With a rapidly growing suite of attractions on the Gold Coast, locals and travellers alike have an offering like never before to enjoy their next movie experience. From the classic outdoor drive-in and brewing cinema to an evening under the stars, we’ve uncovered the top 8 (unexpected) locations to take the family for your next movie adventure.
OUTDOOR BURLEIGH BREWS CINEMA
As if we needed another reason to visit the champions at Burleigh Brewing, here’s one more to add to the list… On the last Thursday of every month, BB will showcase a 90’s film classic at their dedicated outdoor cinema area. The Wedding Singer, Priscilla Queen of the Desert and Armageddon just to name a few. To keep the good times rolling; you’ll also get to see a short film from an emerging Gold Coast filmmaker, thanks to their neat collaboration with Gold Coast Film Festival. The acclaimed GC Film Festival is set to hit the Coast on April 15-26, 2020.
So mark your diaries and get down to Burleigh Brewing Co.’s free monthly screenings for a flashback to the 90s and an award-winning ale (or lager) for your next movie night out minus the kids – 18+ only.
Check out the full cinema schedule here.
AMONGST THE ARTS AT HOTA
If anyone in town knows a thing or two about film and theatre, it’s our friends at HOTA, Home of the Arts. Nestled on the banks of the Nerang River, just a short 10-minute drive from the centre of Surfers Paradise sits this gem – formerly known as the Gold Coast Arts Centre. The precinct is home to two cinema screening rooms equipped with state-of-the-art sound systems and classic red amphitheatre chairs, and runs a unique mix of mainstream Hollywood blockbusters, to foreign and arthouse film releases. There’s something here for everyone.
Viewings 7 days a week. See full details and times for the HOTA Cinema here.
UNDER THE STARS – CITY INITIATIVE
With the weather warming up, what better way to relish an afternoon come early evening on the Gold Coast than watching a movie under the stars…at the Gold Coast? (We think so too).
Round-up the family or a group of friends and head down to one of the many open-air movie events on offer across the City throughout the year. It’s completely free to attend, but if you plan to snag one of the oversized beanbags or striped deck chairs to kick back in, take our advice and head down early. There’s also a range of food truck eats on offer for your tribe to enjoy, or better still, indulge in your very own packed picnic – the choice is yours.
For full details, check the Gold Coast City Council programme here or the City of Gold Coast Facebook page for updates.
BIG SCREEN AT THE STAR
Remember the matinées held at the Gold Coast Casino? Well, every Monday and Sunday The Star Gold Coast turn their downstairs theatre into a marvellous screening venue for popular new release movies. Free for members of The Star Club (yep!) and just $5 for non-members; grab a pre-show bite to eat at one of the twelve dining options on the property for one fine afternoon. Kids and young children with an accompanied adult are welcome.
Multiple movie screenings each Monday from 10 am and single sessions on Sundays from 2 pm. But be sure to check the schedule before you go as movies at The Star Gold Coast are subject to availability and cancellation.
THEATRE AT THE COVE
Since it’s first opening in 1988, The Village Theatre at Sanctuary Cove is still a nostalgic favourite in the Northern Gold Coast region. It’s also unique in many ways, showcasing regular movie nights from Thursdays through to Sundays, as well as accommodating entertainers like Matt Hollywood and his resident Illusions Magic Show and other special events.
Movie tickets are just $10 for adults and $7.50 for kids and can be pre-purchased online or at the door. See the current schedule here.
THE CLASSIC YATALA DRIVE-IN
In operation since the early 70s, Yatala Drive-In will put the fun and charm in your next family (or date) night out. Control the movie sound level directly from your own car FM radio or grab your picnic blanket and outdoor chairs and sit right in front of the giant projector screen on the grass, with your trusty battery-powered radio. During intermission, be sure to check out the quaint 50’s diner – equipped to cater to all your choc-top, popcorn and snacking needs, without the price tag.
To our delight, Yatala Drive-In is also one of the few places where you can enjoy a night out with your furry friends. Entry is free, provided they’re on a leash when outside of the car.
Open 7 nights a week. Gates open approx. 45 minutes prior to showtime. Check running times here.
FILM ‘n’ FLOAT
Come summertime, grab your swimmers and head to Wet‘n’Wild for a truly cool and unique family movie experience. Great fun for the young and young at heart, catch your favourite flicks at the end of an action-packed day in the park from the comfort of your deck chair in the sand or opt to take a splash and float in the old favourite, Giant Wave Pool. They’re held every Saturday night in Summer – from 27 December 2019 to 19 January 2020.
Check out the website for the Summer Dive‘n’Movies schedule.
Dive’n’Movies are included with a valid admission ticket or pass.
FLICKS, FOOD & FASHION
Whether you’re staying at the Northern or Southern end of the beautiful Gold Coast (or somewhere in between), you can’t go wrong with a local, ol’ faithful cinema that offers an array of restaurant dining, specialty shopping and entertainment all rolled into one. #winning
Try out:
- Reading Cinemas Harbour Town
- Event Cinemas Robina Town Centre, Pacific Fair or Australia Fair
- BCC Cinemas Coolangatta – The Strand Shopping Centre
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
Destination Gold Coast acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we are situated, the Kombumerri families of the Yugambeh Language Region.
We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continuing connections to the lands, waters and their extended communities throughout Southeast Queensland.