Despite Melbourne’s temperamental climate, locals will make any excuse to stay outside, which is why combining one of our favourite pastimes with the great outdoors has become so popular. Throughout the summer, open-air cinemas spring up all over Melbourne. Here are our top open-air cinemas.
Moonlight Cinema
Cinema, Movie Theater
Bordered by lush greenery and offering advanced screenings, Moonlight Cinema has become a Melbourne favourite. Located on the central lawn at the Royal Botanic Gardens, you can watch Hollywood’s biggest stars while laying underneath a grand canopy. Bring a picnic blanket or hire a bean bag and feast on burgers, fries, nachos, popcorn, Nutella donuts, and more. There’s even a selection of alcoholic beverages. Those looking for an extra special experience can purchase gold grass tickets, or for a ladies’ night, try the glam grass package.
With ping-pong tables and live music, Shadow Electric provides a unique take on traditional movie theatres. Located at the Abbotsford Convent, you’ll find plenty of seating, a rotating menu, and, as it is an over 18 cinema, you can relax without hearing any children screaming.
Conveniently located on Glenferrie Road, Lido Rooftop Cinema gives you a choice of deckchairs or beanbags and allows you to enjoy both new releases and classics in comfort. There’s room for up to 93 people and the vegan popcorn never runs out. Choose between 9pm and the occasional midnight screening, and on Tuesdays, tickets are discounted.
Rooftop Cinema
Cinema, Movie Theater
Year round, Rooftop Bar is exactly that — a bar, but when the mercury rises, so does the big screen. From December through April, movie buffs can watch new releases and cult classics from the comfort of a deck chair while surrounded by Melbourne’s sparkling city skyline. Make your way upstairs, visit the box office on the left, enjoy a cocktail and a gourmet ice-cream from the pink freezer or a snack from The Burger Shack, and prepare for an unforgettable cinema experience. Tickets and weather updates are available from their website, and blankets can be rented if it gets chilly.
Cameo
Surrounded by the Dandenong Ranges, Cameo’s setting is a one-of-a-kind and uniquely Australian experience. Nowhere else in the world can you watch the latest films in the company of scurrying possums! Sit on the sloping hill, enjoy the frozen yogurt, and pick up a pair of personal headphones so you won’t miss a second of the action onscreen.
Become a Culture Tripper!
Sign up to our newsletter to save up to $1,322 on our unique trips.
If you click on a link in this story, we may earn affiliate revenue. All recommendations have been independently sourced by Culture Trip.
