There's no shortage of outdoor cinemas in Sydney to spend a balmy evening. Whether you're after new or classic films, harbour views or the perfect patch of grass to set out your picnic blanket and hamper full of snacks, here's where to go.
Moonlight Cinema
Why it’s worth a visit: Inside the enormous green expanse of Centennial Park you'll find its very own natural amphitheatre, the site of the seasonal pop-up Moonlight Cinema. It’s BYO and pet-friendly, so you can pack your pinot noir and your pooch, then fill your picnic basket with treats to munch on during the show. If you forget, there are food and booze trucks on hand. It's a glorious experience simply lying back on the grass and gazing up at the heavens, but you can level up your experience with a bean bed or go all out with Gold Grass tickets – your waiter will bring you food and drinks before ‘curtains are lifted’. The program is packed with new releases and festive throwbacks including The Holiday and Home Alone.
Location: Paddington
Family-friendly: Yes
Food & drinks available: Yes
Seasonal dates: From 25 November 2026 to 28 March 2027
Getting there: If you're driving, there are limited free places to park within the Centennial Park grounds, close to Belvedere Amphitheatre on the corner of Carrington Drive and Broome Avenue; arrive early to nab a spot. Please be aware you might have to hunt for an exit, as some gates close at sundown. There are plenty of buses that will take you close to the park, and Bondi Junction train station is a 20-minute walk away.
Moonlight Cinema, Paddington - Credit: Moonlight Cinema
Sunset Cinema
Why it’s worth a visit: During the day, the North Sydney Oval is a hive of sporting activity. Come dusk from December to March, it’s all about relaxing at the family-friendly Sunset Cinema. Sprawl out on the grass or your own rug, hire seating (beanbags and low-slung lawn chairs that don’t impact the oval or block views), or purchase entry to the Lawn Lounge – think premium viewing, a bean lounge and bottomless popcorn. Wherever you pull up a perch, you can access food trucks selling all the movie essentials: popcorn, pre-ordered picnic boxes, toasties, grazing platters, pizzas and hot chips. All accompanied by beer, wine and gin from the licensed stall. No BYO is permitted. And don’t forget your credit card, as this is a cashless event.
Location: North Sydney
Family-friendly: Yes
Food & drinks available: Yes
Seasonal dates: 2026/2027 dates to be confirmed
Getting there: There's plenty of street parking within a 10-minute walk, as well as the Ridge Street Car Park just a few minutes away. There are also multiple bus stops on Falcon Street and Miller Street that put you within walking distance. North Sydney train station is 15-20 minutes away by foot.
Sunset Cinema North Sydney, North Sydney
Skyline Drive-In
Why it’s worth a visit: Sydney welcomed its first drive-in cinema back in 1956. Today, Skyline is the last one remaining but still pulls a crowd – especially as it's the only outdoor cinema in Western Sydney. The establishment harks back to the ’50s heyday in theme, with diner food – burgers, milkshakes, popcorn, pizza – served by staff in era-appropriate dress. And while some of the movies on the big screen take you back in time, there are also screenings of the latest blockbusters.
Location: Blacktown
Family-friendly: Yes
Food & drinks available: Yes
Seasonal dates: Open year-round
Getting there: Load up the car and set the GPS to Western Sydney for the 30-minute drive from Sydney CBD. Parking is on a first-come first-serve basis, so be sure to get there early enough to snag a good spot.
Skyline Drive In Blacktown, Western Sydney
Westpac OpenAir
Why it’s worth a visit: There aren't many open-air cinemas in Sydney Harbour with postcard-worthy vistas of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, that's why Westpac OpenAir rightfully claims to be the most beautiful cinema in the world. Located at the Fleet Steps of Mrs Macquaries Point, right beside the Royal Botanic Garden, the setting offers dreamy views over the water. Settle in front of the giant 350-square-metre screen that rises from the harbour, projecting a fabulous selection of films through the vast expanse of green. State-of-the-art surround sound means you don’t miss a movie beat. Each year there are a variety of food outlets helmed by notable Sydney chefs. There's also a fully licensed bar and cafe.
Location: Sydney City
Family-friendly: Yes, but better suited for adults
Food & drinks available: Yes
Seasonal dates: From 6 January to 19 February 2027
Getting there: Since this one is in the heart of the city, the ideal way to arrive is via public transport. There are plenty of options, including grabbing a ferry, train or bus to Circular Quay.
Westpac Open Air Cinema, Mrs Macquaries Point
Mov'in Bed Beach Cinema
Why it’s worth a visit: This year, Mov'in Bed is taking over Pyrmont Bay Park with 120 plush queen-sized and 50 king-sized cloud-like beds for couples, friends and families to cosy up in front of a giant 15-metre 4K screen with specialty headphones providing an immersive experience. With waterfront views as the backdrop and an extensive program of new and classic films, this is a laid-back and quirky way to spend a balmy summer night in Sydney.
