending their pocket money, someone searching for the perfect gift or a lifelong Potterhead adding to a collection, the Store carries everything from small keepsakes and sweets to robes, wands, plush, jewellery, bags, homewares and detailed collector pieces.
Take on a Wizarding Adventure
For families who want to take the experience beyond the Store, a Wizarding Adventure turns the streets of Samford Village into an interactive scavenger hunt.
Guests hire a tablet before setting off on foot, following clues, maps and riddles to track down destinations around the village. Two different adventures are available.
School Supplies is designed as the easier adventure and is particularly suited to families and younger witches and wizards, with a little assistance from their accompanying grown-ups.
Owl Tasker raises the challenge, combining problem-solving and strategy with a race against the clock, making it a popular choice for older children, teenagers and adults.
Families can work together using one tablet, or groups with a competitive streak can hire multiple tablets and see who has the superior magical problem-solving skills.
School Holiday Magic
During selected school holidays, The Store of Requirement’s private themed Atrium becomes a classroom for Potion Making and Wand Decorating.
These 30-minute small-group classes give young witches and wizards the chance to enjoy some hands-on fun without needing to book a private party.
In Potion Making, students follow the guidance of their Potions Master as ingredients bubble, fizz and transform, with their creations going home with them at the end of the lesson.
During Wand Decorating, each student receives a wand and a cauldron of craft supplies to create something uniquely their own. Once the wand is complete, there is only one thing left to do – put it to the test.
Classes run on selected days and times during the school holidays and bookings are essential. Current sessions and availability can be found on The Store of Requirement’s Events page.
Magical Birthday Parties
The Store of Requirement also hosts private birthday celebrations in its fully themed Atrium.
Every party includes a dedicated Party Host, a Hogwarts Sorting Ceremony, themed games and activities, and access to the Store’s personalised Owl Post Invitation System.
Families can choose from different party packages featuring Potion Making, Wand Decorating or both, with larger packages adding wizarding treats, magical drinks and additional party time. Food options are also available.
The experiences are particularly popular with children from around seven to thirteen, although there is certainly no age limit on being a magical child at heart. The Store has welcomed witches and wizards celebrating some considerably bigger birthdays too.
Parents can hand out the invitations and let The Store of Requirement take care of the Magic.
Make a Day of It in Samford
The Store of Requirement is in the heart of Samford Village, making it easy to turn a visit into a family day out.
Samford’s country-style village is filled with cafes – including The Owlery Cafe, small shops and places to explore. John Scott Park and its large playground are just across the road, while The Owlery Cafe next door offers families somewhere to stop for a coffee, meal or wizarding treat.
The Store is wheelchair accessible and is located at 22 Station Street, Samford Village QLD 4520.
Regular trading hours are:
- Tuesday-Friday: 9am-3pm
- Saturday-Sunday: 8am-4pm
- Monday: Closed
The Store also opens seven days a week during school holidays. Visitors travelling any distance should check current opening hours online before setting out, particularly for Mondays and public holidays.
For Potter fans who cannot make the journey to Samford, The Store of Requirement also has an online store with Australia-wide delivery, Click & Collect and free standard shipping on orders over $100.
Reviews of The Store of Requirement
“It’s amazing. The thought, love and effort that’s gone into how the store looks is amazing in itself. It had potter related items I hadn’t seen before. My son wants to have his birthday party there! He truly loved every inch. Worth the drive.” – Seran Paton (5 Stars)
“Amazing store, my daughter choose to have a ‘birthday shop’ rather than presents.” – Renee Gusa Nugent (5 Stars)
“Thank you for creating such a magical place for these super fans! Benji will never forget this birthday!” – Sarah Elizabeth Turner
“I phoned about a wand my grandson wanted for his birthday. I had tried to buy it everywhere and was desperate! The Store of Requirement called me and told me how to order it and sent it express so he got it for his birthday, I was more than impressed, they are fantastic and caring. Well done!” – Janette Kerr (5 Stars)
“Just went in and had the most magical experience! The food is amazing and the staff were too beautiful for words. Great stock, loads of which I haven’t seen before. Do yourself a favour and just go. It’s so glorious.”
Find out more on The Store of Requirement’s website.