Heading to a Sydney Outdoor Cinema is a lovely way to end the day. Sydneysiders seem to love nothing more in summer than watching a movie under the stars, and over the last decade, summer outdoor cinemas have sprung up across Sydney. Here is our guide to this season’s offerings. We are pleased to say there are still some free options to help the budget!

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Moonlight Cinema – Centennial Park

Bring a picnic and a rug and head to our biggest city park for a movie under the stars. The Moonlight Cinema kicks off in November and has the most extensive season offering over three months of movies.

Book a Platinum Experience as a treat – enjoy the evening sunset with an exclusive hamper
featuring a range of classic picnic delicacies from Victoria’s High Country. Plus, enjoy waiter
service to your deluxe double bean bed.

Tip: If you are looking to impress your first date “Gold Grass” ticket includes a bean bed. 

The cinema is at the Belvedere Amphitheatre, with gates open at 7pm. The movies start between 8 pm and 8.30pm depending on sunset times. Dogs are allowed on a leash and you can BYO your own food and drinks, making this a budget-friendly venue.

Dates: 23 Nov 23 – 23 March 24 – Moonlight Cinema is closed on Mondays.
Cost: Adults $25-$41 or blow the budget with the $150 per couple package!  
Transport: Bus from Bondi Junction or the city. The nearest gates to the cinema are the Woollahra Gates on Oxford Street, so any Oxford St bus is your best bet.

Westpac OpenAir Cinema – Sydney Harbour

Billed as the world’s most beautiful cinema, watching a movie on a screen that pops up out of Sydney Harbour is as amazing as it sounds. The Westpac OpenAir Cinema at the edge of the Botanic Gardens is probably the most romantic in the city.

Watch the sunset over the harbour while you wait for the sky to darken enough for the movie to begin, usually at about 8:30pm.

Tip: This cinema sells out quickly so don’t put off your purchase

There are two dining areas with different catering options this year

• Kitchen by Mike at The Point – casual dining from Kitchen by Mike open to all ticket holders
• Mike’s Menu in The Chandon Garden – Classic Mike cuisine with bubbles!
• The Lounge Whispering Angel by Mike – a premium restaurant experience with table service with grand stand seating for the movie.

Check out the menus here

We have attended this cinema several times at our own expense, and it is by far our favourite for quality and comfort. Bring your $$$ if you fancy a drink, it is not BYO.

Dates: 10 January to 20 February 2024 – Tickets on sale now
Cost: From $36 in the general admission area.
Transport: Walk from Martin Place or Circular Quay Station, 442 bus to Art Gallery.

Sunset Cinema North Sydney – North Sydney Oval

While best known as a home to cricket or football each summer, North Sydney Oval’s Starlight cinema screens over 30 movies. Watch from the lawn, rent a chair or bean bed and if it rains, head for the stands to watch the end of the film. Gates open at 6.30 pm, films start at last light.

For a special treat book the sun lounge package:

• Premium bean lounger
• Prime viewing position in exclusive area
• Bottomless Popcorn

Tip: Great for last-minute seats as this large cinema is rarely sold out although the lounge package does.

BYO food and soft drinks – no glass or alcohol allowed or grab a meal from the Greens who will provide on site catering each night.

Dates: Screening from 8 Dec 2023 – 9 March 2024
Cost: Adults $25 Kids $15 Bean bag hire $10, sun lounge package $25
Public transport: Bus from North Sydney or Wynyard Station
Visit the Sunset Cinema website for the program

Free Laneway Cinema – The Rocks

Not quite the same experience as the others, the Laneway Cinema at the Rocks has a few things going for it. Firstly, it’s free so no need to be organised for this one and secondly it’s surrounded by pubs and dining options. We suggest you pop downstairs to The Doss House for a dram or two before the movie starts.

While there is no grass to sit on, cosy bean bags and comfy deck chairs will save you from the hard cobblestones. Check the schedule here

Dates: Wednesday evenings to 27 Mar 2024
Where: Atherden Street The Rocks, just off George Street.
Cost: Free
Public transport: Short walk from Circular Quay

Outdoor Cinema – Sydney Olympic Park

Sydney Olympic Park offers lots of free family activities, even more so over the summer. Perfect for school holiday fun.

Tip: Family-friendly films make this cinema best for kids.

Visit the website for more details.

Dates: 4-19 January 2023
Cost: Free
Public transport: Train to Olympic Park or plenty of parking available (not free). Short walk to Cathy Freeman Park off Olympic Boulevard.

Movies In The Park Strathfield

Strathfield Council will host 7 movie nights this summer starting with Batman on 18 November and winding up on 23 March with The Super Mario Bros Movie.

Free family event

Dates: 18 Nov – 23 March the movie screens at sunset
Where: Strathfield Park
More: https://strathfieldevents.nsw.gov.au/major-events/movies/

Google maps of outdoor cinema locations

View Sydney Outdoor Cinemas on a larger map

Visit Transport Info for public transport information.

Need more ideas? Join our Sydney Expert Facebook Group where you can ask questions, stay updated with what’s happening and meet a bunch of friendly locals just waiting to share their advice!