Star struck in Melbourne

ROLL out your rug, fill up your esky and snuggle up to a complete stranger under the stars as we celebrate Australia's best outdoor cinemas.

FROM low-flying bats at the Royal Botanic Gardens, to the festival atmosphere of St Kilda – here's Melbourne's best outdoor cinemas.

NISSAN MOONLIGHT CINEMA

Starts: Now until Sunday, March 9.

Classic film: Casablanca.

Food and drink: Moonlight Cinema offers a licensed bar and catering, but you can also BYO.

Smoking? Designated smoking areas are provided.

What can I bring? Bean beds are available ($6, plus a $10 (cash only), refundable deposit). Alternatively you can bring low beach chairs, cushions, blankets and rugs.

Getting there: Royal Botanic Gardens, on Birdwood Avenue (near the intersection of Domain Road) South Yarra. Enter the cinema via Gate D. Catch the number 8 tram from South Yarra or Flinders Street Station and get off at the corner of Park Street and Domain Road. There's limited street parking around the venue.

What time does the film start? Gates open at 7pm, with screenings approximately at 8.30pm, but times may vary according to sundown.

Bookings: You can book online or at the Box Office, but tickets are subject to availability. For groups of 20 or more people, call 1300 364 328.

Price: Online = adult $14, concession $12 and children 5 to 15 years $10. Box Office = adult $16, concession $14 and children $12. Moonlight Movie Club holders $10 entry. Gold Grass ticket is available for $30.

Tools: Moonlight Cinema Widget

Tips: The barbequed gourmet sausages with onions will have you salivating onto your beanbag, so get stuck in.

ST KILDA OPENAIR

Starts: Thursday, January 31 until Sunday, March 2

Best travel flick: In To The Wild.

Food & drink: You can bring your own food and there's a fully licensed bar, but no BYO drinks or glass allowed at the event.

What can I bring? Deck chairs, beanbags and blanket can be hired for $3, or you can buy a blanket for $23. There's also the option to bring your own.

Dogs? No.

Getting there: The St Kilda Openair Cinema is located at the Sea Baths on the Esplanade in St Kilda. There's plenty of metered parking located near to the Sea Baths.

What time does the film start? The event opens at 6pm, with screenings approximately at sundown.

Bookings: You can book online or by calling 1300 GET TIX.

Price: Early bird online $12.90, or $17 at the door. Children under six go free to children’s films, but must be accompanied by an adult.

Tip: While your there, check out the St Kilda Festival from Saturday, January 2 to Sunday February 1.

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 YOUR SAY: Do you agree with the list or is there an even better outdoor cinema out there? Leave your tips below.