Westpac Open Air Cinema, Mrs Macquaries PointCredit: Destination NSW
Patrons enjoying a movie at the Westpac Open Air Cinema located on the iconic harbour foreshore in Mrs Macquaries Point.
When clear summer skies and beautiful weather land in Sydney, one may think the best way to spend a day is at the beach, but come nightfall, the city invites you to catch the latest blockbuster or cult classic with nothing between you and the stars.
From one of the most coveted views in the world to a BYO picnic and pet friendly chillout, these outdoor cinemas boast unique and unforgettable experiences. Just try not to let the vista distract you when it’s showtime…
Mov’in Bed Cinema, Barangaroo
With 280 tonnes of white sand, over 150 plush queen-sized beds, and a 15-metre 4K screen, you can quickly see how Barangaroo’s Mov’in Bed is the world’s biggest outdoor bed cinema.
With a backdrop that includes both the Barangaroo skyline and Darling Harbour glistening at sunset, sessions will screen every Wednesday to Sunday night from November to April. Cosy up with your friends or loved ones for the most comfortable way to catch a film.
- How to get there: Barangaroo Metro will land you right at the Cinema entrance, alternatively take a 150min walk from both Wynard and Circular Quay stations.
- What to bring: Food and beverages can be delivered straight to your seat so no need to BYO. In case the temperature drops after sundown, warm clothing is recommended.
Moonlight Cinema, Centennial Park
Not to be content with one of the best running/dog-walking/picnic sites in Sydney, Centennial Park in Paddington also hosts a seasonal Moonlight Cinema pop-up until the end of March. BYO picnic blankets, snacks and four legged friends. If you forget treats from home, never fear, food trucks with Oscar worthy treats are also available.
- How to get there: Although limited free parking is available, frequent trains, light rail services and regular bus routes is best way to get to and from Centennial Parklands.
- What to bring: Picnic blankets and rugs, a short leash (2m or under) for pets along with your favourite cinema snacks.
Westpac OpenAir Cinema, Sydney Harbour
Watching a film at Mrs Macqauries Point is only half the experience at Westpac OpenAir, we recommend arriving well before sunset to enjoy outdoor dining from leading chefs and bar experiences with one of the most enviable views in the world.
At dusk, take your seat in the custom-built grandstand as a giant cinema screen emerges from the Sydney Harbour, three stories high. Dubbed “the world’s most beautiful cinema”, and running from January each year for a limited season, it is a must do for visitors and locals alike.
- How to get there: Based in the city, public transport is your best bet, why not take the Ferry into Circular Quay and soak up more of the harbour?
- What to bring: With tiered, allocated seating there’s no need for picnic blankets or pillows. Outside food and drink is also not permitted.
Mov'in Bed Beach Cinema, Barangaroo Credit: Destination NSW
Friends cosying up with a snack at the Mov'in Bed outdoor cinema in Barangaroo with their pooch pals.
Mov'in Bed Beach Cinema, Barangaroo Credit: Destination NSW
Friends cosying up with a snack at the Mov'in Bed outdoor cinema in Barangaroo with their pooch pals.
Moonlight Cinema, Centennial Parklands, Sydney Credit: Centennial Parklands
Centennial Park - outdoor cinema at its best. Belvedere Amphitheatre, Centennial Park, Sydney.
Moonlight Cinema, Centennial Parklands, Sydney Credit: Centennial Parklands
Centennial Park - outdoor cinema at its best. Belvedere Amphitheatre, Centennial Park, Sydney.
Sunset Cinema, North Sydney and Bondi Beach
This one for all families, big and small. Take up space on the grass with your own picnic items, or purchase entry to the Fever Tree Lounge where you can experience premium viewing, bottomless popcorn and plush seating options.
Choose either Bondi Beach (mid-November to mid-December) or North Sydney (mid-December to mid-March) as your cinema of choice.
During the film, enjoy your classic movie must haves (bottomless popcorn anyone?) as well as authentic Italian pizzas to enjoy.
- How to get there:
- North Sydney: Victoria Cross Metro and North Sydney Train stations are in walking distance, Street parking is available. Accessible entrance is available via Ridge Street.
- Bondi: Limited metered parking via Campbell Parade. Bondi Pavilion is easily accessed by bus, approximately 20 minutes from Sydney CBD.
- What to bring: The whole family along with low sitting chairs and beanbags. Note this is a cashless venue and pets are not permitted.
Skyline Drive-In, Blacktown
For those who like their movie watching experiences a little old school, Western Sydney’s Skyline Drive-In is a throw back to the 1950s in every way. Americana diner style food is on offer as movies on the big screen take you back in time. No need to wait for warmer weather, this one is open all year round.
- How to get there: Blacktown is 45 min drive west of the CBD.
- What to bring: While convertibles are optional, ensure your vehicle has a working FM radio to take advantage of the full experience.
Skyline Drive In Blacktown Credit: Destination NSW
Couple sitting in their car ready to watch a movie at the Skyline Drive In Blacktown.
