Deckchair Cinema

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Where can you watch mainstream and art-house movies in a warm, relaxed outdoor space with sea views, delicious food and a glass of wine? The in Darwin of course.

The cinema first opened in 1994 but became so popular that by 2003 it had outgrown its location and had to be moved to a new and bigger spot on the Darwin Waterfront. It's open every evening with two sessions most Fridays and Saturdays.

You'll find The down the hill from Darwin CBD, near the sea on Jervois Road. You can drive there from the end of Kitchener Drive and parking is free after 5pm. Alternatively there are bicycle racks available if you choose to ride your bike. Or you can walk down the steps from The Esplanade via the Damoe Ra Walkway. There are plenty of lights along the way before and after each screening.



It's a dry season venue since you don't even want to try to sit outdoors and watch a movie in the wet season. Think thunder, lightning and mossies.

You can buy tickets on line or at the box office. $16 for adults, $8 for children with concession and family tickets available too.



You'll find plenty of deckchairs as well as plastic chairs, and cushions are important. The cinema has a supply but most people bring their own 'statement' cushions. The more colourful and sparkly the better. Not that it's a competition or anything.



There are also beanbags in front of the screen on the grass. Beware of cheeky possums though, as they are often hungry and sometimes bite.



Now here's the thing, it's not just about the movie as there's a lot more going on at The Deckchair. Gates open an hour before the movie starts, so that everyone has time to catch up with friends, enjoy a glass of wine and buy a plate of delicious Darwin-style food — and admire each others' cushions.



Darwin-style food is often Asian influenced, spicy and aromatic. And it tastes wonderful when eaten outside on a balmy evening, near the sea, with the prospect of a quirky movie afterwards, instead of dessert.



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