Summertime is all about kicking back at outdoor cinemas in Perth. Whether you’re watching a classic film or the latest Hollywood blockbuster, there’s nothing quite like experiencing it under the stars. Outdoor cinemas are becoming increasingly popular, and it’s not hard to see why.
It’s the perfect family activity for a summer evening. Pack a picnic, take along some UNO cards and wait for the sun to set. It’s not just about movies in parks – our list has other places to watch a good flick, like the Roof Top Cinema or Drive-ins.
Tips for visiting an outdoor cinema
Outdoor cinemas are a great way to enjoy the warm weather while watching a movie. Here are some tips if you are planning to enjoy an outdoor movie experience around Perth this summer:
1. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs to sit on. Some outdoor cinemas do not have seating, so you will need to bring your own, and at some cinemas, you can hire a deckchair or beanbag for an additional fee.
2. Dress for the weather. Outdoor cinemas are usually held in warm weather, so be sure to wear shorts and a t-shirt. If it gets cold at night, you may want to bring a jacket.
3. Bring food and drinks. Most outdoor cinemas do not have food concessions, so you will need to bring your own snacks and drinks.
4. Arrive early to get a good spot. Outdoor cinemas are usually first come, first serve, so arrive early to get a good spot near the screen.
5. It is always best to book your tickets online in advance as popular movies can get booked out quickly.
So soak up the sun and enjoy a good movie under the stars at one of these top family-friendly outdoor cinemas in Perth this summer. From classic films to the newest released movies, there’s something for everyone. So grab some popcorn and head on down to one of these great locations!
Perth’s Best Outdoor Cinemas
Telethon Community Cinema, Burswood, Joondalup and Murdoch
What a great way to support an amazing charity. These venues (this year open from November to April 2025) are all licensed, so they are strictly BYO food and non-alcoholic drinks only. Dominos pizzas are available to pre-order online. Plus, there is a bar. Bring your own seating or hire a bean bag, chair, or throw down a blanket. Gates open at 6.30pm and films start around 7.45pm.
For more info and session times see their website.
Moonlight Cinema, Kings Park
Movies will be showing on the lush lawns of Kings Park from December until March. Gates open 90 minutes before the start of the movie, and shows start at sundown (around 8pm). This is a BYO venue with snacks and beverages available at the snack bar. There are three types of seating available, the premium seating Gold Grass (waiter option to your seat) and Connoisseur Lounge (reserved bean bed and ice cream). A limited number of bean bags are available for hire. Otherwise, bring cushions, blankets and/or a low beach chair without legs. CARD only. Read the Buggybuddys review
Find Moonlight Cinemas at the May Drive parkland, Kings Park.
Rendezvous Film Club, Scarborough
Returning for Summer 2024 is the Rendezvous Film Club. This sky-high rooftop cinema overlooks Scarborough Beach, on level 24 of the Rendezvous Hotel. Start your night in the club lounge at sunset, with a drink and cheese platter. Then relax in a deck chair, watching a classic or new movie. Movie and accommodation packages are available too.
Find Rendezvous Scarborough at 148 The Esplanade, Scarborough.
For more info and session times see their website.
Galaxy Drive-In, Kingsley
This Perth institution is one of the last of its kind in all of Australia and is open all year round. Kids love the novelty of a drive-in cinema. They are a trip back in time, and an excellent way to enjoy the latest family films with very young children, who may want to fall asleep in the car later on! Back in the car and pile the boot with pillows, blankets and bean bags. BYO food is allowed and there is also a snack bar. There’s often a double feature on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights, so you may get two movies for the price of one! Gates open at 6:45 and movie starts at 7:45. The gate shuts when the cinema is full, so it’s best to get there early. CASH only. Cheap Tuesday – just $22 per car!
Find Galaxy Drive-In at corner of Goollelal Drive and Hocking Road, Kingsley.
For more info and session times see their website.
Kookaburra Cinema, Mundaring Weir
Head to the Perth Hills for the magical Kookaburra Cinemas. Found in the state forest, near Mundaring Weir, the stars in the hills always seem to shine brighter. You can even camp there! Overnight camping is available opposite, at the Hills National Parks Visitors Centre. The 2024-25 season is still to be announced. Take a picnic, and don’t forget some cash for a choc top!
