Heading to a Sydney Outdoor Cinema is a lovely way to end the day. We 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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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 5th December to 15 March 2025. On sale now
Cost: Early bird prices: adults $15 Kids $10 Tickets prices will increase when the cinema opens
Public transport: Bus from North Sydney or Wynyard Station
Visit the Sunset Cinema website for the program
Mov’in Bed
This Mov’In Bed season, Barangaroo’s Harbour Park is being transformed into a city beach oasis. With 280 tons of white sand and 150 plush queen-size beds, it’s the perfect spot for couples and friends to relax in front of Australia’s largest outdoor screen.
This year’s lineup is packed with blockbuster hits like Gladiator II and The Joker: Folie à Deux, along with timeless classics and themed nights, making it Sydney’s ultimate summer cinema experience. Relax under the stars and indulge in food and drinks delivered directly to your bed—from handmade pizzas to frozen cocktails and local wines, all ordered via a QR code on your bedside table.
Choose a budget friendly spot on the sand or splurge on a bed (for 2-3 guests). For an elevated experience, upgrade to the West Hotel VIP area with king-sized beds, butler service, bottomless popcorn, and complimentary sparkling wine.
When: 29 November 2024 – 23 March 2025
Where: Harbour Park, Barangaroo
Tickets: Sand tickets $12, Queen Bed for 2 $89, King Bed for 3 $119, VIP Bed options from $150
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.
As you relax, treat yourself to Singapore Airlines’ Gold Grass experience, where you’ll enjoy prime seating and dedicated waiter service for added comfort. You can also indulge in the Mount Franklin Lightly Sparkling Platinum experience, featuring refreshing Mount Franklin Lightly Sparkling water, a food package, and personal waiter service—all delivered right to your deluxe double bean bags.
Tip: If you are looking to impress “Connoisseur Lounge” tickets 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: 22 November – 30 March – Moonlight Cinema is closed on Mondays.
Cost: Adults $24-$54
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
Westpac OpenAir Cinema returns to Sydney Harbour adding a culinary touch to its “Festival of Film” with a “Festival of Food” curated by top Sydney chefs. Luke Nguyen, Danielle Alvarez, and Scott McComas-Williams each bring unique dining options to the event, enhancing the cinematic experience with gourmet flavors.
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
Dining options for 2025 include:
- Summer House Dining by Danielle Alvarez: A premium, multi-course Mediterranean-inspired experience on a raised deck with grandstand seating.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.
- Luke Nguyen at The Point: A casual, Vietnamese fusion menu available via QR code in a relaxed, unreserved setting with DJ music.
- Fabbrica at Chandon Garden: A group-friendly pasta bar by Scott McComas-Williams with reserved seating by the waterfront.
Dates: 9 January to 18 February 2025
Cost: From $36 in the general admission area.
Transport: Walk from Martin Place or Circular Quay Station, 442 bus to Art Gallery.
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 you can bring your dog and finally, 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.
Free tickets will be available to book from Monday 28 October and walk ins are encouraged!
Dates: 6 November 2024 – 26 March 2025 – Wednesday nights at 7pm
Where: Atherden Street The Rocks, just off George Street.
Transport: Short walk from Circular Quay
Sunset Cinema Bondi Pavilion
Sunset Cinema is back at Bondi Pavilion for a summer of outdoor movies at the iconic Dolphin Court. Enjoy a mix of new blockbusters, family favourites, and classic films. The opening night features a Q&A for The Pool, a documentary about Bondi’s famous landmark. Other highlights include Gladiator 2, Venom: The Last Dance, Deadpool & Wolverine, and festive films like Love Actually and Home Alone.
For a VIP experience, grab premium seats in the Fever-Tree Lounge with bottomless popcorn and a complimentary drink. Enjoy movie snacks, cold drinks, and a great atmosphere as you watch films under the stars.
When: 14 Nov – 21 Dec 2024, Tue to Sun
Where: Dolphin Court, Bondi Pavilion
Cost: $15 kids, $27 Adults, Conc. $22, add a bean bag for $10 or VIP seating & a drink for $25
Movies In The Park Strathfield
We’re excited to announce that Movies in the Park is back at Strathfield Park on select Saturday nights!
Starting on Saturday, 26th October 2024, you can enjoy a free movie under the stars with family and friends. Just pack a picnic, grab a blanket or chair, and head over to the top synthetic field near Homebush Road.
Upcoming Screenings:
- 26 October: Scooby-Doo (2002)
- 9 November: Lego Movie 2
- 23 November: Wonka (2023)
- 7 December: The Grinch
- 26 January: Oddball
- 8 February: DC League of Super Pets
- 22 February: Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie
- 8 March: Barbie (2023)
Free family fun across the summer!
Dates: 26 October – 8 March 2025 – Movie screens at sunset
Where: Strathfield Park
More: https://strathfieldevents.nsw.gov.au/major-events/movies/
More outdoor cinemas across local council areas will be added when they are released.
Google maps of outdoor cinema locations
View Sydney Outdoor Cinemas on a larger map
Visit Transport Info for public transport information.
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