Photo credit: J Bar via Wikimedia Commons
Dress code: pyjamas and comfy slippers. BYO: blanket and pillow. Is there any cosier way to spend a weekend night than watching a movie under the stars? Drive-in cinemas sprouted across Queensland like mushrooms during the 1960s, but only five remain. Grab a choc chop and enjoy drive-in cinema in the following locations.
Yatala
The ultimate drive-in road trip begins just south of Brisbane at
Yatala Drive-In. Screening new release and classic cinema since 1974, Yatala Drive-In has become a time-worn tradition for south-east families and couples.
Admission is $35 per carload, which gets you a spot to park your car and set up chairs. Sound can be accessed through FM radio, so bring a portable radio if you don't plan on watching in your car. And if you like to chew while you view you can BYO snacks, order something from the onsite 50s diner, or grab a
famous pie on your way.
Jericho
For a more intimate drive-in experience, head north-west for about 12 hours until you reach Jericho.
Jericho Drive-In Theatre is a tiny theatre with a claim to fame - it's the smallest drive-in in the southern hemisphere.
Jericho Drive-In Theatre screens movies on the third Saturday of the month and offers parks for 36 cars, with extra seating in the pavilions. The theatre is run entirely by volunteers from the Jericho State School P&C and profits from admission ($5-10 for children and $10-15 for adults) go back into the school community.
Mareeba
Tourists flock to Rodeo Drive in Los Angeles in hopes of 'seeing the stars'. You can see the stars at
Rodeo Drive-In too; you just have to look up.
Mareeba Drive-In doesn't operate on a regular basis but when they do open, they make a night of it. Ticket admission covers two movies and a campsite for the night. Adult tickets are $14 and concession discounts are available. The cafe's menu boasts a range of classic Australian takeaway fare, covering burgers, hot dogs, and hot box selections.
Ayr
When the sun goes down, the fun begins, is the motto of
Ayr Stardust Drive In, and it's one that's served them well for more than 50 years.
With capacity for 100 cars and the undercover Cinema Galaxy Picture Show, visitors to Stardust Drive-In can choose between an indoor or outdoor movie experience. New release family-friendly movies are screened every weekend from 7pm, and admission is $10. No outside food is allowed, but the cafe offers basic, reasonably priced meals.
Charters Towers
Tors Drive-In is Queensland's northernmost drive-in and also its oldest, running continuously from 1966. Tors offers a double feature of classic cinema every weekend and an onsite cafe and candy bar selling light meals and popular movie-going treats. And while it may defeat the purpose, there is a seating area in the foyer for viewers who walk-in.
Have you been to any of these cinemas? Tell us what you thought!
