A night or day at the cinema is a nice idea while travelling, holidaying or visiting Victoria. Visitors and locals have a wide array of choices when it comes to catching a flick at the cinema.
Traditional cinemas
On a cold night, there is nothing better than settling in to watch a movie at any number of great cinema complexes. Alternatively, when Melbourne is experiencing one of its annual heatwaves, a cinema escape can be an air-conditioned indulgence.
- IMAX - www.imaxmelbourne.com.au
- For a state-of-the-art experience head to the IMAX Melbourne cinema complex which is located in Melbourne's Museum Precinct in Carlton. The IMAX experience is a mind-blowing interactive cinema journey, which will often see you donning 3D glasses and enjoying the reclining armchairs as you are whisked away into the ultimate movie experience courtesy of one of the world's largest movie cinema screens spanning 23 metres high and 32 metres wide!
- Hoyts - www.hoyts.com.au
- Large Hoyts cinemas are scattered across the state of Victoria, and can usually be spotted in local shopping complexes in the suburbs or in city centres. Offering the most contemporary blockbusters on show, Hoyts provides the affordable and everyday movie-watching experience that the whole family can enjoy. Hoyts also offers a range of luxury cinemas, providing personalised food and beverage service while relaxing in the comfort of luxurious seats. Or for something a little different, enjoy the latest screenings from the comfort of a deluxe beanbag.
- Village - www.villagecinemas.com.au
- Village cinemas are located throughout selected suburbs and major regional centres of Victoria. As well as operating traditional cinemas which screen the latest movies, Village offers several specialised cinema experiences. Village Rivoli in Hawthorn East is an art deco masterpiece, with recent renovations to this old-school cinema not deflecting from its charms. It offers a cinema experience with ambience and character, with some unusual art house titles on the viewing menu in addition to current blockbusters. For the ultimate cinema experience, see a movie at one of Village's "Gold Class" locations. They provide a luxurious and intimate setting with reclining seats, extra-wide screens and stunning sound. Personal waiter service is available, providing snacks, gourmet food and a full service bar.
- Reading Cinemas - www.readingcinemas.com.au
- A small cinema chain with complexes located in Melbourne's suburbs and Geelong. For an upmarket viewing experience, the "Gold Lounge" offers luxurious armchair seating, an in-cinema food and wine service and wall-to-wall screens providing a dramatic visual experience.
Outdoor cinemas
If you want to see a movie during Melbourne's warm summer evenings but don't want to stay indoors, then Melbourne's seasonal outdoor cinemas are just for you.
- Rooftop Cinema - www.rooftopcinema.com.au
- For a touch of indie art house movie love head to the Swanston Street Rooftop Cinema in central Melbourne. Located above a building called Curtin House, this unique cinema experience is all about celebrating the beauty of Melbourne city, while catching a flick at the same time. With art house, classic and other unique titles most likely to make it to their screen, Rooftop Cinema offers a romantic and indulgent cinema experience for all.
- Moonlight Cinema - www.moonlight.com.au
- If we counted the number of marriage proposals that took place at Melbourne's outdoor Moonlight Cinema, we would have enough engagement rings to fill a Tiffany's store ten times over. An open-air cinema that usually screens latest releases on the lawns of the Botanic Gardens in Melbourne. Bring a picnic rug, some munchies and the love of your life.
- St Kilda Open Air - www.stkildaopenair.com.au
- In the same vain as the above, St Kilda Open Air Cinema is located on the rooftop deck of the beachfront sea baths in the trendy inner city hub of St Kilda. A must-see for movie-lovers and romantics alike.
Drive-in cinemas
For a throwback to those days of the 1950s and 1960s, enjoy a night at the movies within the comfort of your own car at one of Melbourne's few remaining drive-ins.
- Coburg Drive In - www.villagecinemas.com.au
- Saturday nights in Coburg, in Melbourne's northern suburbs, are often spent at the local drive in. It has a popular snack bar and all the delights of Drive in days gone by.
- Dromana-3 Drive In www.drivein.net.au
- Head down the Nepean Highway until you hit Dromana to find the Dromana-3 Drive in. A hot-spot for locals and visitors looking to catch a flick.
- Lunar Drive In - www.lunardrive-in.com.au
- A true starry experience, this drive-in is located at Dandenong in Melbourne's south-eastern suburbs. Watch the recent film showing or just take in the hundreds of stars sparkling above. Pure magic.
