Mareeba drive in movies thrives in streaming era

It opened in 1962 and this Mareeba entertainment venue is growing as word spreads about its family-friendly atmosphere and good old-fashioned fun.

SIXTY years after opening its gates and despite a deluge of movie streaming services, Mareeba Drive In is thriving.

With a double feature on Friday and Saturday nights, a new cafe, the option to stay overnight and being pet friendly, the Drive In is often packed.

It was the brainchild of retired mango farmer Sam Torrisi, who is passionate about keeping it going.

Family members including daughter Ann-Marie Donnelly, her husband Jason, brother Craig Torrisi and his wife Josephine took over the venue not long ago and are gradually rejuvenating it.

Asked if it was a challenge during the era of Netflix, Mrs Donnelly said the drive in seemed more popular than ever.

“We’re finding it is quite the opposite, it seems that people are being more drawn to this type of old-fashioned entertainment and community feel,” he said.

“It’s a very relaxed atmosphere and being outdoors is appealing to a lot of people.

“We actually had our biggest night ever last Saturday night rand had to turn away about 1km of cars lined up – the main feature was Top Gun.

“We get people from all over Australia, lots of people from Cairns who like the family atmosphere.”

“It’s been going since 1962.”

There are only four drive ins remaining in Queensland – at Charters Towers, Ayr, Ipswich and the Gold Coast as well as a small drive in at Jericho.

Mareeba Drive In can take 180 vehicles and the family has big plans to totally revamp it since taking over in late March.

“Dad ran the drive in many years ago and he is really passionate about us keeping it going,” Mrs Donnelly said.

The revamped cafe has gluten free and vegan food options but the Die Hard Burger – a double beef and bacon specialty – is the most popular.

“We did a big renovation like a backyard blitz over four days, it was just really run down, we’re cleaning the grounds,” Mrs Donnelly said.

Plans include painting, a new playground, a new projector, cleaning and painting the screen, and repairing speakers.

On Saturday, Mareeba Drive In shows Minions: The Rise of Gru and The Bad Guys. On Sunday, there is a special screening of Top Gun: Maverick. Gates open at 5.30pm, movies starts at 7pm.

It is $14 for adult, $8 for a child and $12 concession for a double feature.

Originally published as Mareeba drive in movies thrives in streaming era