Sydney’s Best Open-Air Cinemas To Catch A Movie Under The Stars

12th Nov 2025

Written by:

Gracie Stewart
Editor | Urban List Singapore

There’s something about Sydney in summer—the long golden sunsets, the salty breeze, the sound of cicadas—and when the sun dips, the city comes alive with alfresco movie magic. From luxury harbourside setups to picnic-perfect park screenings, open-air cinema season is one of Sydney’s most-loved summer rituals. So, grab your picnic blanket, pack the snacks, and get ready to watch your favourite flicks under the stars.

When Does Open-Air Cinema Season Kick Off In Sydney?

Sydney’s balmy nights are back, and you know what that means: it’s time to swap the couch for a deck chair and catch a flick under the stars. The city’s outdoor cinema season runs from November through March, bringing everything from Hollywood blockbusters to indie darlings to some of Sydney’s dreamiest outdoor settings.

The Westpac OpenAir Cinema returns to Mrs Macquaries Point on Friday, 9 January 2026, with tickets going on sale later this year (they’ll vanish faster than a choc top at intermission, so get in early). Expect a killer film lineup, harbour views that’ll upstage the movie, and premium tickets sitting around the $40–$50 mark.

Meanwhile, Moonlight Cinema in Centennial Park kicks off its season in mid-November. It’s the OG of the picnic-and-popcorn combo, with BYO snacks and drinks (yes, that includes your wine of choice). Gates open around 6pm, so come early, claim your patch of grass, and settle in as the sun dips behind the trees.

Over in the west, Mov’in Bed is bringing its iconic floating cinema setup to Barangaroo's Harbour Park this year. Think comfy queen-sized beds, fairy lights, food trucks, and a licensed bar—it’s basically Netflix and chill, but make it deluxe.

The Sunset Cinema series is also setting up in Dolphin Court, Bondi Beach, bringing beachside movie nights to one of Sydney’s most iconic backdrops. Expect a mix of new releases, cult classics, and ocean breeze vibes with food trucks and local pop-ups serving the snacks.

And for the family crowd, the Disney+ Drive-In is making a comeback at CommBank Stadium (dates TBC) for a short run packed with sing-along favourites and nostalgic throwbacks. Finally, Laneway Cinema at The Rocks is back every Wednesday night so you can enjoy a free free movie screening under the stars, surrounded by historic charm.

Image credit: Sunset Cinema | Instagram

Where To Watch: Sydney’s Best Outdoor Cinema Experiences

Here’s your guide to Sydney’s top open-air cinemas and what makes each one shine.

Westpac OpenAir Cinema — Mrs Macquaries Point

Vibe: Ultra-luxe harbour magic.
Plan Your Night: Arrive early for sunset drinks at the pop-up bar before the screen dramatically rises over Sydney Harbour. Grab dinner nearby at The Butler Potts Point, and definitely bring a light jacket (the breeze hits differently after dark).
Price: $40–$50.
Top Tip: Sign up for the newsletter to get early access when tickets drop later this year.

Moonlight Cinema — Centennial Park

Vibe: Picnic-perfect and effortlessly chill.
Plan Your Night: Bring your picnic blanket, order a grazing box or pizza on-site, and settle in with your mates, your date, or your dog (yes, pups are welcome). If you’re feeling fancy, upgrade to a Gold Grass bean bed for premium comfort.
Price: Around $25–$40 depending on seating.
Top Tip: BYO everything. Arrive when gates open at 6pm to snag a prime spot.

Sunset Cinema — Dolphin Court

Vibe: Beachside chill meets blockbuster fun.
Plan Your Night: Catch a flick with your toes practically in the sand, with the ocean breeze rolling in and fairy lights twinkling overhead. Grab dinner or drinks nearby at North Bondi Fish, then wander over to the Pavilion for showtime. Expect food trucks, a licensed bar, and that unbeatable Bondi glow.
Price: Around $25–$35 depending on seat type.
Top Tip: Bring a light jumper because that sea breeze brings instant goosebumps post-sunset.

Mov’in Bed — Harbour Park

Vibe: Floating beds, city lights, and a splash of romance.
Plan Your Night: Think outdoor cinema meets boutique hotel—lie back on a queen bed, order gourmet bites from local food trucks, and sip cocktails from the bar.
Price: From $35 for a bed shared by two.
Top Tip: This one sells out fast, especially on weekends, so be quick.

Disney+ Drive-In — CommBank Stadium

Vibe: Family-friendly nostalgia fest.
Plan Your Night: Park up, tune in, and relive your childhood with Disney classics and new releases alike. Pack your own snacks or grab popcorn and burgers from on-site vendors. Perfect for kids, date nights, or anyone who still knows all the words to Let It Go.
Price: Around $40 per car.
Top Tip: Follow Disney+ ANZ socials for lineup drops and ticket releases.

Laneway Cinema — The Rocks

Vibe: Hidden gem meets heritage charm.
Plan Your Night: Grab dinner first at Pony Dining or The Doss House, then wander down to the laneway for showtime. Expect beanbags, local food stalls, and a buzzing, festival-style atmosphere.
Price: Often free or donation-based.
Top Tip: Tickets are released every Monday for the following week's Wednesday screening. Entry is free, but for the best seats in the house, you should register for your free ticket in advance.

What To Bring (And What’s On The Snack Menu)

Blanket and light jacket: Even the warmest summer nights cool down fast once the breeze rolls in.
Low picnic chair or rug: Nobody likes being that person blocking the view.
Bug spray: Trust us.
Snacks: Go classic with popcorn and Maltesers or level up with a full picnic spread (cheese, prosciutto, the works).

Most outdoor cinemas are either BYO-friendly or licensed, so check before you pack your rosé. Food-wise, you’ll find everything from gourmet sliders to loaded fries, while the fancier venues serve cocktails and craft wine on-site.

Whatever your vibe, Sydney’s outdoor cinemas deliver a front-row seat to summer magic. So, grab your mates, pack the picnic, and let the credits roll on another perfect Sydney night under the stars.

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Main image credit: Mov'in Bed | Supplied