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Catch a movie outdoors this summer

Diane Leow

Fri Dec 21 2012

FANCY catching a movie in the comfort of your car, while lazing on a deck chair or maybe right under the stars? Diane Leow brings you the best of outdoor cinemas this summer. Plus find out how you can win free tickets to a show at Moonlight Cinema!

Bring a blanket, pack a picnic basket, and enjoy a movie under the shadows of dusk. Photo: Moonlight Cinema

Moonlight Cinema
Until 31 March 2013 – Central Lawn, Royal Botanic Gardens

Summer isn’t complete without lounging around on the grass with food and drink in tow. At the Opel Moonlight Cinema, look forward to recent movies like Perks of being a Wallflower, Skyfall and Pitch Perfect, or go back in time and catch cult classics like Grease – they’re showing the singalong version! Bring your own picnic basket or purchase a gourmet meal from the grounds. For something extra posh, treat yourself to a Gold Grass seat (yes, you read that right) that comes complete with a reserved bean bag for your comfort. Gold Grass ticket holders needn’t worry about snagging a great spot as you’re guaranteed a perfect view. Tickets are available online.

Chill out on deck chairs and catch a film! Photo: Dylan Evans

Ben & Jerry’s Open air Cinemas
Until January 6, 2013 – St Kilda

Kick back in a beach chair, enjoy the salty lick of the sea breeze and relax…while a film plays on the big screen in front of you. Or if you arrive a little early, be entertained by tunes from emerging local artists before the movie comes on. Gourmet food is also available on site so you won’t get hungry (or you can even pack your own dinner!). To top it all off, every Sunday’s screening is a “Sundae Session”, with free Ben & Jerry’s ice-cream for all. Check out their programme and book tickets here.

Enjoy a movie with a backdrop of Melbourne's city skyline on the Rooftop Cinema. Photo: Martina Gemmola

Rooftop Cinema
Until March 2013 – Curtin House, Swanston Street

We’ve covered movie screenings in the park, by the beach, at a secret location… Now, how about having Melbourne’s cityscape as a backdrop for your film experience? Showing recent hits like 21 Jump Street and Australian favourites like Muriel’s Wedding, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Gourmet burgers and fries are served up till the time of screening, so your tummies will be happy. “Like” them on Facebook for updates on upcoming screenings and competitions, or check them out online here for more details.

Photo: Matthew Rutledge via Flickr

Dromana/Coburg Drive-in Cinemas

Drive-in cinemas might sound like a throwback to the 70s, but there is a certain charm in sitting in the comfort of your car while munching away from a burger purchased from the diner at the entrance and watching a movie all at once. The only two drive-in cinemas that are relatively close to Melbourne are The Coburg Drive-in Theatre, run by Village Cinemas, as well as the Dromana Drive-in. Both Coburg and Dromana have diners at their premises, so don’t you worry about being hungry.

The Dromana Drive-in also hosts a market on some Sundays featuring local produce, arts and crafts, vintage items and more. Check here for dates!

Coburg Drive-in Theatres (aka The Village Triple Drive-in Theatre)
155 Newlands Road, Coburg, VIC, 3058
Call 03 9354 8633 for tickets.

Dromana Drive-in
133 Nepean Highway, Dromana, Victoria
Tickets are available at the box office prior to screenings – turn up early to avoid the long queues.

Underground Cinema

Strictly speaking, the Melbourne Underground Cinema doesn’t operate outdoor… But it’s still made it on the list because of it isn’t just another theatre full of absent of cushy armchairs and a darkened auditorium. With them, there’s the thrill of the chase and the unknown. Some of us film buffs love a little mystery, and the Underground Cinema doesn’t disappoint. The location of the screening as well as the film’s title are kept secret until a few days before the event. Once you’ve arrived, you’ll find the location is almost like a film set – there are live performances re-enacting parts of the film too. Sign up here to get details as soon as they are released, or check out the above ad and see if you can figure out which film they’re showing!

International students! Meld has two pairs of tickets to give away to the Moonlight Cinema to see the movie of your choice! If you’re the lucky winner, just make sure upon receiving your congratulatory email you shoot us back your film choice – and it MUST be three days in advance . To enter, simply comment with your email address and why you would enjoy this experience to be in the running. We’d also love to hear about your experience after – so feel free to send us a short review to be published on our site! Competition ends January 2.

Catch a movie outdoors this summer

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