Catch cult classics and new releases under the stars this summer
During the warmer months, Melbourne's long days and balmy nights make for the perfect backdrop for an outdoor cinema. This is exactly why Melbourne has so many of them. From 1950's style drive-ins to outdoor rooftop cinemas scattered across the suburbs, our city has plenty of locations to catch an al fresco film – these are just a few of our favourites.
Interested in a drive-in cinema instead? Here are the best ones in Melbourne.
Runs all year round, reopens October 22
Want a side of beachside charm with your cinema experience? Dromana’s drive-in cinema has been screening movies on its four screens since 1962. These days you can grab food from the on-site diner and watch a selection of classic flicks and new blockbusters.
Runs all year round, reopens October 22
Opened in 1956, the Lunar Drive-in cinema in Dandenong is the largest drive-in in Australia. Films are shown every day except Christmas Day, and the Lunar Café is open for takeaway every night before and during the shows. We’ve heard that the award-winning chef cooks up the best hamburgers and hot jam dougnuts you can get at a cinema.
Runs all year round, reopens October 22
Make like a teenager of the 1950s and lie back on your car windscreen at one of Melbourne’s favourite drive-in cinema. You can roll on in, order your food from the retro diner via text message and enjoy brand-new flicks.
From December
There's nothing quite like a film under the stars in the evening cool of the Botanic Gardens. Settle back with friends and family for a movie and BYO picnic on a balmy summer night, or let one of the food trucks take care of the nibbles for you. No exact date for the 2021 Moonlight Cinema season has been announced yet, though it is expected to kick off sometime in December.
