Experience mind-blowing magic and cocktails in an intimate Japanese-inspired setting at Maho Magic Bar in South Bank.
The Brisbane Travel Guide acknowledges the Turrbal and Yuggera people, the Traditional Custodians of the land on which Maho Magic Bar is situated. We pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging, and recognise their continued spiritual and cultural connections to Country. Always was, always will be, Aboriginal land.
Step into a world of wonder and illusion at Maho Magic Bar, a truly unique and immersive experience in Brisbane’s vibrant South Bank precinct.
Far from your typical magic show, Maho Magic Bar combines the art of close-up magic with the energy and atmosphere of a Japanese cocktail bar. This one-of-a-kind venue offers an intimate experience where dazzling tricks, mind-bending illusions, and charismatic performers take centre stage—right at your table.
Whether you’re a magic enthusiast or simply looking for a memorable night out, this South Bank gem promises an evening filled with awe, laughter, and plenty of surprises.
This post may contain compensated links. Please refer to our disclaimer here for more information
What is Maho Magic Bar?
Inspired by the lively nightlife of Tokyo, Maho Magic Bar is a sensory feast from the moment you arrive. The space is bathed in neon lights, with striking decor and Japanese-inspired touches that transport you to another world.
Unlike traditional magic shows, guests are seated at tables where the magic happens up close and personal, ensuring everyone has a front-row seat to the action.
The blend of theatrical flair, comedy, and spellbinding magic creates an unforgettable experience guaranteed to leave you in awe.
The Experience
As soon as the sliding door opens to the cozy venue, you’re immersed in a vibrant, slightly eccentric ambience that seamlessly combines the theatrical flair with the captivating energy of Tokyo’s nightlife.
The venue is split into four like bar areas, one in each corner of the room, with a large space in the centre.
Before entering the venue, guests are given their table numbers. Our group of four were seated at one bar, all of our own. If the session you attend is heavily booked, you may end up sitting in a second row, so consider booking the front-row seats for a close-up view of the action.
Once seated, the magic begins. Each bar becomes its own stage as the magicians rotate between groups, performing mind-bending illusions, card tricks, and feats that defy logic.
There is plenty of audience participation too! Don’t be afraid to hand over that engagement ring – I can assure you you’ll get it back!
Between each act, lively, kooky group acts are performed in the middle of the venue, again with plenty of group participation and individuals being invited to become part of the magic.
Expect plenty of surprises, laughter, and awe as you’re drawn into the magical world unfolding right before your eyes.
Drinks
Before the show and between acts, guests are encouraged to enjoy the impressive drink menu.
Indulge in expertly crafted cocktails inspired by Japanese flavours, such as the Butterfly Pea Magic with Roku Gin, the Yuzu Margarita, said to be fit for a ninja or the Maho Spritz, the perfect summer drink but Japanese style.
For those who prefer something non-alcoholic, mocktails and soft drinks are also available.
While the focus is on drinks, light snacks complement the experience, including sriracha peas, Hello Panda biscuits and Puchao 4 Fruits candle.
Accessibility
Maho Magic Show is accessible for everyone.
Wheelchair access
Maho Magic Bar is wheelchair accessible. While the front entrance does have a few steps, they will open a side ramp entrance for anyone using a wheelchair or who is unable to navigate the steps out the front.
Maho Magic Bar contains 5 table areas where attendees are seated. Most of these are high bar seats, but the centre table, table 6, is set at a standard table height, making it suitable to transfer from wheelchair to chair or use your wheelchair at the table. Chairs with backs are available at table 6 on request.
If you need to reserve table 6 for access reasons, please email the venue in advance at hello@broadencounters.com and let them know how many people are in your group.
Accessible Bathrooms
Accessible bathrooms are available behind the River Quay restaurants (approximately 100m away) from the entrance to the Maho Magic Bar site.
The path between the Maho Magic Bar site entrance and these accessible bathrooms is a flat, wide path. The entrance is via the large wooden door, which remains open.
Companion Cards
Companion cards are accepted at Maho Magic Bar. To organise a complimentary companion card ticket, email hello@broadencounters.com with a photo of the card and details of the session you are booked into.
Sensory Needs
Maho Magic Bar contains loud music, a haze machine, a smoke machine, strobe effects and low-level lighting. If at any time you need to take a break from the show, you are welcome to step out of the venue and then re-enter when you are ready.
If you require to be seated first, this can be arranged; just speak to one of the staff members on-site upon arrival.
Maho Magic Bar is an interactive show, and you will asked to participate in magic tricks with the magicians where you may need to hold objects, speak, and/or be touched by the performers (such as having your hand touched while holding an object, or your shoulder tapped). You can decline to participate if you wish.
Strobe Effects
There are low-level strobe effects for a short moment and low-level lighting in Maho Magic Bar. If this is a concern, let the staff know by emailing hello@broadencounters.com, and they can warn you before they occur so you can step outside during these moments.
Vision or Hearing Impairment
The experience is highly visual and is broadly suitable for deaf people.
Maho Magic Bar is also a very interactive show, and many aspects are suitable for someone with visual impairments.
If you’d like to bring an interpreter to enhance your experience, please email hello@broadencounters.com to make these arrangements.
Service Dogs
Service dogs are allowed at Maho Magic Bar. No other animals are allowed.
Location
Located in the South Bank precinct, Maho Magic Bar is located at the southern end of South Bank, right by the Maritime Museum.
If coming by public transport, the Maritime Museum ferry stop is just 80m away, while the South Bank train station is 300m away.
The closest and best-priced car park is probably Secure Southpoint Car Park, although we came on a Sunday night, so we managed to find a street car park that is free after 7 pm, so it only cost us a few dollars as we parked at 5.30 pm.
Pricing and Booking Information
Shows are on Tuesdays to Sunday nights, with afternoon shows on Saturdays and Sundays.
Tickets are $79 for Fridays and Saturdays or $84 if you want guaranteed front row seats (see the seating map here). Tickets are $69 for the remainder of the week.
The good news is you can bring the kids too!
All sessions are suitable for kids aged 12+ (be mindful that there is a little swearing in the shows). If you want to bring younger kids, you should bring them to the weekend shows before 4 pm – although you are welcome to bring them to other shows – I personally think the show is fine for all ages, but use your own judgment.
Kids under 2 don’t need a ticket, provided they sit on a parent’s lap.
Maho Magic is on at South Bank until 22 December 2024.
Enjoy Maho Magic Bar
Hopefully, you found this review on The Maho Magic Bar helpful.
Why not check out some of our other reviews of things to do in Brisbane, such as the Blanc de Blanc, Vertigo or Soak Bathhouse.
I’d also recommend you join our free Queensland and Brisbane Travel Guide Facebook community, where you can ask all your questions.