The Best Open-Air Cinemas in Melbourne

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.

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.