Iconic Aussie cinema closes after 67 years

An iconic outdoor cinema has become the latest victim of cost of living pressures, and will close its doors after 67 years.

Lunar Drive-in closes. Picture: Facebook.

An iconic outdoor cinema in Melbourne’s southeast has become the latest victim of cost of living, announcing that it will close its doors after 67 years.

The Lunar Drive-in in Dandenong is Australia’s largest drive-in theatre. When it first opened it 1956, it was one of the first drive-ins built in Australia.

Almost seven decades on and the theatre is still as popular as ever, welcoming 400,000 guests a year. But in just six weeks, Lunar Drive-in will close for good, citing cost of living pressures.

Melbourne’s Lunar Drive-in will close after 67 years. Picture: Facebook.

“July 9 will be the last night at Lunar Drive-in,” the company posted to Facebook.

“We’d like to thank all of our loyal patrons, our wonderful staff, past and present, and all of our supplier friends in the industry.”

Lunar Drive-in said it would spend its last six weeks “running the latest blockbuster movies along with some drive-in classics.”

“Tickets for our final nights are now on sale via our website with more sessions to come over the coming weeks,” the company added.

“We look forward to seeing many of you before we close. Thank you for being a supporter of Lunar Drive-in, Dandenong.”

Land tax has risen to a staggering $1000 per day. Picture: Facebook.

Land tax on the venue has risen to a staggering $1000 per day, and is predicted to double in the next few years.

Owner David Kilderry said the costs simply weren’t worth it.

“Fifteen acres of land … that’s hard to justify when there’s no one here in the daytime and we only operate a few hours each night,” he told 7 News.

“We’re particularly sad for our customers and our staff but also some of our long-term suppliers.”

Owner David Kilderry (left) said the costs simply weren’t worth it. Picture: Josie Hayden

Lunar Drive-in has shared its last few weeks of movie schedules, with screenings that include Transformers: The Rise of Beasts, The Flash and Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.

But the schedule for June 9 reads: “Lunar Drive-in closes forever after tonight. Thank you to all of our customers, staff & suppliers.”

The final night will ring out with showings of Austin Powers: Goldmember and Indiana Jones & The Dial of Destiny, both at 7pm.

The cinema’s site has been sold and will be redeveloped.

Originally published as Iconic Aussie cinema closes after 67 years