Summer guide: Where to find Victoria’s best open-air cinemas
WHAT could be better than seeing Star Wars: The Last Jedi after the stroke of midnight under the actual stars. Here’s our guide to Victoria’s best open-air cinemas now the sky has cleared.
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WHAT could be better than seeing Star Wars: The Last Jedi the minute it opens, just after the stroke of midnight, under the actual stars.
That’s the unique experience on offer at several of Melbourne’s open-air cinema venues this summer season: the Cameo Outdoor Cinema, Lido on the Roof and Palace Westgarth Outdoor.
“A midnight Star Wars is suddenly a whole different thing,” says Eddie Tamir, owner of the Cameo and Lido.
“You’re literally seeing stars for that Star Wars session.”
Melbourne may only be as obsessed as any other city in the world when it comes to Star Wars, but we’re uncommonly obsessed with outdoor or open-air cinema.
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From seasons that run December through April to one-off events in local parks and shopping centres, summer in Victoria comes with an ever-increasing variety of outdoor moviegoing options.
Arts and entertainment writer Guy Davis believes outdoor cinemas “add a little originality, a little mystique, even a little glamour to the process. It makes going to the movies an event again.”
Watching movies outdoors is by no means anything new for Melburnians — we were doing it before film even came with sound.
According to Victorian historian Daniel Catrice, before the first bricks-and-mortar movie houses were built in the city from 1907 onwards, “audiences were initially accommodated in vaudeville theatres, suburban halls and at open-air venues such as cricket grounds and beaches”.
Tamir, who in finding beautiful old cinemas to restore has thoroughly researched the history of Melbourne moviegoing, wound up with sand between his toes, too.
“Melbourne has an enormous tradition of outdoor cinemas, generally on the beach,” Tamir says. “One of the first cinema experiences in Victoria was the outdoor cinema on St Kilda Beach, opposite where the Palais is. So, as they say in the classics, nothing’s new under the sun.”
Back then, the trend towards improvised venues was more because moving pictures were thought to be a passing fad — not worth setting anything in stone for. But once we did lock ourselves into closed, dark rooms, it seems only natural that we’d eventually realise, as Tamir says, there’s “something about taking that experience out into nature which is exciting”.
In Melbourne, the excitement is quadrupled, not just because a Moonlight Cinema screening of Justice League in the Botanic Gardens is likely to see Batman joined by real low-flying bats.
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Our city’s infamous “four-seasons-in-one-day” weather makes an outdoor cinema excursion on any given night a gamble.
(Tip: most outdoor cinemas feature their rain policy prominently on their websites or in their FAQs — look out for it when booking.)
“You could say gamble,” Tamir counters with a laugh, “but you could also say the adventure, the unpredictability.”
He offers the Cameo Outdoor setting, at the foot of the Dandenong Ranges in Belgrave,
as a case in favour of the unpredictability of the open-air cinema experience.
“You’ve got the sun setting behind the screen. You can see the Belgrave train under the screen as it passes by. You’ve got possums and owls negotiating with you over your popcorn ... When you’re sitting inside a hardtop cinema, it’s a pretty predictable experience, other than what’s on the screen.”
When Francesco “Frunch” Nazzari launched Rooftop Cinema in the CBD in 2006, he remembers being told: “This will never work. You can’t run a cinema on a roof.”
But he saw the idea as an antidote to hardtop cinemas’ “stale popcorn, flat post-mix and crummy seats”.
“It was about creating a new experience for people in Melbourne,” Nazzari says. “When I reflect back, people perceived it as an innovation. Now we’ve moved into this place of being an icon for the city.”
Indeed, a decade later Rooftop Cinema stands — alongside Moonlight and the Cameo — as one of the city’s outdoor originators.
Setting Rooftop Cinema apart is the ever-evolving city skyline and the cinema’s distinctive film programming. “We spend a lot of time thinking about how we can bring the personality of the city into the program,” Nazzari says.
