14 Best Outdoor Cinemas in Melbourne
One of the best ways to enjoy Melbourne's lovely summer evenings is to watch a film at one of the outdoor cinemas which pop-up at this time of the year. Bring along a comfortable chair to relax in or a picnic rug to sit on and you are set for a stellar evening. Films start when it gets dark enough, which is typically around 8:30-9pm which could mean a late night for very young kids. We have provided all the information you need to find a suitable location to view your favourite movies under the stars. The locations for outdoor cinemas are:
1. Melbourne Cable Park (Bangholme)
Address: 5 Riverend Road, Bangholme
Operating Times: Approximately end of December 2023 - end March 2024
Cost: $15 per person (adult/child), $40 family of 4 people (from the same household). 2024 prices TBD.
Bad Weather Policy: Sessions may be changed or cancelled due to inclement weather. If the session is cancelled, complimentary tickets will be issued. There are no refunds.
Dogs: Dogs are not permitted
Notes: The Outdoor Cinema utilises the latest LED screen technology to allow screening movies without needing to wait for dark begin our screenings. This means movies can be run at any time during daylight hours (no need to keep the kids awake until dark to watch a movie).
2. Cameo Cinemas (Belgrave)
Address: 1628 Burwood Highway, Belgrave
Operating Times: 1st December - March
Cost: $25
Bad Weather Policy: Sessions may be changed or cancelled due to inclement weather. If the session is cancelled, complimentary tickets will be issued. There are no refunds.
Dogs: Dogs are welcome but don't forget the doggy bags!
Notes: Families can sit in deck chairs and watch movies on the gorgeous rolling lawn amidst the picturesque surrounds of the Dandenong Ranges. There is a licensed bar stocked with food and drink. Outside alcohol, food and snacks are not permitted.
4. Pentridge Open-Air Cinema (Coburg)
Address: 1 Champ Street, Coburg
Operating Times: 15 December 2022 - 26 March 2023. Films start at approximately 8:30pm
Cost: General Admission: $26, concession/senior: $22
Bad Weather Policy: In the event of extreme weather, sessions may be cancelled. If the session is cancelled you will be provided with a refund or ticket exchange for another session of your choice.
Dogs: Not permitted.
Notes: Screens the biggest global releases and hand-picked retro films under the summer night sky in a striking locale of the former Pentridge prison. Drinks and snacks are available from the Palace Pop-Up Bar when the gates open at 7:30pm. Arrive early to save a deck chair, stock up on your favourite beverages and settle in for the evening.
5. Coburg Drive-In (Coburg North)
Address: 155 Newlands Road, Coburg North
Operating Times: Nightly
Cost: Car Load (5 people maximum) is $50, adult: $23, child (12-14 years) $18.50, concession $22, senior $16, kids 11 and under get in free. Cheaper with Vrewards.
Bad Weather Policy: None
Dogs: Dog friendly
Notes: For a night of good old-fashioned movie fun, bring your family or a carload of friends to the Drive-In. See the latest blockbusters projected onto the huge 33-metre wide screens, with sound picked up through your car's FM stereo broadcast. Grab a bite to eat at the retro-style diner. Order from your car via the Coburg Drive-In app to have snacks delivered straight to you. The Drive-In is owned by Village Cinemas and the same films are shown as at other Village cinemas.
6. Dromana 3 Drive-In (Dromana)
Address: 133 Nepean Highway, Dromana
Operating Times: Summer & school holidays - 7 nights per week, school term 1 - closed Mondays, school terms 2, 3 & 4 - closed Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday. Closed Christmas eve and night.
Open on New Years Eve and Good Friday. Session times vary by season and daylight savings.
Cost: Car Price (up to 5 people in vehicle): $50, extra people @ $16 each OR single person price (flat rate): $16. Deckchair Cinema - $25 per person (chair hire and headset included). Children 2 yrs and under free unless they require a chair in the Deckchair Cinema.
Bad Weather Policy: Movies are screened, even during heavy rain. No refunds for poor weather.
Dogs: Dogs are allowed to come into the venue but must stay in your car at all times.
Notes: As well as a Drive-In area for cars there is a Deckchair Cinema area where deckchairs and radios are supplied. Classics and new releases are shown on the screens. There are sometimes two screenings a night. It is allowed to bring picnics, snacks, drinks etc. but it is requested that for meals, you utilise Shel's diner which has a very extensive menu. Food ordered from Shel's diner can be delivered to your car.
8. Classic Cinema (Elsternwick)
Address: 9 Gordon Street, Elsternwick
Operating Times: Every day over summer
Cost: $27 for adult, child, senior, concession, $23 student
Bad Weather Policy: If wet weather prevails and the session is cancelled, complimentary tickets will be issued. There are no refunds for Classic Rooftop tickets.
Dogs: Dogs are not permitted
Notes: The cinema has ten indoor screens as well as the Classic Rooftop Cinema which plays the freshest new release films alongside some retro classics and special events. There is a bar upstairs to enjoy a drink and take in the view of the bay and surrounding rooftops as the sun sets. This is one of the loveliest places to watch rooftop movies in Melbourne.
