lifestyle

With summer hotting up down under, it’s outdoor movie season – so we’ve focused on the top 10 best outdoor cinemas in Australia, with hip rooftop screenings, beachside film festivals and open-air park soirees up for grabs. Pack a picnic, take a plus one or even a pooch, and enjoy a romantic evening under the stars. And, after the credits roll, you can stroll off into the sunset for a happy ending at one of our recommended boutique hotels…

1 ROOFTOP CINEMA, MELBOURNE
Where? Curtin House, 252 Swanston Street
When? Until 31 January

For Manhattan-style views of Melbourne, you can’t beat the uber-cool Rooftop Cinema, perched loftily atop club- and bar-packed Curtin House on Swanston Street in the CBD. Recover from the heart-pumping climb upstairs with a cocktail at the open-air bar, before settling into a deckchair for the movie. This urban eyrie always attracts an up-for-it crowd, and serves tasty snacks to fuel the faithful. Highlights this season include cult Brit flicks Submarine and Trainspotting as well as US scarefest Jaws.

Get a room! Roll into bed at Apartment 401 in Melbourne, a short walk away.

2 MOONLIGHT CINEMA, VARIOUS LOCATIONS

For movies under the stars, make a date with Moonlight Cinema, which screens cult and classic flicks in alfresco locations across Australia, including Adelaide, Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Port Douglas until 25 March. You can even bring canine companions along to the 15 January Aussie feel-good flick Red Dog in Melbourne. New York-style street food, bars, gourmet picnics and bean bags can be yours, depending on the venue.

Get a room! For crashing out after, try the Lyall Hotel and Spa in Melbourne; Establishment Hotel in Sydney; NB City holiday house in Adelaide; Spicers Balfour Hotel in Brisbane or a stylish holiday house in Port Douglas.