Victoria's outdoor cinemas and drive-ins open this summer

Outdoor cinemas in Melbourne

Moonlight Cinema, Melbourne 

Thursday 1 December 2022 – Sunday 26 March 2023

One of the classics, Melbourne’s Moonlight Cinema is set up on the Central Lawn in the Royal Botanical Gardens. With a program boasting a mix of Hollywood classic and new releases, there’s something for everyone to enjoy amongst the stunning backdrop of nature. 

Food and drink: You can BYO or grab a bite and tipple at art the on-site food trucks and candy bar. 

Seating: Movie-goers can elect to bring their own set up such as a picnic blanket or choose to pay for bean bags or bean beds. 

Notes: Dog friendly, and you can either park or take public transport. Plan your trip with arevo.

Classic Rooftop, Elsternwick 

Classic Rooftop, Elsternwick 

Starts Thursday 1 December 2022  

The Classic Rooftop in Melbourne’s south-east is back for the 22-23 summer season, with a range of blockbusters, art-house gems and family favourites for all to enjoy. 

Food and drink: Regular candy bar fare is available, along with a range of starters such as hot chips and a cheese platter. For those who would like to enjoy a beverage as the sun goes down, Classic Rooftop also boasts an outdoor bar that opens an hour before the film starts rolling, happy hour Fridays, and all-day weekend rooftop drinks.

Seating: Outdoor deck chairs are provided, and if chilly, blankets can be rented for $10.

Notes: Set atop the indoor Classic Cinemas, cinephiles will be happy to note these sessions are viewed with headphones on to keep the sound within the area – and stops you from being bothered by pesky movie talkers too!

Lido On The Roof, Hawthorn

Starts Thursday 1 December 2022

 In the same family as the Classic, the east’s contribution to outdoor viewing does not disappoint. With a program at  Lido On The Roof  featuring old-school classics, the latest Hollywood releases and family favourites, viewers can settle in atop the Lido Cinema for a summertime session under the stars. 

Food and drink: A rooftop bar has a selection of beverages and candy bar treats, as well as savoury snacks including cheese platters, edamame, and toasties. 

Seating: Woven deck chairs, and blankets can be hired for $2. 

Notes: The indoor cinema also features a jazz room and comedy nights for those looking for a full night out! 

Melbourne Cable Park, Bangholme, Vic

Select dates during the 2022 / 2023 summer

An Aqua Fun Park that doubles as an outdoor cinema? It’s true! Melbourne Cable Park, which many people may pass en route to the Mornington Peninsula, run outdoor cinemas on a LED screen – meaning they can begin around 4 pm, before the sun goes down. Complete with live music, avid adventure goers can have fun at the Park’s attractions including cable wakeboarding, tree surfing, and the Aqua Fun Park before settling on the grass for an outdoor summer flick. 

Food and drink: Café and licensed bar on site. 

Seating: BYO blanket or deck chair, or utilise a provided bean bag. 

Notes: Live music starts before most films around 2 pm. 

Banyule City Council Outdoor Movies, Banyule

Select dates during the 2022 / 2023 summer

Local residents in Melbourne’s east can enjoy free outdoor movie sessions put on around parks hosted by the Banyule City Council. Featuring family-friendly flicks, it’s a part of the council’s events and festivals as they welcome in 2023. 

Food and drink: BYO, or food available for purchase. 

Seating: Bring a picnic rug or deck chair. 

Notes: The Council will be putting on activities before the screening, as well as an opportunity to learn more about their services. 

Barefoot Cinema, Mount Martha / St Kilda / Werribee

Select dates during the 2022 / 2023 summer

The Barefoot Cinema crew are back for another summer; providing food, drink and flicks under the stars. The Mount Martha sessions are held at The Briars, a homestead and surrounding gardens gifted to the National Trust and Mornington Peninsula Shire.

The St Kilda Barefoot Cinema is held in its illustrious botanical gardens, while those on the west can enjoy outdoor films at the Victoria State Rose Garden, home of the perfect rose. 