A look at the films screening at Rooftop through January would suggest Melbourne’s personality is both retro and futuristic (The Goonies to Blade Runner 2049), cool and classic (The Big Sick to Casablanca), a little nostalgic (Home Alone) but also hip to what’s now
(Get Out) and new (The Last Jedi).
Which is pretty bang on, wouldn’t you say, Melbourne?
Retro or cult classics are a perennial big draw outdoors. In Davis’s experience, that’s because enjoying a movie under the stars can make “revisiting a film you’ve seen many times feel like something new”.
“Changing your viewing environment can change your perspective; that allows you to see
a film in a different way, or even like you’re seeing it for the first time all over again,”
Davis says.
On the Cameo Outdoor calendar again this year is Disney favourite The Lion King.
“That kind of retro, sentimental, nostalgic fun-ness, it works inside as well,” says Tamir,
“but outdoors, people let their hair down a bit more.”
Sessions such as those where audiences are encouraged to bring their pets add to the “event” feel of outdoor cinema.
And with each passing year, the food and drink offerings get posher, too: from Rooftop Cinema’s top 10-in-Melbourne burgers and Mesa Verde choc-tops to Lido on the Roof’s toasties and all-Victorian beer and wine selections.
But we’re talking “posh event” Australian style — think thongs over heels.
“There’s a charming informality to seeing a movie under the stars,” Davis says. “It may be an event, but it’s not one that requires your Sunday best.
“I don’t think anyone would begrudge a moviegoer rocking up to an outdoor cinema screening in their comfiest clobber.”
So what are you waiting for?
Pull up a deckchair or BYO blanket, pack a picnic or pick your gourmet vegan bites ... a movie adventure in Victoria’s great outdoors awaits.
MELBOURNE
CAMEO OUTDOOR CINEMA
As the sun sets behind the 14m-wide screen, you’ll be treated to all the big new releases, from 12.01am opening-day screenings of Star Wars: The Last Jedi to Hugh Jackman’s all-singing, all-dancing The Greatest Showman. Also look out for retro event screenings such as The Goonies treasure hunt. With doors opening an hour before the film, you’ve got plenty of time to soak up the surrounding nature.
1628 Burwood Hwy, Belgrave
Until April
MOONLIGHT CINEMA
The big daddy of outdoor cinema began in Melbourne in 1995 and has since expanded to five interstate locations. The season is filled mostly with new releases and advance screenings (Sweet Country, Pitch Perfect 3, Darkest Hour), the odd throwback (The Breakfast Club, Back to the Future) and events such as the dog-friendly session.
Royal Botanic Gardens, enter Gate D, Birdwood Ave
Until April 1
PALACE WESTGARTH OUTDOOR CINEMA
The Westgarth’s bijoux courtyard, filled with deck chairs, goes nicely with a new-release art-house title (Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, The Shape of Water) and a cold glass of something bubbly. So as not to disturb the neighbours, you’ll hear the movie on a pair of high-def headphones.
89 High St, Northcote
Until March
palacecinemas.com.au/cinemas/westgarth
BARKLY SQUARE OPEN AIR CINEMA
The Sydney Rd shopping hub hosts a movie in the Laneway every Saturday in December and January, with ticket proceeds going to a different charity each night. This season’s line-up (in date order): A Dog’s Purpose, Elf, Nightmare Before Christmas, Despicable Me 3, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Dirty Dancing, The Big Lebowski. Grab food and drink from Laneway traders.
Barkly Square, The Laneway, McDougall St, Brunswick
Saturdays until January 27
OPEN-AIR CINEMAS
Recent releases (Detroit, Murder on the Orient Express, Suburbicon) rub shoulders with seasonal favourites (Elf, Love Actually) down on the St Kilda waterfront. Pre-movie entertainment includes live music and knitting masterclasses. As the event is sponsored by American Express, cardholders can get ticket discounts and complimentary blanket hire.
South Beach Reserve, St Kilda Sea Baths
Until December 20
CINEMA AT THE ’G
Cinema settings don’t get any more spectacular — or stunning — than the MCG. This two-nights-only affair lets moviegoers park their blankets on the turf where Warner and Smith score their centuries. Friday offers up the family-friendly Wonder, while classic sports flick Remember the Titans will fill the ’G’s big (big!) screen on the Saturday. VIP tickets get you parking, a Cadbury chocolate bar and a bean bag.
