Best Outdoor Cinemas in Melbourne for 2024/25 season

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: Family movies every day during the holidays and on weekends until end of March 2025. Family movies begin at 4pm with live music from 2pm. Movies for an older audience screen on Wednesday, Thursday & Friday evenings at 7pm.
Cost: $15 per person (adult/child), $40 family of 4 people (from the same household). Lounger Bean Bags are available for rental ($5 per person) and it is recommended to book these in advance as they regularly sell out.
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). Bring your own camping chair or picnic blanket to sit on.

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.

3. Classic Cinema (Elsternwick)



Address: 9 Gordon Street, Elsternwick
Operating Times: Every day over summer
Cost: $27 for adult, child, senior, concession, 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.

4. Lido Cinemas (Hawthorn)



Address: 675 Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn
Operating Times: Some evenings over summer
Cost: $27 for adult, child, senior, concession, 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.

5. Federation Square (Melbourne CBD)

Address: Cnr St Kilda Road and Flinders Street, Melbourne
Operating Times: On Wednesdays over summer.
Cost: FREE. Free popcorn during the outdoor cinema screening.
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.

6. Moonlight Cinema (South Yarra)



Address: Central Lawn, Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, Birdwood Avenue, Melbourne/South Yarra
Operating Times: 29th Nov 2024 - 30th Mar 2025. Films begin at sundown.
Cost: General Admission: $27.50, Connoisseur Lounge (bean bed and Connoisseur ice cream): $45, Gold Grass (bean bed in premium viewing location and wait service): $54, Platinum Experience - 2 Adults: $190
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 range of drinks, snacks and light meals available for purchase from the onsite kitchen and bar.

7. Sunset Cinema (St Kilda)



Address: St Kilda Botanical Gardens, 11 Herbert Street, St Kilda
Operating Times: 9th January 2025 - 8th March 2025
Cost: Adult general admission: $25, concession / student: $20, child (3-12 years): $15, Sunset Lounge Upgrade: (bean lounge for one, reserved prime viewing area, & bottomless popcorn): $25 + admission, Sunset Bean Bag hire: $10
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: Sunset loves your furry friends. Dogs are allowed if they are on their leash. Please also be sure to clean up after them and be aware that the cinema environment involves large crowds and loud audio during the film.
Notes: Fully licensed venue, food truck and candy bar. You can bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks. Children under the age of 18 years old must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

8. Sunset Cinema (Abbotsford)

Address: Abbotsford Convent, 1 St Heliers Street, Abbotsford
Operating Times: 5th December 2024 - 4th January 2025
Cost: Adult general admission: $25, concession / student: $20, child (3-12 years): $15, Sunset Lounge Upgrade: (bean lounge for one, reserved prime viewing area, & bottomless popcorn): $25 + admission, Sunset Bean Bag hire: $10
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: Sunset loves your furry friends. Dogs are allowed if they are on their leash. Please also be sure to clean up after them and be aware that the cinema environment involves large crowds and loud audio during the film.
Notes: Fully licensed venue, food truck and candy bar. You can bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks. Children under the age of 18 years old must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

9. Sun Cinema - The Shore Outdoor (Williamstown)



Address: 82 Nelson Place, Williamstown
Operating Times: Some nights between December 31 2024 - February 14, 2025. Gates open at 7.30pm, movie begins at 8.30pm.
Cost: Adults, 18 and over: $21, children (3-17 yrs), seniors: $15, pensioners, students or concession card holders: $16.50, reserved Cape Cod chair: $10, reserved bean bag: $5
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 alcohol). BYO food is welcome and supporting local traders is encouraged.

10. 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) $19, concession $22, senior $18, 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.

11. 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): $60, single person price (flat rate): $18. Deckchair Cinema - $24 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.

12. 'Bourne Local Open Air Cinema (Elwood)



Address: Elwood Park, Elwood
Operating Times: January 19th to February 3rd. Movies start at sunset. Gates open at 5pm. Come and enjoy the early entertainment for local bands, DJ and fun for all the family. There is themed fun for children's movies.
Cost: $23.00 with children under 2 years free.
Bad Weather Policy: Screenings will be cancelled for adverse weather only. In the event of a cancellation your booking will be credited to another screening. If you are unable to make this screening you will get a refund in full.
Dogs: Dog friendly but dogs must be kept on short leads (2m) at all times.
Notes: There will be a wide variety of food trucks and bars on site so arrive hungry and thirsty. Food trucks will finish 1hr into the duration of the film and there will be a licenced bar until 10pm.

13. Hobsons Bay Council Movies by the Bay (Williamstown / Altona / Seabrook)



Address: Three locations (Williamstown, Altona and Seabrook)
Operating Times: Runt (PG) at Commonwealth Reserve, Williamstown on Friday 17th January, 2025, The Wild Robot (PG), Logan Reserve, Altona on Friday 24th January and Inside Out 2 (PG) at Homestead Run Reserve, Seabrook on Friday 31st January. The event starts at 6pm, with free roving entertainment and a fun circus skills playspace facilitated by Donna Sparx. The movies start after sundown, around 8.40pm.
Cost: Free to attend, booking is not required
Bad Weather Policy: In the case of heavy rain or dangerous weather, the event may need to be cancelled in the lead up to, or on the day of the event. Check Facebook for updates.
Dogs: Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash at all times.
Notes: Food and drinks will not be available to purchase at the events. However, there are lots of tasty food options in Hobsons Bay. It is recommended to grab a bite to eat or pick up some takeaway from local traders before heading to Movies by the Bay. Alternatively, you're welcome to bring your own food and drinks (please no alcohol or glass).

14. Rooftop Moovies at Moonee (Moonee Ponds)



Address: Palace Penny Lane, 17 Puckle Street, Moonee Ponds
Operating Times: Dec 18 - March 23. Rooftop Bar opens from 8pm, feature films begin between 8:45 and 9pm, depending on sunset timing.
Cost: Palace Movie Club members: $21, adult: $26, senior 60+: $23, concession: $23
Bad Weather Policy: Not known
Dogs: Dogs are not permitted.
Notes: A hand-picked selection of blockbusters, award-season contenders, and classic favourites, all while basking in the ambiance of Moonee Ponds stunning twilight and evening views. Arrive early to soak up the sunset on the exclusive Piper-Heidsieck lawn while enjoying an array of expertly curated wines, craft beer, signature cocktails, and mocktails, from the fully-serviced on-site bar, along with Palace's signature olive-oil popcorn and handmade choctops.