Food and drink: Billing itself as a ‘festival-like atmosphere,’ visitors can enjoy beverages from the on-site bar, candy bar treats, and a rotating range of food trucks for more substantial food fare. You are also welcome to bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks.

Seating: BYO picnic rug, bean bag, or deck chair. 

Notes: Dogs are welcome at the St. Kilda venue. 

Cameo Outdoor Cinema, Belgrave

Select dates during the 2022 / 2023 summer

Movies outside with a comfy deckchair provided? The Cameo Outdoor Cinema is ready for your visit! With a mix of summer blockbusters and cult classics, take in the stunning surrounds of the magnificent Dandenong Ranges while enjoying the latest pictures on the Cameo lawn. 

Food and drink: There is a licensed bar on-site with a range of craft beers and boutique wines, as well as movie snacks and artisan platters. Outside food is not permitted. 

Seating: Deck chairs and bean bags provided. 

Notes: Cameo is dog friendly, just make sure you clean up with a doggy bag after their movie snacks!

Zoo Summer Cinema, Melbourne Zoo 

Select dates during the 2022 / 2023 summer

Feel like watching a flick with a giraffe by your side? Okay, so technically they may not watch the flick with you, but there's something atmospheric about watching a film amongst Melbourne Zoo's loveable creatures. Have a stroll around visiting the animals before taking in a flick to support the zoo’s ongoing efforts to protect wildlife. 

Food and drink: Food truck and licensed bar available. BYO food (not alcohol) is also permitted. 

Seating: BYO picnic blanket or low beach chair, or upgrade to a Gold Garden ticket. 

Notes: Cashless event. Dogs not permitted. 

Bourne Local Open-Air Cinema, Elwood and Moorabbin

Select dates during the 2022 / 2023 summer

The team at Bourne Local had wild success bringing outdoor cinemas to Elwood last summer. This year, they’re stepping it up, with sessions also being rolled out at the Morris Moor precinct in Moorabbin.

In Elwood, seasiders can pack the picnic rug and enjoy a mix of new releases and old favourites on the big screen amongst the palm trees. 

At Moorabbin, guests can watch from the car, or bring along the bean bags and pillows to watch when the film starts at sunset. 

Food and drink: BYO, or enjoy delectable delights from the gourmet food trucks and licensed kiosks on site. 

Seating: BYO deck chairs, picnic rugs and bedding. 

Notes: Both venues are dog-friendly – so give them a run at the local dog beach first! Once you arrive, come for the pre-show entertainment, stay for the film – Bourne Local artisan markets will also feature live music, food, and drink stalls and activities for the kids amongst all the movie fun. 

Pentridge Open-Air Cinema, Coburg

Thursday 15 December 2022 – Sunday 26 March 2023

Whilst hanging out in a prison is not usually the first request for date night, the team at Pentridge might just change your mind. Previously known as Her Majesty’s Prison Pentridge where you can still book a spooky ghost tour has been rebranded as the Palace Pentridge Open-Air Cinema. Featuring a mash-up of retro favourites and latest releases, immerse yourself in the history of the 1800s building – no handcuffs required. 

Food and drink: There is a licensed Palace Pop-Up Bar with candy bar goods and platters - as well as cannoli on weekends. Otherwise, feel free to bring your own food. 

Seating: Canvas deck-chairs provided.

Notes: Look out for the pop-up bar featuring events, trivia, live music and costume competitions.  

RACV Members save on Palace Cinemas tickets.

Drive in cinemas in Melbourne

Disney+ Drive In Presented By Open-Air Cinemas, Melbourne Showgrounds

Select dates during the 2022 / 2023 summer

 The Disney+ Drive-In is back for another round of magical Disney+ favourites, ranging from nostalgic classics to their latest ventures on the big screen. So, whether it’s a family day out or a date night for two, the program has something for everyone looking for a magic carpet ride. 

