The best outdoor cinemas in Sydney
Feel like enjoying a film in a park, or by the water? Do alfresco movies like an expert with Time Out’s guide to the new summer season, from blockbusters to tearjerkers to real horror shows. Bring a rug, bring your family – some even let you bring your dog. While you're planning your summer adventures, check out these harbour islands or these tourist attractions that don't suck.
American Express Openair Cinemas Inner West
Gadigal Green, on the south-of-King-Street side of the University of Sydney, is gearing up to host the new season of Openair Cinemas. This year there are more than 20 special events taking place before the movies, including DJs and live music. Dogs are not just tolerated at every screening, they're positively welcomed with free doggy treats and canine couches.
Moonlight Cinema
There's nothing quite like a film under the stars in the beautiful surrounds at Belvedere Amphitheatre in Centennial Park.
St George OpenAir Cinema
The most glam of the outdoor cinemas is St George OpenAir. From your seats in the stadium you can watch the screen rise up over the water, with the Opera House and Bridge as the backdrop. There's a bar and restaurant too.
Mov'in Bed Open Air Cinema
Crawl under the blankets with a glass of wine and settle in for another beautifuly curated season of movies at the Entertainment Quarter in the Showring.
Sunset Cinema
North Sydney Oval, with its historic grandstand and views of the lights of North Sydney, is a classy venue for outdoor cinema screenings, and Sunset Cinema will kick off another 10-week season on January 17. Gates open 90 minutes prior to each film commencing and a range of food and beverages is available. Join the Sunset Cinema Movie Club to get early bird ticket discounts, news, promotions and other prizes. The season's films will be announced on November 21, when ticket will go on sale.
Flickerfest
Sydney’s original outdoor film festival takes place at Bondi Pavilion and attracts the best short films from around the world – not least because a win in one of the competition categories qualifies films for consideration for an Oscar nomination.
Little Darlings Night Owls Kids Film Festival
Free outdoor movies return in January 2019 as the Little Darling Night Owls Kids Film Festival sets up roost on Darling Quarter’s Village Green for another year
Skyline Drive-In Blacktown
Enjoy all the holiday movies like it’s 60 years ago at Sydney’s only drive-in cinema. It’s been renovated to follow a 1950s theme, with diner food like hamburgers, hot dogs, shakes and banana splits served by staff in era-appropriate costume.
Tropfest
Filmmakers are currently writing, shooting and editing for the chance to be one of 16 Tropfest 2019 finalists. Those films will premiere live in front of thousands of people in the Crescent, Parramatta Park, and be broadcast to an even bigger audience at home.
More outdoor action...
The best picnic spots in Sydney
What could be more romantic than a picnic packed for two and sweeping harbour views? Where else could you organise a long, lazy lunch for a big group of friends? Or, an impromptu dinner date alfresco? Cancel your restaurant booking and head to one of these top places to enjoy a picnic. We’ve called ahead to find out if there’s parking, toilets and barbecues too. You can thank us later.
