The Best Open-Air Cinemas in Melbourne

Updated: 11 January 2017

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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

Moonlight Cinema

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.

Central Lawn Royal Botanic Gardens South Yarra VIC

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Birdwood Avenue, Melbourne, Victoria, 3141, Australia

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Shadow Electric

Cinema, Movie Theater

Shadow Electric

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.

1 St Heliers Street, Abbotsford +61 03 9417 4321

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1 Saint Heliers Street, Abbotsford, Victoria, 3067, Australia

+61394153600

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Lido

Cinema, Movie Theater

Lido Cinemas, Hawthorn | © Flickr

Lido

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.

675 Glenferrie Rd Hawthorn +61 03 8658 0000

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Sun:

10:00 am - 11:00 pm

Mon:

10:00 am - 11:00 pm

Tue:

10:00 am - 11:00 pm

Wed:

10:00 am - 11:00 pm

Thu:

10:00 am - 11:00 pm

Fri:

10:00 am - 11:00 pm

Sat:

10:00 am - 11:00 pm

675 Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn, Victoria, 3122, Australia

+61386580000

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Rooftop Cinema

Cinema, Movie Theater

Rooftop Cinema

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.

Level 7 252 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC +61 03 9654 5394

Rooftop Cinema | Courtesy of Rooftop Cinema

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252 Swanston Street, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000, Australia

+61396545394

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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.

1628 Burwood Hwy, Belgrave VIC +61 03 9754 7844

Courtesy of Cameo