Find out where the best outdoor cinemas in Melbourne are
It’s not really summer until you’ve gone to see a movie outdoors —and it’s not really Melbourne until you’ve done it wrapped in a blanket. Here’s where you can enjoy an open-air screening near you, in any kind of weather.
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Movie-loving Melburnians will be spoiled for choice all summer long, with dozens of outdoor cinemas to screen the latest blockbusters, cult favourites or classics.
While Christmas favourites are always on high rotation in December, January onwards typically boasts a mixture of new releases and some classics.
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You could catch the final instalment of the latest Star Wars trilogy, The Rise of Skywalker, features prominently, as well as the likes of war movie 1917, Dolittle, Cats, Little Women and Jojo Rabbit.
Old favourites include 10 Things I Hate About You, The Princess Bride and The Shawshank Redemption.
Whether in the gardens, on an inner-city rooftop or by the beach, here are some of the best outdoor setups.
MOONLIGHT CINEMA
Settle back with friends and family at this outdoor cinema institution, now in its 25th year. Until March 29.
Royal Botanic Gardens, Birdwood Avenue South Yarra, moonlight.com.au
PENINSULA SHORT FILM FESTIVAL
Held annually, the free Rosebud festival attracts Victoria’s largest single viewing audience.
Sandwiched between an indie showcase on the Friday and a filmmaking workshop on the Sunday, the short film festival at the Village Green attracts thousands with rugs and friends to watch a selection of short films.
From January 31-February 2.
The Village Green, Rosebud, Mornington Peninsula, peninsulafilmfestival.com.au
MOV’IN BED CINEMA
It’s almost too good to be true. Get food delivered direct to your bed — one of 150 queen-sized beds with pillows and blankets — at St Kilda Beach, and be entertained by the big screen.
January 4-February 23.
Pier Rd, in front of Catani Gardens, movinbed.com
CAMEO OUTDOOR CINEMA
They’re screening an entire week of Star Wars before Christmas Say no more.
Season runs until March.
At 1628 Burwood Highway Belgrave, cameocinemas.com.au
CLASSIC ROOFTOP
After months of building works, the inaugural rooftop cinema program in Elsternwick will mix an array of new release films, from blockbusters to documentaries and art house fares, as well as Retro Wednesdays throughout January.
Until April.
9 Gordon St in Elsternwick, classiccinemas.com.au
LIDO ON THE ROOF
Enjoy inner-city rooftop views from comfy deck chairs, with all the big releases screening.
Until April.
675 Glenferrie Rd in Hawthorn, lidocinemas.com.au
ROOFTOP CINEMA CBD
The CBD’s personality is reflected in its program, with a focus on cool cult and seasonal classics inclusing Pulp Fiction, It’s a Wonderful Life and Terminator. Fuel your viewing with burgers and handmade choc tops.
Until March.
Curtin House at 252 Swanston St, rooftopcinema.com.au
BAREFOOT CINEMA RIPPONLEA
These twilight movie night at Rippon Lea House and Gardens also include a tour of the estate, retro lawn games, live music, food trucks and a giant bubble making competition.
From January 29-February 16.
At 192 Hotham St in Elsternwick, ripponleaestate.com.au
PALACE WESTGARTH OUTDOOR CINEMA
Grab a spritz and set of headphones (or bring your own) after you head upstairs to the Westgarth rooftop in Melbourne’s inner north for some vintage screenings.
Until March, 89 High St in Northcote, palacecinemas.com.au
AUSTRALIAN OPEN
Mix up your courtside viewing with family favourite movies on big screens nearby.
From January 20-February 2, Birrarung Marr, ausopen.com
CINEMA AT THE G
Who wouldn’t want to enjoy a different view of the MCG — from its hallowed turf over two nights only?
From February 14-15
MCG, mcg.org.au/cinema
LUNAR DRIVE-IN
This Dandenong set-up is billed as the largest drive-in cinema in Australia, with four screens and a diner. Multiple sessions every evening.
Nightly except Christmas Day.
At 115 South Gippsland Highway Dandenong, lunardrive-in.com.au
VILLAGE COBURG DRIVE-IN
Children under 12 are free at nightly drive-in movie sessions. Variety of blockbusters projected onto huge 33m-wide screens, with sound is picked up through your car’s FM stereo broadcast.
At 155 Newlands Rd Coburg, villagecinemas.com.au/cinemas/coburg-drive-in
For a comprehensive look at the best outdoor cinemas across Victoria, have a look at Neala Johnson’s list.