Galaxy Drive-In is the last of the drive-ins remaining in Perth and I would say it is one of the best value for money entertainment venues around for families!!!
All right, so it’s not glamorous. There are no fancy vending machines or video game arcades, but you can go in your pj’s, cuddle up with your kids or your buddies or even grab a nap (and snore) and no-one else will care. You can even check your facebook updates and it won’t bother too many people- except those in your car!!!
When you arrive, you pay at the entry as you drive in. It is CASH ONLY at the Galaxy Drive-in. Prices and sessions times as below:
Monday, Wednesday & Thursday they are closed
Tuesday Bargain Night at $22 per car -so pack them in and be sure to get there well early on this night so you don’t miss out
Friday, Saturday & Sunday show double features. Usually a kid’s movie to start with followed by something for the older crowd after a short intermission. These nights are $11 per adult, $5.5 for kids 4-12 years old and free for under 4’s.
I’ve seen Galaxy Drive-In promoted on other sites and they say 6:30 gates open. Galaxy Drive-in’s own website show 5:30 but I can assure you, on the weekends, the gates are possibly open a little earlier. We got there at 5:22 and the car line was 6 long and the carpark was already almost ¼ full. Arriving early can be a bit painful, but this way you can get a good spot, get your chairs, couches, bean bags, pillows, blankets and picnic rugs out and really get set up for the night. Bring card or board games to pass the time with the family until the movie starts!! Lots of kids were running around playing but this can also be a hazard when cars are still trying to park. I would always recommend that parents know exactly where their kids are.
All the spots are pretty good as the bays are on little hills (be careful if you have a very low car as they have been heard to bottom out). Some people reverse in and pop the rear door open or you can always park forwards and sit in comfort in your car seats- old school style!!
The radio station is advertised at the entry and all you do is tune in your car radio. If you should happen to run your battery down, the Café offers the use of their jump leads with a $10 deposit (cash only).
Most people packed picnics and really spread out to make the most of things until after sunset. Bays between the old speaker posts do fit 2 cars so please try to be considerate when parking.
*if you do think you may have to leave the drive-ins early, pick a spot near the exit so you don’t have to drive through everyone during the movie with your lights on!! By the time the movie starts, there are chairs and people everywhere so not only is it dangerous, it’s a little bit rude
In summer the Galaxy Drive-in movies start at 7:45pm. The good thing about the drive-in is that it can be a really great way to entertain a good sized family without breaking the bank. If you bring your own food, drinks and nibbles, then it’s only the cost of entry. If you do want to buy takeaway, about 5km away is Whitford City Shopping Centre and they have every form of takeaway there from Krispy Kreme to Hungry Jacks.
There is a Café onsite. It opened at 6pm. It’s not your “I’ll have a soy latte with a dairy free choc chip cookie” kind of café. More like pizza ($12), fish & chips ($9), simple hamburgers ($6), hot dogs ($3.50), hot chips ($3), toasted ham & cheese s/wich ($3.50)soft drinks ($2.50), popcorn ($4), choc tops ($4) (just the good old fashioned vanilla icecream flavour) and an original Café Bar machine for hot drinks ($2.50).
The prices are all quite reasonable and we personally like to purchase our dinner from them as it is a family owned and operated Drive-In and because it’s the last one in town…we like to support them. Just remember that it is cash only. Be aware though that there could be a wait for hot food after it’s been ordered. Ours took about 25 mins for 2 burgers…but we weren’t in a hurry.
Here is an idea of what they have:
Toilets are located in the Café building at the back of the Galaxy Drive-in. There are quite a few stalls in the ladies but no baby changing facilities there. Intermission for double features is the same as always for the girls…a long line!
So if you are looking for a very family friendly evening, this is definitely a great idea. It’s a great re-visit for us oldies and a wonderful new experience to share with the kids!!
What to remember to take with you:
CASH (Yes I know I keep mentioning that one but it’s so easy to only carry a card these days and then get caught out), blankets, pillows, beanbags, chairs, food, drinks, jumpers (it does get nippy) and aeroguard.
Located Goollelal Drive and Hocking Road Kingsley
GPS Maps: 157 Goollelal Drive Kingsley
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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 14 & 12 and is a big advocate of the family-friendly lifestyle that Perth has to offer.
