We found Sydney’s best outdoor cinemas

If you think being shut into a dark room to watch a movie is the traditional, you need to get out more.

Specifically, to one of Sydney’s many outdoor cinemas that spring up over the summer months once the sun goes down.

The views, the food and the booze might prove distracting for serious movie buffs, but the rest of us love the fresh air. Here are five of the best… and they’re definitely worth the drive.

Outdoor cinema locations don’t come much more spectacular than Mov’In Bed, by the water on the eastern (city) side of Darling Harbour. In warmer months the plaza is transformed into a beach thanks to tonnes of sand, a giant 15-metre 4K screen and 150 queen-size beds to lounge on and watch the latest movies. Beer, wine, pizza and other goodies are on offer so grab a bed-buddy and head to Harbour City for some quality outdoor entertainment.

Unlike conventional indoor cinemas, a screening at Manly Open Air is more like party time. Gates to the Manly Oval open two hours before screening time; food vendors from The Hold (burgers), Fish Face (fish and chips), Messina (ice cream) and OMG Donuts are on site plus there are plenty of drinks (nice and naughty). The oval is home to the Manly Marlins rugby team so the grandstand is used to seat cinema audiences in front of a big movie screen in a seaside location that’s hard to beat.

Australia’s most famous beach doesn’t close for business once the sun goes down. By that time Sunset Cinema has already cranked into action next to the beachside Bondi Pavilion, ready to show latest releases and classics after dark. Hire a seat, bring your own lawn chair or blanket, or pay extra for the Fever Tree Lounge (did someone say G&T?) and enjoy on-site catering by Surfish. Or BYO picnic to extend the perfect day at the beach.

The location can’t be beaten, on the water right next to Sydney’s botanic gardens looking back towards the bridge and opera house. A giant screen rises literally out of the harbour and suddenly, you’re at the movies. Westpac OpenAir is a magical event running through January and February. The experience has been refined over 28 years: screenings are more film-festival than Hollywood blockbuster and if you love food, local chefs including Luke Nguyen serve up perfect summer dishes.

This outdoor cinema in the heart of the historic Rocks district might be low-key, but it’s also a freebie and that’s just one of the attractions. Movies at Laneway Cinema screen every Wednesday night among the restaurants and bars of Playfair Street and you can grab a bite from one of these, or a drink from the pop-up gin bar by Hickson House. Walk-ins are welcome or book a ticket (still free!) to reserve a seat. The proceeds of popcorn sales also go to worthy charities. Yum!

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