Skyline Drive In Blacktown Credit: Destination NSW
Couple sitting in their car ready to watch a movie at the Skyline Drive In Blacktown.
More Inspirational Stories
Art Gallery of New South Wales, SydneyCredit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying a visit the the Art Gallery of New South Wales in Sydney.
#feelnewsydney #ilovesydney
Come alive with the possibilities as you delve into Sydney’s dynamic arts scene and cultural institutions. Feel moved as you immerse in striking contemporary artworks at public and private galleries, and take in cutting-edge performances and exhibitions across the city.
Be moved by must-see cultural landmarks
Marvel at the ‘sails’ of the Sydney Opera House as you approach this iconic performing arts venue, then join one of several fascinating tours on offer here. Discover the building’s unique history and construction on an Architectural Tour, or go behind the scenes on a Backstage Tour. See a show from an ever-changing program of theatre, dance and music in one of the venue’s many impressive performance spaces, then head to the Opera Bar to take in the front-of-house harbour view as you enjoy seasonal fare and a refreshing drink.
Appreciate the striking art deco façade and waterfront location of the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA), across the water from the Sydney Opera House at Explore the diversity of Australian modern art as you view highlights of a collection of more than 4,000 works, including a significant body of works by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists. Take time out and digest the wonderful works you’ve just seen as you enjoy panoramic views across Sydney Harbour from the museum’s rooftop café.
Feel far away from the bustle of the city centre as you enter the Domain parklands next to the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney and make your way to the Art Gallery of New South Wales, the leading museum of art in the state. Step back in time to view colonial and 19th-century Australian works and European masters, as well as a dedicated gallery of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art. Then explore Sydney Modern, the AGNSW’s dynamic new addition, to discover site-specific works by leading Australian and international artists.
Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoy a tour in the Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney
#feelnewsydney #ilovesydney
Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoy a tour in the Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney
Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, The Rocks Credit: Destination NSW
Friends arriving outside the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia in The Rocks, Sydney...Artwork: Moon in a Dew Drop.Artist: Lindy Lee
#feelnewsydney #ilovesydney
Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, The Rocks Credit: Destination NSW
Friends arriving outside the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia in The Rocks, Sydney...Artwork: Moon in a Dew Drop.Artist: Lindy Lee
Immerse in art in cutting-edge galleries
Lose track of time as you explore a myriad of inner-Sydney art galleries. Delight in a dip into one of the world’s most significant collections of Chinese contemporary art at the White Rabbit Gallery in Chippendale, on the fringe of the city centre. Be intrigued by the selection from philanthropist Judith Neilson’s collection of almost 3,000 works created in China since 2000 by around 750 artists, before taking in the tranquil vibe at the gallery’s Teahouse as you snack on handmade dumplings and fine Chinese and Taiwanese tea. (You can also plan ahead and enter the ballot for tickets to cutting-edge performances at Phoenix Central Park, Judith Neilson’s risk-taking cultural centre a short walk from White Rabbit Gallery.)
Lean into the grand scale of Carriageworks, a multi-arts centre housed in expansive former railway workshops in Eveleigh, a five-minute drive or around a 15-minute walk from White Rabbit Gallery. Keep an eye on Carriageworks’ events page for visual arts exhibitions and new performance works.
Take your time exploring the many art galleries dotted around the hip inner-city suburb of Surry Hills. Enter the fascinating world of significant Australian artist Brett Whiteley at Brett Whiteley Studio, tucked away in a side street off Crown Street, one of the main streets running through Surry Hills. Take in the singular atmosphere of the late artist’s former home and workplace, with its unfinished paintings, art equipment, books and graffiti wall of quotes and images, and view one of the changing exhibitions of the artist’s works.
Find yourself challenged and stimulated by the conceptual and design-driven art at independent Surry Hills gallery China Heights, then take the short walk under the train tracks to 4A Centre for Contemporary Asian Art in Haymarket. Learn about the Asian diaspora in Australia via contemporary art at this fascinating gallery run by the non-profit Asian Australian Artists’ Association Inc.
Thrill to a sense of discovery as you find leading commercial art galleries tucked away in the leafy streets of Paddington in Sydney’s inner east. Roam the side streets of this fashionable suburb to find the likes of Saint Cloche, where gallery director Kitty Clark fosters the city’s emerging artistic talents; Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery, one of the most influential commercial art galleries in Australia; and Olsen, founded by Tim Olsen to represent the late John Olsen, one of the country’s greatest painters, and showcase contemporary Australian artists.
White Rabbit Gallery, Chippendale Credit: Destination NSW
Women walking through an exhibition at the White Rabbit Gallery, Chippendale.
#feelnewsydney #ilovesydney
White Rabbit Gallery, Chippendale Credit: Destination NSW
Women walking through an exhibition at the White Rabbit Gallery, Chippendale.
Brett Whiteley Studio, Surry Hills Credit: James Horan; Destination NSW
Brett Whiteley Studio in Surry Hills
#feelnewsydney #ilovesydney
Brett Whiteley Studio, Surry Hills Credit: James Horan; Destination NSW
Brett Whiteley Studio in Surry Hills