Step Back in Time and Visit a Drive-In
Before plush cinemas and gold class tickets, there was the age of Drive-Ins. There are a very small number of Drive-Ins across Melbourne where you can experience movie going as it used to be.
There are a lot of benefits of the drive-in theatre compared to a multiplex cinema including:
- No need for a babysitter, bring the kids and let them enjoy the show or fall asleep in the back seat!
- No parking problems, drive right in and select your spot.
- You can talk during the movie
- Eat, drink and relax in your own private Gold Class (car).
- No need to dress up. I'm sure you can sneak to the cafe in tracksuit pants.
- The movies are very inexpensive
- You control the sound level - never too loud or too soft.
- Totally relax and bring doonas, pillows and sleeping bags or sit on outdoor chairs next to your car or on our lawns on warm nights.
One thing missing from the original experience are the big speakers you used to put on the window. The speakers have been retired and the sound is broadcast in FM stereo.
The drive-ins are:
Dromana 3 Drive-In in Dromana is a National Trust listed drive-in. Shel's Diner is modelled on the authentic 50's style American Diner and there is lots of movie memorabilia to check out.
Prices are: Car Price (up to 5 people in vehicle) $50, extra people @ $16 each OR Single person price (flat rate) $16 with children 2 yrs and under free.
Coburg Drive-In in Coburg North has three screens and space for 900 cars. There is a 50's style diner serving a variety of take away food and confectionery.
Prices vary between sessions but the admission price for a car load (5 people maximum) is around $50. The price for an adult is about $23 and $18.50 for a child (12-14 years), concession $22, senior $16, kids 11 and under get in free.
Lunar Drive-In in Dandenong has been sold to developers and has now closed.
The playground at Sinnott Street, Burwood honours the Burwood Skyline Drive-in which existed on this site until it closed in 1983. The playground has a Drive-in theme with a screen which has two climbing walls, a high horizontal rope net, curved rope ladder and wave slide. Sitting out front is a huge car with steering wheel and seats. BYO popcorn and drinks.
