Galaxy Drive-In in Kingsley is a slice of old-school magic in the suburbs – and Perth’s only remaining drive-in cinema. It’s relaxed, affordable and wonderfully low‑fi, which makes it perfect for families who want a fun night out without the fuss of a busy indoor cinema. Think kids in pyjamas, blankets piled in the boot, and snacks under the stars.
You’ll find Galaxy on Goollelal Drive in Kingsley, near the corner of Hocking Road (GPS: 157–167 Goollelal Drive, Kingsley). As you drive in, you pay at the entry from your car window. Current pricing (at the time of writing) is listed on the Galaxy Drive-In website: Tuesday is the famous bargain night at $22 per car for one movie, while Friday, Saturday and Sunday sessions are charged per person (adults and children, with kids under four free). Galaxy is currently open Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and closed on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, but always check the “Now Showing” page before you go in case of changes.
If you’re heading there on a weekend, it’s worth arriving early. On busy nights the car park can fill surprisingly fast, and getting in ahead of the rush means you can choose a great spot and set up properly. The bays are gently raised on small hills so that even cars a few rows back still get a decent view of the screen. Do take care if your car is very low, as some bumpers have been known to scrape going over the mounds. Some families reverse in and set up a cosy nest in the boot with the tailgate up, others park facing forward and stay snug in their seats, and plenty spread picnic rugs, camp chairs, beanbags and pillows out beside the car.
Before the movie starts, the drive-in feels a bit like a neighbourhood picnic. Kids run around blowing off steam, families play card games, and everyone tucks into dinner. It’s a great idea to bring something to entertain younger children while you wait: colouring books, a ball, or a deck of cards can help the time to fly. Just be mindful that cars are still parking during this time, so it’s important to keep an eye on where your kids are and remind them to watch for moving vehicles.
Sound is broadcast over FM radio, and the current frequency – 89.5FM – is displayed clearly when you drive in. Most people simply use their car stereo, but Galaxy also offers rechargeable speakers for hire or purchase, which can be handy if you’d rather not run your car battery. Details and deposits are listed on their pricing page; note that the deposit for speakers is taken in cash, so it’s wise to have some on hand. If you do accidentally flatten your battery, staff are usually able to help with jump leads, so you’re unlikely to be stranded.
One of the biggest drawcards of Galaxy for families is how budget‑friendly it can be. Tuesday’s per‑car pricing is brilliant value, especially if you have a larger family, and even on the weekend you can keep things affordable by bringing your own snacks and drinks. Many families pack full picnics – everything from pizza and pasta to homemade grazing boards – and settle in as the sun goes down. If you’d rather not self‑cater, there’s also a simple but classic drive-in café on site. The menu focuses on old‑school favourites: think burgers, hot chips, hot dogs, fish and chips, pizzas, choc tops, popcorn and soft drinks, plus basic hot drinks. It’s not fancy café culture, but that’s half the charm, and prices are generally reasonable. As menus and prices can change over time, just check the café board on the night for current options. There can be a queue for hot food as movie time approaches, so it’s best to order early if you’re planning on eating there.
Toilets are located in the main café building at the back of the drive-in. There are multiple stalls in the ladies, but as with any cinema, expect a line at intermission. If you have a baby or toddler, it’s easiest to bring a portable change mat and do nappy changes in the car, as change facilities can be limited.
Session times vary a little by season, but currently Galaxy lists gates opening at 6.30pm on open nights (Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday), with movies starting around 7.30pm. In summer this can mean a late finish, especially if there’s a second movie scheduled after a short intermission, so it’s worth planning ahead if you have younger kids. Some families stay just for the early, family‑friendly feature and then quietly pack up during intermission; if you think you’ll leave early, try to choose a bay closer to the exit so you don’t need to drive through rows of people and chairs once it’s dark.
Because Galaxy is delightfully old‑fashioned, it’s smart to be a little bit old‑fashioned yourself and come prepared. Pack warm jumpers or jackets, even in the warmer months, as the temperature often drops once the sun goes down. Blankets and pillows make it extra cosy, and a can of insect repellent is handy on still, warm nights. While some payments and deposits on site still rely on cash, most of us are used to tapping a card everywhere, so make a note to pop some notes and coins in your wallet before you go – especially if you plan on grabbing food from the café, hiring speakers, or just want a choc top without worrying about cards and machines.
The location is easy to combine with other stops if you’re coming from further away. Whitford City Shopping Centre is only a short drive down the road and has just about every takeaway option you could need, as well as supermarkets if you want to put together a quick picnic. You can always pick something up there on your way through and arrive at Galaxy with dinner sorted.
What really makes Galaxy Drive-In special, though, is the atmosphere. There’s something lovely about sharing a movie with your family while you’re curled up in your own little bubble of a car, with no worrying about shushing the kids quite as much as you might in a traditional cinema. It’s nostalgic for parents who remember drive-ins from their own childhood, and it feels like a whole new kind of adventure for kids who are used to indoor cinemas and streaming at home.
If you’re looking for a relaxed, family‑friendly night out that’s a little bit different, Galaxy Drive-In in Kingsley is well worth the drive. Check the latest movies, open days and session times on the official Galaxy Drive-In website, pack the car with pillows, blankets and snacks, and enjoy one of Perth’s most charming, old‑school experiences under the stars.
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After spending 11 years in London working in the television industry for the BBC, Jennie McNichol made the move to Perth in 2010. As the Co-Founder and Editor of Buggybuddys, she has been able to use her experience and passion for helping families to create a trusted online resource for parents across Perth.
Jennie is the proud mother of two daughters, aged 16 & 14 and is a big advocate of the family-friendly lifestyle that Perth has to offer.
