15: Munch popcorn under the stars at an outdoor cinema

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Outdoor cinemas have been around for decades, but our love affair with them only grows stronger. There’s something very cool about watching a movie outdoors, and the experience becomes all the more magical when you add a beautiful backdrop of water to admire, seagulls flying overhead as the sun bids you goodnight and the movie starts. It takes the act of viewing a movie out of the darkened, overly air-conditioned cinema and makes it a communal celebration of the great outdoors and great weather. Pack a picnic, bring cushions and a blanket, and settle in under the stars for a special summer evening’s entertainment with friends and family – and a few hundred fellow movie lovers.

Try these

Sun Pictures/ Broome Movies Broome, WA – Laying claim to the title of ‘World’s Oldest Outdoor Picture Gardens’, this quaint outdoor cinema shows the latest movies under the stars every night. broomemovies.com.au

Darwin’s Deckchair Cinema Darwin Waterfront, NT – 16 April 2014 – 16 November 2014. Open during the dry season only (April – November), this tropical outdoor cinema right on the waterfront features a diverse range of Australian, family, classic and popular films. Deckchairs are provided.

Outdoor Cinema – Christmas Island – Being over 1500 kilometres away from the nearest point on the Aussie mainland is no barrier to this tiny island cinema, which showcases Hollywood blockbusters and classic cult movies under the stars on Saturdays at 7:30pm (in the event of rain, screenings take place on Wednesdays).

Daydream Island Resort & Spa Whitsundays, QLD – Resort guests can kick back and enjoy free movies on the 44-foot outdoor screen. Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings.

Ben & Jerry’s OpenAir Cinema – Brisbane: 20 Oct – 24 Nov 2013, Adelaide: 1–22 Dec 2013, Sydney: 23 Jan – 2 Mar 2014, Melbourne: 1–22 Dec 2013, Canberra: 14 Feb – 8 Mar 2014, Perth: Check website.

Maltesers Moonlight Cinema – Held under the stars at QT Port Douglas between Jun – Oct 2014. Other locations: Brisbane: 12 Dec 2013 – 23 Feb 2014, Sydney: 12 Dec 2013 – 23 Mar 2014, Adelaide: 28 Nov 2013 – 15 Feb 2014, Melbourne: 5 Dec 2013 – 20 Mar 2014, Perth: 11 Dec 2013 – 30 Mar 2014.

 

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The Gold Rush town that’s become Victoria’s best country escape for foodies

    Jocelyn PrideBy Jocelyn Pride
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    The well-preserved Gold Rush town where an idyllic country vibe meets the best of city living.

    Cafe culture

    ‘Slow down’ is the mantra of Tortoise Espresso , and it’s apt for anyone visiting town. This local coffee hangout was the brainchild of Lloyd Meadows, who at 16 started it as a hole in the wall of an old pub. Five years on, it graces a fine shopfront with a menu of around 60 different coffees. Other one-off centrally located daytime cafes, such as Saffs, Togs, Saint Florian and Lazy Bones, are tucked into historic buildings and serve creative menus featuring local produce. A personal favourite is Origini, where chef Luca Sartori brings a taste of northern Italy to his rustic restaurant. For the best banh mi outside Vietnam head to Super Hero, and the pastries at Johnny Baker are legendary.

    the Saint Florian Cafe, Castlemaine
    Saint Florian is one of many businesses tucked away in a historic building. (Image: Griffin Simm)

    On the town’s fringe you’ll find some treasured cafes: Blackbird. Grist, Doveton Corner Store, and the cosy Aitken’s Corner. The Mill precinct also brings another dimension to Castlemaine. Located directly opposite the beautiful Botanical Gardens, this once-derelict woollen mill is a hive of creativity and collaboration. Retaining an industrial feel, it is home to a myriad of 44 unique businesses, galleries and studios that stretch over the three-hectare site.

    Brilliant brews, bars and food

    diners at The Mill, Castlemaine
    The Mill is home to many local businesses. (Image: Visit Victoria/Michelle Jarni)

    The Mill is also home to one of Castlemaine’s bespoke breweries, Shedshaker Brewing Company and Taproom. Within the sensitively restored walls of the oldest part of the building (circa 1875), small-batch, handcrafted beer features alongside fine wholesome food and live music.

    A more recent newcomer to the brewing scene is Love Shack . Starting small as a laneway pop-up in 2021, visionaries Conna Mallett and Harry Cox were armed with a Melbourne beer culture pedigree, which helped them create a great new ‘pub’ that feels as though it’s been there since the 1850s. Other atmospheric bars and restaurants are dotted around town – Grafting Cellars for local wines by the pour; buzzy Mostyn Street Cellars; Table Records plays vinyl on weekends; and the quirky Maurocco bar is not to be missed.

    food and drinks at Love Shack Public Bar & Bistro, Castlemaine
    The nostalgic Love Shack Public Bar & Bistro serves comfort food. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    For food you’ll write home about, the hatted Bar Midland serves exquisite dishes from Victorian-only produce. The freshly renovated Wild is located in the original firestation, Voor Ouker specialises in Indonesian/Dutch fusion, and the Railway Hotel oozes English pub charm.

    the Theatre Royal, Castlemaine
    Theatre Royal is the longest continually operating theatre on the mainland. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)

    Much-loved Teatro Regio, found in the magnificent Theatre Royal , is the go-to for pizzas with a twist. As mainland Australia’s longest continually running theatre, this grand dame is also one of more than a dozen performance spaces that add to a rich and diverse entertainment and festival scene.

    pizza at Theatre Royal
    Dine before a show at Theatre Royal. (Image: Tourism Australia/Visit Victoria)

    Quirky country stays

    Quirky, authentic and perfectly located, the Midland Hotel is a private hotel that dates back to 1879. Each of the nine rooms at the Northern Arts Hotel is different and named in honour of an Australian artist. Castlemaine Boutique Accommodation also has a range of properties to suit all types of travellers.