Location: Pyrmont
Family-friendly: Yes
Food & drinks available: Yes
Seasonal dates: From 4 December 2026 to 28 March 2027
Getting there: From Central you can also take the L1 Dulwich Hill light rail to Pyrmont Bay and enter from Boardwalk 11. Or, reach Pyrmont Bay Park on foot from Town Hall within 15 minutes. There's also parking available at Star Casino car park.
Mov'in Bed Cinema Pyrmont, Pyrmont Bay Park - Credit: BBR AGENCY PTY LTD
Sunset Cinema
Why it’s worth a visit: After a day catching waves at the famous Bondi Beach, cross the road and cosy up in front of a movie. Showing new releases and nostalgic feel-good films, Sunset Cinema Bondi has all your classic snacks including popcorn, ice-cream and candy. Bring your own picnic or order from the neighbouring Promenade Beach Bar via a handy QR code. Alcoholic drinks are available at the on-site Snack Bar. Upgrade to a lounge seat with a complimentary gin and tonic or soda for a premium experience.
Location: Bondi
Family-friendly: Yes
Food & drinks available: Yes
Seasonal dates: 2026/2027 dates to be confirmed
Getting there: Finding a car park near Bondi Beach can be challenging, especially during peak times or sunny weekends. Consider carparks on Queen Elizabeth Drive, around Bondi Pavilion or at The Hub Shopping Centre. There are also nearby bus stops with services operating to the city centre, Eastern Suburbs and connecting to the train line at Bondi Junction.
Sunset Cinema Bondi, Bondi Beach - Credit: Sunset Cinema Bondi
Flickerfest
Why it’s worth a visit: Get across up and coming talent at Australia's largest short film festival. Every year Flickerfest puts on a show at Bondi Pavillion, taking over the entire venue to screen hundreds of shorts. The 10-day program is packed with local and international talent and cinemagoers can even cast a vote in the People's Choice category. Most of the major prize winners will qualify for entry to the Academy Awards, so you may get to see an Oscar winner in the making.
Location: Bondi
Family-friendly: Yes
Food & drinks available: Yes
Seasonal dates: From 22 January to 31 January 2027
Getting there: There are direct buses from Sydney CBD and Bondi Junction but the quickest way to Bondi Pavillion is by car. Find metered parking on the beach via Campbell Parade as well as at the main entrance.
Flickerfest, Bondi Beach - Credit: Flickerfest
Laneway Cinemas
Why it’s worth a visit: As far as iconic locations go, The Rocks is one of Sydney's best. Every summer, the historic precinct adds an outdoor cinema to its charming cobblestone streets, serving up free movie nights under the stars. From millennial throwbacks to Christmas flicks, there's something for everyone on the line-up. You can reserve your tickets ahead of time for prime seating or simply roll up on the night and try your luck.
Location: The Rocks
Family-friendly: Yes
Food & drinks available: Yes, though limited
Seasonal dates: 2026/2027 dates to be confirmed
Getting there: Find Laneway Cinema on the end of Playfair St in The Rocks. It's a short stroll from Circular Quay which is well connected by train, ferry, bus and light rail. There are also nearby parking stations.
Laneway Cinema at the Rocks, Sydney - Credit: Anna Kucera
Copyright: Place Management NSW
Please note: Outdoor cinemas operate seasonally, with opening dates and schedules varying throughout spring and summer. Before you visit, check the cinema's website for the latest session times and event details.
What to bring
What to bring
FAQs
When do outdoor cinemas operate in Sydney?
When do outdoor cinemas operate in Sydney?
There are plenty of open-air cinemas to watch movies outdoors in Sydney across the warmer months. Most start their season between late November and January and run up until February to March. Each venue has its own seasonal dates, so be sure to check their website for exact timings.
Which outdoor cinema in Sydney has the best harbour views?
Which outdoor cinema in Sydney has the best harbour views?
For an open-air cinema in Sydney Harbour, visit Westpac OpenAir. Located at the Fleet Steps of Mrs Macquaries Point, you can enjoy a film alongside views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
Which outdoor cinema in Sydney is the most family friendly?
Which outdoor cinema in Sydney is the most family friendly?
For a family-friendly outdoor cinema in Sydney, visit Sunset Cinema in Bondi and North Sydney, Moonlight Cinema in Paddington, Skyline Drive-in Blacktown and Mov'in Bed Beach Cinema in Barangaroo.
Is there a drive-in cinema in Sydney?
Is there a drive-in cinema in Sydney?
Yes. Skyline Drive-In Blacktown is Sydney's only remaining drive-in cinema and runs year-round.
Which outdoor cinema in Sydney is best for couples or a date night?
Which outdoor cinema in Sydney is best for couples or a date night?
The most romantic outdoor cinema for couples is Westpac OpenAir in Sydney CBD. The venue has stunning harbour views and several food outlets helmed by notable Sydney chefs for a pre- or post-film meal.
