This idea is from Melbourne WeekendNotes for Friday the 18th of December 2009. For more recent ideas subscribe here.

One of my favourite things about summer in Melbourne is all the outdoor cinemas in the city. What could be more romantic than chilling out with your loved one on a picnic blanket with loads of delicious food and drink, watching a film underneath the stars? Or what could be more fun than watching a film outside with a load of mates instead of being cooped up in a dark cinema? All in all it's a great experience.

One of the best and most reasonably priced outdoor cinemas in the city is at The Royal Botanic Gardens. The Ford Fiesta Moonlight Cinema season kicks off from 17th Dec till 14th March and for $15 for an adult ticket it's a steal. A great cheap date option!

If you want to make the experience more special and a little more luxurious then they also do Gold Grass, which includes entry, a glass of wine and a reserved bean bed in a premium viewing location on the lawn, all for $32.

This season you'll be able to watch the latest releases, classic and cult films in the surrounds of the beautiful Botanic Gardens. Films include Ponyo, Fantastic Mr Fox, Twilight, Monty Pythons Life of Brian, Top Gun, Breakfast at Tiffanys, The Invention of Lying, 2012, The Wizard of Oz, The Godfather, Pulp Fiction, Sherlock Holmes, Avatar and even a special showing of Up where you can bring your pooches!

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