20 retro cinemas in Australia to step back in time

From art deco icons to drive-in delights, these nostalgic cinemas across Australia prove that old-school charm never goes out of style.

For all our streaming subscriptions and surround-sound setups, nothing beats the atmosphere of a retro cinema. Whether it’s the flicker of 35mm film, the velvet curtains pulling back before the opening credits, or the lingering scent of buttered popcorn, vintage cinemas offer a moviegoing experience steeped in charm, character and a dash of old-Hollywood glamour.

Australia is home to some of the most enchanting retro cinemas in the world – from century-old art deco theatres to lovingly restored drive-ins. Here’s where to step back in time and catch a flick in true nostalgic style.

Empire Cinemas, Bowral, NSW

Opened in 1915 and still operating today, Empire Cinemas in Bowral claims to be Australia’s oldest operating commercial cinema. With four boutique screens and a mix of current releases, classics and film festivals, it’s a charming country experience in the Southern Highlands.

Bonus points for the heritage-listed façade and the original box office window, which still greets moviegoers with vintage flair.

Theatre Royal, Castlemaine, Vic

Set in the heart of the Goldfields region, the Theatre Royal in Castlemaine is Australia’s oldest continually operating theatre (not a commercial cinema), dating back to 1854. While its roots are in live performance, today it doubles as an indie cinema, live music venue and community hub.

Inside, you’ll find a blend of Victorian-era charm and quirky character: exposed brick, vintage movie posters and a full-service bar pouring local wines and craft beer. It screens a mix of new releases, classics and cult favourites, with a warm, intimate atmosphere that makes every movie feel like an event.

Sun Pictures, Broome, WA

Recognised as the world’s oldest open-air cinema, Sun Pictures has been screening movies under the stars since 1916. Located in Broome’s Chinatown, it’s equal parts history, novelty and tropical charm.

Planes literally fly overhead during screenings, adding to the magic, and deckchairs, popcorn, and a warm evening breeze seal the deal.

Classic Cinema, Elsternwick, Vic

True to its name, Classic Cinema is the longest continuously operating cinema in Victoria. Opened in 1911, the cinema has been carefully modernised without losing its heritage soul. The neon lights, red velvet curtains and art deco flourishes still shine bright.

There’s also a strong emphasis on local and indie films, with comfy seating and a piano bar to complete the experience.

Mount Vic Flicks, Mt Victoria, NSW

Mountain Vic is a firm favourite of the local community. (Image: Blue Mountains City Council)

Mount Vic Flicks is a Blue Mountains gem. Housed in a quaint 1930s building at the top of the range, it’s a community-run theatre with buckets of character and a commitment to screening quality cinema.

Inside, the original proscenium arch frames a single screen flanked by vintage red velvet curtains, while old movie posters and hand-painted signage complete the throwback feel. Expect arthouse films, documentaries and special screenings for kids, with baked goods and chai from the foyer.

Capri Theatre, Adelaide, SA

Adelaide’s Capri Theatre is more than just a cinema; it’s an institution. Operated by the Theatre Organ Society of Australia, this 1941 art deco gem is home to a magnificent 1927 Wurlitzer organ that’s still played before select screenings. Walking into the Capri is like stepping into a time capsule, with original architectural features and a program that spans arthouse hits, mainstream movies and community events.

As a not-for-profit, all proceeds go back into maintaining the venue, and volunteers run the show, from the box office to the bar.

Roxy Theatre, Leeton, NSW

A classic country picture palace, the Roxy Theatre in Leeton has been an entertainment hub since 1930. The theatre has maintained much of its original art deco design and still runs regular screenings, community events and film festivals.

With its soaring ceilings, historic lighting and authentic atmosphere, the Roxy is a proud link to Australia’s golden age of cinema.

Palace Westgarth Cinema, Northcote, Vic

Northcote’s Palace Westgarth Cinema is a stunning art deco landmark with serious vintage cred. Originally opened in 1921 as the Westgarth Theatre, this grand old dame has been beautifully preserved and now forms part of the Palace Cinemas group.

Inside, heritage detailing meets boutique comfort across three screens. The main auditorium still boasts original mouldings and a sweeping ceiling, while the other cinemas add a modern touch.

