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The world’s most beautiful outdoor cinema is right here in Sydney

Sydney Harbour’s open-air movie theatre took home the golden choc-top, with three more Aussie gems also making the list

Avril Treasure
Melissa Woodley
Written by
Avril Treasure
Written by:
Melissa Woodley
Outdoor cinema screen over Sydney Harbour
Photograph: Fiora Sacco
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There are few more glorious summer activities than relaxing in the great outdoors underneath a twinkling, panther-black sky and watching a movie – whether it's the latest hit or a cult classic. The temperature is balmy, the bubbles are chilled, and you don’t look at your phone for a couple of hours – bliss. You know what’s even better? Open-air cinemas set in breathtaking surroundings.

From abandoned train tracks and cemeteries to grand castles and amphitheatres, Time Out’s global film editor worked with our team of travel writers around the world to curate a list of the 30 most beautiful outdoor cinemas on Earth – and there’s one cinema that took home the outdoor cinema cake. Or should I say golden choc-top.

westpac open air cinema screen
Photograph: Westpac OpenAir/Chris Grundy

Sydney’s Westpac OpenAir was named the most beautiful outdoor cinema in the world. With the iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge as its backdrop, this floating cinema at Mrs Macquarie’s Point in Sydney’s Botanic Garden is nothing short of spectacular. The massive 350-square-metre, three-storey-high screen projects everything from the latest blockbusters to vintage classics. While relaxing, you can order a bottle of bubbles to wash down a picnic box or enjoy a delicious dining experience on the site’s waterside terrace.

Good news – the summer season is about to kick off, running over 47 nights from January 9 to February 24 – and tickets are now on sale.

Avril enjoying a bubbles at Westpac OpenAir Sydney
Photograph: Avril Treasure for Time Out Sydney

Three other Aussie outdoor cinemas also made the list, including Somerville Auditorium in Perth, Cameo Outdoor Cinema in Melbourne, and Sun Pictures in Broome. Check out our full roundup of the most beautiful outdoor cinemas in the world here.

But don’t stop there. Sydney is home to many stunning outdoor cinemas for you to check out this summer, from Moonlight Cinema in the lush, tree-lined Centennial Park to Laneway Cinema, surrounded by historic cottages in The Rocks. You can check out our full guide to the best outdoor cinemas here.

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Want fun now? Here’s what’s on in Sydney this weekend.

In the mood for a show? Here’s the best theatre to see in Sydney this month.

No cash to splash? You can catch a free alfresco movie every Wednesday this summer in The Rocks.

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