Food and drink:  Patrons can BYO (alcohol-free), or  grab candy bar goods from the on-site kiosk.

Seating: As well as the classic drive-in, there is ‘The Park’ including picnic spaces, bean bags, and table service for you to enjoy the great outdoors your own way.

Notes: Children under five are free, and the cinema is dog-friendly. Sounds is transmitted through FM audio in your car, or those sitting outside can hire a portable speaker. 

Lunar Drive In, Dandenong

Year-round

The largest drive-in theatre in Australia, the Lunar Drive-In has been entertaining cinephiles since 1956. With four screens showcasing the latest Hollywood releases, the Dandenong locale also frequently holds events and competitions, making it fun for the whole family to enjoy. 

Food and drink: BYO, or the Lunar Café boasts a selection of candy bar snacks, donuts, and Aussie burgers.

Seating: Car with sound via FM radio, the outdoor section of the Lunar Café, or BYO chair/picnic rug on a balmy night. 

Notes: Don’t skip the trailers – you might get a laugh at a classic drive-in snack bar film clip of dancing hamburgers or fries! 

Village Cinemas Coburg Drive In, Coburg 

Year-round

One of the last standing drive-in theatres in Melbourne and now part of the National Trust, avid moviegoers looking for a hint of nostalgia can bundle up in the car for a night of old-fashioned fun. Whether you stay in the car, open up the back or plonk yourself on a chair outside, bring a carload and enjoy the latest releases through your vehicle’s FM stereo at the Village Cinemas Coburg Drive-In.  

Food and drink: Get your USA on and head into the retro American-styled diner for a throwback to yesteryear, where you can enjoy classic candy bar favourites – or order from the Coburg Drive-In app and get the food delivered straight to your car door so you don’t miss any of the movie action! 

Seating: You’re in your own vehicle, so get as comfy in there as you like! Bring a mattress, open the back and watch in style.  

Notes:  Kids under 11 get in for free – as do your furry dog friends! 

Outdoor cinemas and drive-ins in regional Victoria

Cinema Pop-Up, Variety of regional areas in Victoria

Various dates between Thursday 24 November 2022 and Saturday 21 January 2023

Get on the outdoor cinema tour bus, because Cinema Pop Up is coming to a regional town near you!

An outdoor cinema experience playing in a range of locations around Victoria including Stawell, Woodend, Warrnambool, Wallan, Castlemaine, Wangaratta, Shepparton and Bacchus Marsh, the event will bring a variety of family movie favourites on the big outdoor screen to the regions.

Food and drink: BYO food (not drinks), otherwise the Cinema Pop-Up will have standard candy bar offerings, as well as a selection of alcoholic beverages. 

Seating: BYO rug or deck chair, or upgrade to a Bean Bed with free small popcorn. 

Notes: Kids under 18 are free, and while still quite economical at the venue, tickets for adults are cheaper ($5.00) when purchased online. 

Dromana Drive In, Dromana

Year-round

This triple-screen drive-in is a nod to the days of yore, and the Dromana Drive-In is open year-round. Another one on the National Trust list and screening films since the 1960s, the sound is like the Village Coburg Drive-In, where you get your audio straight through your FM speaker. 

Food and drink: You can BYO, or enjoy diner delights like burgers, milkshakes, and hot jam donuts delivered to your car door – or go in and have a play on the 50s-style pinball and jukebox machines inside.  

Seating: In your vehicle, or you can bring a deck chair to sit outside if weather permits! 

Notes: For those who may be staying nearby, and who love a good flea market, the cinema also doubles as a Drive-In Sunday Market, with a range of produce, artisan creations, trinkets, and second-hand goods on offer. 

DIY Outdoor Cinema  

Year-round

If you can’t go to the cinema, why not bring the cinema to you? Whether you want to make your own DIY Outdoor Cinema or have a company bring the movies straight to your home or event, it’s a good one for those stuck at home but want to feel like a night out.