Ritz Cinema, Randwick, NSW

A short drive from Sydney’s CBD, The Ritz Cinema in Randwick has been screening films since 1937 and is one of only a handful of art deco cinemas still operating in Australia. Now heritage-listed, the Ritz has evolved into a thriving hub for film lovers, showing everything from new releases and indie films to retrospectives, anime and film festivals.

Its atmospheric interior, vintage signage and cosy cocktail bar make it a standout. And in true retro style, some screenings are still projected on film – a rare treat in today’s digital age.

The Majestic Theatre, Pomona, Qld

This Sunshine Coast stunner is the oldest silent movie theatre in the world still screening with live musical accompaniment. At The Majestic Theatre , you can watch silent films accompanied by a live organist, just like in the 1920s.

The building itself, with wooden pews and a weatherboard exterior, feels like stepping into a bygone era – a rare treat for history and cinema buffs alike.

Chauvel Cinema, Paddington, NSW

Perched above Paddington Town Hall, the Chauvel Cinema is a heritage gem with a rich film history. Originally the Paddington Town Hall Ballroom in 1908, it was transformed into a cinema in the 1970s and named after pioneering filmmaker Charles Chauvel.

Run by Palace Cinemas, this two-screen theatre champions indie, foreign and Australian films. Don’t miss the grand old ticket booth, stained-glass windows and ornate plasterwork that give it serious old-Hollywood energy.

Astor Theatre, St Kilda, Vic

Melbourne’s grand Astor Theatre in St Kilda is the last single-screen cinema of its kind in the city, an art deco wonder and national film icon. Since 1936, it’s been screening cult hits, silent films, retrospectives and midnight marathons, all under its golden dome and sparkling chandeliers.

The Astor specialises in 35mm and 70mm film screenings, and there’s a deep sense of romance to the experience, whether you’re catching a silent classic or a midnight screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show (with full costumes encouraged, of course).

Roseville Cinemas, Roseville, NSW

A true suburban treasure, Roseville Cinemas has been screening films since 1919. The heritage-listed site features a lovingly restored art deco façade and two cinemas – one with pressed metal ceilings and the other named ‘Cinema Paradiso’.

It’s run by a local family and adored by the community, with a line-up that mixes quality blockbusters with foreign films, classics and themed screenings. Grab a glass of wine and relive the golden days of cinema in cosy comfort.

Sun Theatre, Yarraville, Vic

Tucked into Melbourne’s inner west, the Sun Theatre is a restored 1938 cinema that oozes vintage cool. After falling into disrepair in the 1980s, it was painstakingly restored in the late 1990s and now boasts eight boutique cinemas, each named after closed-down theatres from around the area.

From art deco ticket booths to retro carpeted interiors, the Sun is a love letter to cinema’s golden age.

Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace, Cremorne, NSW

Originally opened in 1935 and lovingly restored to its former glory, the Hayden Orpheum in Cremorne is the crème de la crème of Sydney’s retro cinemas. Its stunning art deco façade sets the scene for a cinematic experience drenched in old-world charm. Inside, you’ll find six auditoriums – one of which boasts a fully restored 1925 Wurlitzer pipe organ that rises dramatically from the stage before certain screenings.

Expect cult classics, indie gems, new releases and themed events like quote-along Mean Girls nights or retro horror marathons. There’s even a stylish cocktail bar upstairs that leans into the theatre’s vintage vibes with plush furnishings and mood lighting.

Coburg Drive-In, Melbourne, Vic

Melbourne’s beloved Coburg Drive-In channels serious 1950s Americana. Three massive screens and room for over 800 cars make it one of the best retro movie nights in town, especially with a classic burger in hand from the retro-style kiosk.

Bring your mates, a mattress in the boot and tune in for a movie under the stars.

Golden Age Cinema and Bar, Sydney, NSW

Housed in the beautifully restored Paramount House building in Surry Hills, the Golden Age Cinema and Bar blends old-world glamour with new-age cool. Once the screening room for Paramount Pictures executives in the 1940s, it’s now a 60-seat boutique cinema with retro touches and a killer cocktail list.