MCG, BRUNTON AVE
February 23-24
VILLAGE CINEMAS COBURG DRIVE-IN
Not just for summer, Village Coburg Drive-In shows new-release movies year-round on three mega screens, each 33m wide. You pick up the sound via the FM radio in your car. The drive-in holds a regular Food Truck Festival, there’s a retro diner on site, or you can use an app to have snacks delivered direct to your car. Under-12 free.
155 Newlands Rd, Coburg
Year round
villagecinemas.com.au/drive-in
LUNAR DRIVE-IN
One of the original Aussie drive-ins, Lunar came back to life in 2002 and has four big screens showing new-release films and stereo sound via your car’s FM dial. The Lunar Cafe is known for its burgers and hot jam doughnuts and has outdoor seating. Open every night of the year (except Christmas).
115 South Gippsland Hwy, Dandenong
Year round
BAREFOOT CINEMA — RIPPON LEA
Barefoot Cinema isn’t doing its suburban debut by halves, taking over the grounds of National Trust gem Rippon Lea. This will mark the first time the much-loved estate has hosted such an event. Until the program is announced, punters can check out Barefoot’s Portsea or Arthurs Seat line-ups for an indication of what movies might be on show.
Rippon Lea Estate, 192 Hotham St, Elsternwick
February 1-16
LIDO ON THE ROOF
Among the Lido’s innovations this season is a spiffy new rooftop bar. Program-wise, a selection of saucy thrillers (Fatal Attraction, Secretary, Eyes Wide Shut) will make for steamy Friday nights. Lido on the Roof will go early on some big new flicks (see Star Wars: The Last Jedi at 12.01am on December 14, and Pitch Perfect 3 on December 22) and it has a choice selection of cult classics dotted throughout its program.
675 Glenferrie Rd, Hawthorn
Until April
SOUTH WHARF POP-UP OUTDOOR CINEMA
The Common Man eatery hosts a pop-up cinema with deckchairs and inflatable seating by the Yarra. The approach: all-time classics Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday nights, with an earlier Sunday session (5pm) for kids’ flicks.
Common Man, 39 Dukes Walk, South Wharf
January 3-February 28
thecommonman.com.au/pop-up-cinema-2/
THE SUNSET CINEMA
Rebranded and revamped for the 2017-18 season. On screen, the focus is newish family and art-house releases (Goodbye Christopher Robin, Captain Underpants, Daddy’s Home 2, Brad’s Status, Wonder Wheel). Off screen, you’ll find a snack bar, the La Revolucion food truck and MadFish wine bar.
Gasworks Arts Park, cnr Graham and Pickles Streets, Albert Park
December 27-January 13
ROOFTOP CINEMA
Melbourne’s first rooftop cinema has been revamped with a new sound system, digital projector and grandstand seating. If you’re not distracted by the city skyline, the Rooftop screen offers an eclectic mix of new, art-house and cult classic flicks. The run-up to Christmas is sure to bring cheer: Die Hard, Love Actually, Home Alone and Elf. The Rooftop bar is open daily 11am-1am, so there’s plenty of time to grab a drink with friends before or after your flick.
Curtin House, 252 Swanston St, city
Until April
GOURMET CINEMA
Eleven nights of cult movies matched to a menu created by a local restaurant. In other words, about as Melbourne an event as you can get. Program to be confirmed.
Caulfield Racecourse, Gate 22, Station St
March 1-11
QV CINEMA
Shop ’til you drop — then when you do, drop into a deck chair in the very heart of QV for a fun collection of flicks from across the years, from animated adventures to feel-good singalongs a la Muriel’s Wedding.
QV MELBOURNE, corner Swanston and Lonsdale Streets, city
February-March
YARRA VALLEY FILM FEST
Settle back on the grassy slope for a collection of local and international short films. Arrive early to wander a twilight market filled with local art, gifts, wine, gourmet food and more. Plus food trucks and jumping castle for the kids.