9. Lido Cinemas (Hawthorn)
Address: 675 Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn
Operating Times: Some evenings over summer
Cost: $27 for adult, child, senior, concession, $23 student
Bad Weather Policy: Sessions may be changed or cancelled due to inclement weather. If wet weather prevails and the session is cancelled, complimentary tickets will be issued. There are no refunds for Lido on the Roof tickets.
Dogs: Dogs are not permitted
Notes: A lineup of blockbusters, arthouse gems and family favourites. There is a food and drink counter which serves alcohol and snacks.
10. Federation Square (Melbourne CBD)
Address: Cnr St Kilda Road and Flinders Street, Melbourne
Operating Times:The Big Steal (PG) - Friday 6 January, 6pm
Muriel's Wedding (M) - Friday 6 January, 8pm
BMX Bandits (PG) - Saturday 7 January, 6pm
The Interpreter (M) - Saturday 7 January, 8pm
Bran Nue Dae (PG) - Sunday 8 January, 6pm
Radiance (M) - Sunday 8 January, 8pm
Love, Simon (M) - Friday 10 February, 8pm
Priscilla Queen of the Desert (M) - Saturday 11 February, 8pm
Cost: FREE
Bad Weather Policy: None. Films operate irrespective of the weather.
Dogs: Permitted on leash
Notes: Some chairs are provided but get there early or optional BYO.
11. Sunset Cinema (Mount Martha)
Address: The Briars, 450 Nepean Highway, Mount Martha
Operating Times: 21 Dec 2022 - 20 Jan 2023
Cost: General admission: $15, kids (3-12yrs): $10, VIP Upgrade: $25 + admission
Bad Weather Policy: Sunset Cinema is an all-weather outdoor event which will go ahead with in most weather conditions, including in the event of light or intermittent rain or during weather conditions which patrons may consider to be unsatisfactory. If the event is cancelled, tickets for the cancelled session will be transferable for another session during the current season. Tickets are non-refundable.
Dogs: Dogs are not permitted
Notes: Fully licensed venue, food truck and candy bar. Children under the age of 18 years old must be accompanied by a responsible adult. VIP ticket includes a reclining chair or beanbag, premium seating area and bottomless fresh popcorn.
12. Moonlight Cinema (South Yarra)
Address: Central Lawn, Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, Birdwood Avenue, Melbourne/South Yarra
Operating Times: From 1st December 2022 to 26th March 2023. Films begin at sundown.
Cost: General Admission: $25, Connoisseur Lounge (bean bed and Connoisseur ice cream): $40, AAMI Gold Grass (bean bed in premium viewing location and wait service): $50, Mr. Stubbs Platinum Experience - 2 Adults: $150
Bad Weather Policy: Will go ahead in most weather conditions, including light, intermittent or potential rain. A cancellation will only be considered if the conditions present a danger to patrons or staff. If a session before the last month of the season is cancelled, your tickets will be transferable for another night in the current season. If your session is cancelled in the last month of the season, your tickets will automatically be refunded within 48 hours.
Dogs: Our furry friends are welcome in all sections including the premium areas. Dogs must be supervised and kept under effective control by means of a short leash (2m or under) at all times.
Notes: This is the original Melbourne outdoor cinema which plays classic and new release films in the wonderful surrounds of the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. There is a bar for drinks, Mexican style food, snacks and ice-cream for sale.
13. Sunset Cinema (St Kilda)
Address: 11 Herbert Street, St Kilda
Operating Times:1st February 2023 - 4th March 2023
Cost: General admission: $15, kids (3-12yrs): $10, VIP Upgrade: $25 + admission
Bad Weather Policy: Sunset Cinema is an all-weather outdoor event which will go ahead with in most weather conditions, including in the event of light or intermittent rain or during weather conditions which patrons may consider to be unsatisfactory. If the event is cancelled, tickets for the cancelled session will be transferable for another session during the current season. Tickets are non-refundable.
Dogs: Dogs are not permitted
Notes: Fully licensed venue, food truck and candy bar. Children under the age of 18 years old must be accompanied by a responsible adult. VIP ticket includes a reclining chair or beanbag, premium seating area and bottomless fresh popcorn.
14. Sun Williamstown Outdoor Cinema (Williamstown)
Address: 82 Nelson Place, Williamstown
Operating Times: December 17 2022 - February 14, 2023. Gates open at 7.30pm, movie begins at 8.30pm.
Cost: Adults, 18 and over: $19.50, children (3-17 yrs), seniors: $13.50, reserved Cape Cod chair: $5, reserved bean bag: $5, Scotchman's Hamper (wine, choctops and popcorn): $50
Bad Weather Policy: If the movie stops due to bad weather, your ticket shall be refunded.
Dogs: Dogs are permitted
Notes: You can sit on the plush grass, bring your own seat or hire a bean bag or Cape Cod Chair (for 2 people) and then settle in to watch a classic or newly released movie in a great location beside the bay. There is a candy bar with choctops, popcorn and snacks and beverages are available from the Pirates Tavern (no BYO). BYO food is welcome and supporting local traders is encouraged.
