Your Summer Guide to Unmissable Open Air Cinemas Around Melbourne

Season: 29 November 2018 to 31 March 2019

Nestled in the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens, Moonlight Cinema is the perfect place to take off your shoes and feel the grass beneath your feet while chilling out over a great movie. Head down to the lush, manicured Royal Botanic Gardens at sunset and score a great patch of grass. 

A picnic is essential - be sure to pack pillows, blanket and insect repellent - and prepare to spend a Melbourne summer evening relaxing under the stars. No picnic supplies on hand? No worries! You can rent a supersized beanbag and grab a bite to eat from one of the many food trucks parked nearby. Even better news - the fully licensed bar means a pre-show tipple is still on the table. 

Moonlight Cinema is also puppy approved, so your four-legged friend can enjoy a night out on the town, too! 

Season: 2 December 2018 – 31 March 2019

Sitting atop Curtin House in Melbourne CBD lies Rooftop Cinema - Melbourne’s original outdoor cinema. For most Melburnians, seeing at least one film at this much loved outdoor cinema is a summer tradition. With the perfect mix of blockbusters and classics - along with some feel good Christmas films during the silly season - you are sure to find something that tickles your fancy. Deck chairs take the place of traditional cinema seats, but get in quick to nab a prime position. Though the screenings run through to Autumn, there’s no risk of catching a chill - hire a blanket, or bring your own, when the evenings start to cool down. 

Rooftop Cinema shares this sky-high real estate with Rooftop Bar, one of Melbourne’s favourite watering holes. This combination is the formula for a perfect night - grab a burger and a beer, and lie back under the stars with a good flick, and appreciate how great a Melbourne summer really is.

Season: Coming in late 2018

Located in the heart of Hawthorn, along lively Glenferrie Road, and sitting proud atop Lido’s movie theatre lies Lido On The Roof.  This open-air cinema screens everything from new releases and art house films, to classic and seasonal favourites. Wondering how you’ll hear the movie over the hustle and bustle of the street below? You can either bring your own headphones or make use of the complimentary ones that will come with your radio. 

If you’re feeling a bit peckish during your movie, the bar is stocked with delicious refreshments. Choose from a range of craft beers and boutique wines, along with vegan-friendly popcorn, dumplings, and even gelato. If you’re after a full meal, you can grab a bite to eat in Hawthorn beforehand at The Resistance Bar & Café or Grill’d, along Glenferrie Road. 

Season: All year 

If the weather isn’t looking all that great (it is Melbourne after all) then a drive-in could be the way to go. The classic Coburg Drive-In is one of only two drive-ins left in Victoria. With 33-metre-wide screens, you won’t miss a trick with all the latest blockbusters as well as some much-loved classics, this is the ultimate Saturday night activity. Once you’ve driven your car in and picked your spot, you simply listen to the movie’s audio through your car radio and sit back and enjoy the film.

There is also a retro-style diner to live out your Grease fantasies by ordering all your favourite movie snacks. Plus, you can even get your treats delivered right to your car. Admission for kids under 11 is free, and all tickets are discounted on Mondays.

Are you looking to spoil your friends or loved one with a gourmet picnic basket for your next outdoor cinema? We’ve put together our top treats from Melbourne’s foodie hubs for a DIY feast to remember. 

• Pick up some delicious cheese from Melbourne’s first underground cheese cellar at Spring Street Grocer. With a mild tang, a firm Manchego is the perfect summer cheese.

• Grab a bottle of wine from Blackhearts & Sparrows. With a wide selection to suit everyone’s taste, and stores scattered conveniently around the CBD, you’ll find the ideal complement to your basket. 

• Fill your picnic basket with unique savoury nibbles from The Essential Ingredient in Prahran Market, to go with your favourite Camembert.

• Finish off your hamper with picture-perfect sweet treats from creative patisserie Lux Bite.