Mount Lilydale Mercy College,
120 Anderson St, Lilydale
February 24
REGIONAL
CINEMA POP UP
Outdoor mini seasons in regional centres moves to Hamilton from tonight (Thursday, December 7) with The Goonies. Jump online for further info on seasons in Lancefield (Dec 14-17), Deniliquin (Jan 4-7), Echuca (Jan 11-14), Benalla (Jan 18-21), Shepparton (Jan 25-28) and Seymour (Feb 1-4). Free when you book online. Ice cream, popcorn, drinks and more at every session.
Various towns, Victoria and southern NSW
Until February 4
DROMANA 3 DRIVE-IN
Nestled between the three big screens at this National Trust-listed drive-in is the Deckchair Cinema, where you can ditch the car for green grass and a chair/bean bag in front of a 7m-wide screen this summer. Need food with your new-release flicks? Shel’s Diner has hot dogs, fries, shakes, burgers and more in classic Americana style. And this New Year’s Eve, get live music and fireworks with your movie.
133 Nepean Highway, Dromana
Year round
TIDAL RIVER OPEN AIR CINEMA
Campers at Wilsons Prom have long enjoyed a movie among the gum trees. Your Weekend correspondent remembers seeing Dirty Dancing here when it wasn’t a retro classic but a hot new release. Remember to guard your popcorn from the resident wombats and possums, and rug up when the sun goes down. The season is split into nightly screenings until the end of the school holidays (expect new releases a la Coco, Jumanji and Ferdinand), then midweek and Saturday sessions through Easter.
Tidal River, Wilsons Promontory
December 26-mid April
facebook.com/tidalrivercinema or twitter.com/TRCinema
BAREFOOT CINEMA — PORTSEA
In this natural amphitheatre, punters will find beautiful views and a beautiful view of the screen from all vantage points. Expect a crowd-pleasing mix of comedies (Wedding Crashers, Bridget Jones’s Baby), kids’ flicks (Toy Story 3, Despicable Me 3) and old faves (Dirty Dancing).
Point Nepean National Park, Franklands Drive, Portsea
December 26-January 8
SUMMER IN THE PARKS
Free outdoor cinema is one element of the City of Greater Bendigo’s busy Summer in the Parks calendar. Jan 4: Red Dog: True Blue, Redesdale Rec Reserve, Kyneton. Jan 5: The Lego Batman Movie, Lockwood South Rec Reserve. Jan 12: Sing, Barrack Reserve, Heathcote. Jan 13: Vertigo, Rosalind Park, Bendigo. Jan 19: Beauty and the Beast, Elmore Events Centre. Jan 20: Despicable Me 3, Malone Park, Marong. Jan 25: Moana, Raywood Rec Reserve.
Various venues, Bendigo region
January 4-25
bendigosummerintheparks.com.au
BAREFOOT CINEMA — ARTHURS SEAT
Beautiful location overlooking Port Phillip Bay has moviegoers surrounded by nature. On screen, it’s a real mix of old favourites (Rocky, Shrek 2, Step Brothers), recent hits (It, Beauty and the Beast, Wonder Woman) and, especially for Australia Day, an AC/DC concert film.
Seawinds Gardens, Purves Rd,
Arthurs Seat
January 12-27
FURPHY OUTDOOR CINEMA
Little Creatures brewery celebrates its Geelong-born-and-bred ale with a season of Oz movies every Wednesday within the brewery walls. There’s plenty of cold beer on tap, naturally, and the Little Creatures Canteen is open before and during screenings. For a taste of what you’re in for on screen, last year they showed Kenny, Crackerjack and The Castle. Classic.
Little Creatures, 221 Swanston St, Geelong
January 21-March 7
BONJOUR BRIGHT
An open-air cinema is just one part of this French-themed festival taking place alongside the Alpine Classic bike race. Live music, kids’ entertainment, food and wine will also be on offer.
Howitt Park, Bright
January 26-28
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