The world's best outdoor cinema experience
In summer, for just a few months, Sydney becomes the home for a unique movie event where the latest releases can be viewed with culinary excellence in an unrivalled harbourside setting under the stars
If this story reads a little biased, then so be it. This is where I live. Upfront, January is a special month. School’s out. Work stops. Holidays kick in. Lazy sultry days unfold like a well-paced film, where you shift seamlessly between sun-drenched beaches, Festival events, long lunches in fabulous restaurants, and evenings by the harbour, culminating in one of the city's most unique experiences—the Westpac OpenAir Cinema. Each night for about 6 weeks at the start of the New Year, a crowd gathers at Mrs Macquarie’s Point, a short walk from the city, and settles in for a movie projected against one of the most recognisable skylines in the world.
The setting alone justifies the journey. Wedged between the Royal Botanic Gardens and Farm Cove, the venue offers an uninterrupted panorama: the Sydney Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, and the glow of the city beyond. As the sun dips below the skyline, ferries and water taxis shuttle across the harbour, their wakes catching the last golden light. A warm breeze carries the occasional clang of a halyard from a moored yacht.
Before the main event, the crowd meanders toward the dining and bar areas. Unlike traditional cinemas, where pre-show fare is limited to overpriced popcorn and choc tops, OpenAir takes a different approach with its "Festival of Food" curated by some of Sydney's most renowned chefs:
Luke Nguyen offers a Vietnamese fusion menu at The Point, bringing fresh and vibrant flavours to general admission ticket holders.
Danielle Alvarez, culinary director of the Sydney Opera House event venues, presents a Mediterranean-inspired menu at Summer House Dining, a premium full-service restaurant with sweeping harbour views.
Scott McComas-Williams of Fabbrica creates an elevated pasta bar-style menu at Chandon Garden, offering a relaxed dining atmosphere.
Once you’re done with gourmet dining, the film begins, and the city becomes an ambient backdrop. On particularly still nights, the reflections from passing boats dance across the screen’s base. Occasionally, a ferry or a giant cruise ship glides silently behind, its lights cutting through the dark. It’s a reminder that this is no ordinary cinema experience; it’s a fusion of film and landscape, where the natural and built environment become part of the show.
The crowd here is mixed. Some are regulars (like me), returning each season with the efficiency of seasoned veterans. The tip is to arrive early, stake out a prime spot with ‘reserved’ notices handed out as you pass the entry gates.
Others are first-timers, wide-eyed as they take in the scale of the screen against the cityscape. Their jaws scrape along the walkways. There’s an easy informality to it all. Unlike the hushed reverence of an indoor cinema, OpenAir allows for quiet exchanges, murmured reactions, and the occasional clink of a wine glass.
Accessibility is well considered. The site accommodates mobility needs, with dedicated seating and assistance available where required. The location, while breathtaking, does require a short walk through the Botanic Gardens, a pleasant prelude in fine weather but worth noting for those less mobile.
By the time the final credits roll, the harbour has settled into its late-night rhythm. The screen tilts back to its resting position, and the audience disperses into the night, some heading toward the city, others filtering back through the Gardens. What lingers is not just the memory of the film but the entire evening—the view, the food, the gentle sway of the harbour.
And I’ve been coming for years; the novelty has yet to wear off. I can’t imagine it ever will. I think part of the reason is that in a city that thrives on its outdoor lifestyle, OpenAir Cinema is not just a summer attraction; it’s an experience that feels quintessentially Sydney, one that stays with you long after the last frame has flickered across the screen. And for visitors, it sure must feel like going to the movies back ‘home’, will never be the same again.