Find Kookaburra Cinemas at Allen Road, Mundaring Weir.
Rooftop Movies, Northbridge
Step off the lift and walk onto the retro-themed rooftop cinema with palm trees, campervans turned into a kiosk, bar, and projector room, and deck chairs. Then there’s the amazing city view of the skyline and its twinkling lights. Rooftop Movies is a licensed venue, so BYO drinks are not permitted. Cinema fare such as popcorn, lollies, and ice cream are available for purchase. We recommend bringing a blanket and cushion for extra comfort. Most shows start at 8:00 pm.
Find Rooftop Movies on the top floor of the car park at 68 Roe Street, Northbridge.
For more info and session times see their website.
Lotterywest Films, Somerville Auditorium, University of Western Australia
Relax under the stars at Perth’s most beautiful outdoor movie location, located under a canopy of pine trees in the picturesque grounds of the University of Western Australia. This year’s Lotterywest Films program, which is part of Perth Festival, has something for everyone, with a showcase of international and arthouse movies. The Lotterywest film season runs from November through to March.
Find Lotterywest Films at 35 Hackett Drive, Crawley
For more info and session times see their website
Luna Palace Outdoor Cinema, Leederville
Luna Outdoor Cinema in Leederville is the perfect place to catch a movie under the stars. With a huge range of blockbuster films and cult classics, there’s something for everyone this summer at Luna. The state-of-the-art sound and projection equipment ensures that you’ll have an unforgettable experience. There’s even a courtyard bar, so you can enjoy a drink before or after the film. The 2024-2025 season starts in December.
Find Luna Outdoor Cinema at 155 Oxford Street, Leederville
For more info and session times see their website
Free Outdoor Cinemas
Life Boat, Mindarie Marina
This pop-up cinema at Life Boat springs to life on Friday and Saturday nights during the summer season. Once the sun has set, grab dinner and settle in for a FREE family friendly movie on the projector screen. Life Boat is a fully licensed venue, so no BYO food or drinks are allowed, but there’s plenty available for purchase. Every Sunday afternoon there are free kids activity from 2pm to 5pm – these include face painting, a magician, giant bubbles & more. Read the Buggybuddys Review
Find Life Boat at Mindarie Marina, Mindarie, 33 Ocean Falls Boulevard, Mindarie.
Northbridge Piazza
Looking for a budget-friendly family night out? The Northbridge Piazza is a fantastic free outdoor entertainment spot that won’t cost you a cent! This family-friendly space in the heart of Perth features a massive LED super screen where kids and parents can enjoy free movies and entertainment all year round. The laid-back atmosphere is perfect for little ones who might not sit still in a traditional cinema – they can wiggle and giggle on the grassy terraced seating without disturbing anyone. Pack some snacks, bring your picnic blankets or grab a bite from the nearby eateries and make yourself comfortable on the amphitheatre-style seating. The best part? There’s no need to book or worry about the weather, as the Piazza offers both open-air and sheltered viewing areas. It’s a perfect spot for families to enjoy quality time together without breaking the bank, and the early evening screenings are ideal for younger children’s bedtime routines. Top parent tip: arrive early during school holidays and special events to secure the best viewing spots, and don’t forget to pack some cushions for extra comfort!
Heading to an outdoor cinema is the perfect way to spend a balmy summer evening. The relaxed atmosphere is perfect for a date night or a family outing. And there’s nothing better than watching a film under the stars. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly movie or something a little more adult, there’s an outdoor cinema in Perth for you.
Have we missed a family-friendly outdoor cinema in Perth? Let us know in the comments below!
Find more things to do with kids in Perth here.
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Amanda Carlin has her own food and travel blog. Established in 2013, “The Chef, His Wife and Their Perth-fect Life” has enjoyed an exciting name change in 2021, as “The Chef’s Ex-wife” embarks on new adventures with Simply PERTHfect. Amanda loves getting out and about in Perth and WA, as well as brunching, tapas or something a little fancy in equal measures. With her son “Little Chef” in tow, Amanda always has plenty of family friendly eating options to recommend too! Be sure to check out Simply PERTHfect.