Expect cult classics, arthouse hits, live music, Q&As and even cheeky late-night horror marathons. Come for the vibe, stay for the spiced popcorn martini.

Deckchair Cinema, Darwin, NT

For a retro cinema experience with a tropical twist, Deckchair Cinema in Darwin is the place to be. Open-air and set beside the sea, this seasonal cinema (April to November) features timber deckchairs, fairy lights, and a program full of world cinema, documentaries and local stories.

Grab a curry or laksa from the onsite kitchen, sip a cold beer and watch the sunset give way to screen time – all under the stars. It’s retro in spirit, even if its chairs are more beach club than art deco.

Skyline Drive-In, Blacktown, NSW

Skyline Drive In Diner — It doesn’t get more retro than watching a film with a milkshake in hand. (Image: Supplied)

The only surviving drive-in in Sydney, Skyline Drive-In at Blacktown, has been a west-side favourite since 1963. Now operated by Event Cinemas, it boasts two screens, plus a 1950s-style diner slinging hot dogs and milkshakes.

Pull up in your car, tune in the radio and watch the sky fade to black as the opening credits roll. A true time-warp experience.

Star Cinema, Bendigo, Vic

Ever watched a movie with a wine in one hand and your feet up on a couch that feels like home? At Star Cinema in Eaglehawk , just outside Bendigo, that’s the whole point. Set in the historic Eaglehawk Town Hall, this unique cinema swaps regular seats for mismatched vintage couches and armchairs – and yes, there’s a bar inside the theatre.

The vibe is laid-back, the films are a mix of indie, international and Australian releases, and the whole experience feels like your coolest friend’s lounge room crossed with a country-town theatre from the 1950s.

The final reel

Whether you’

Discover the magic of a Sydney staycation in summer at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney.

Sydney City is magical in summer. Warm summer evenings beg to be spent sipping cool cocktails at one of many al fresco and rooftop bars. Ferries and buses are ready to transport travellers to the best nearby beaches for salty days on the sand. National parks and rainforests are waiting to be explored. And the city’s events calendar is packed, from live music to cultural attractions. All elements that call for a Sydney staycation.

Discover where to eat, stay and play for the perfect local getaway.

Where to stay

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

Amid the bustle of the perfect Sydney staycation, one needs a place to escape to and recharge. Enter, The Fullerton Hotel Sydney . The hotel is an icon in its own right – nestled inside the 151-year-old building that was originally Sydney’s General Post Office, its heritage-listed sandstone walls and Victorian renaissance grandeur have been carefully preserved – providing a rare chance to sleep within Sydney’s history.

Despite its fascinating history, the hotel isn’t short on modern, luxurious comforts. Rooms and suites are available in both the modern high-rise with gorgeous views over the clock tower and lively city below, or inside the historical post office building itself.

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney Heritage Long Suite bathroom — Heritage rooms maintain their old-world style.

Either way, guests can enjoy sophisticated touches, including a deluxe bed and pillow menu, Harman Kardon Bluetooth speakers, a digital concierge, a Vittoria coffee machine and amenities from the Balmain bathroom collection.

The team at this five-star hotel provides excellence and a quality experience for all their guests, while amenities like a gym help with a well-rounded stay. For a peaceful moment with sweeping city views, enter The Fullerton Club Lounge on level 28. This private haven for dining and relaxation is available to any guests staying on the hotel’s club floors and suites.

Add to this a central location in the CBD’s Martin Place, with easy access to Sydney’s top attractions, and convenience meets style.

Where to drink & dine

1. The Bar

the Fullerton Hotel afternoon tea at the bar — Indulge in the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea.

Inside The Fullerton Hotel Sydney’s lobby, The Bar does more than sling a few delicious cocktails (although it certainly does that well). Its brown leather chairs and glass ceiling create the perfect, almost al fresco, setting for the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea .

Served daily from 12 to 4 pm, the afternoon tea is a nod to the cherished social occasion it once was during the Victorian Renaissance era. People like to dress up for this afternoon tea, and if you’re lucky, a pianist often sits down at the on-site grand piano, just adding to the elegance.

The afternoon tea is served high tea style, offering reimagined British flavours of the Victorian Renaissance era with a unique blend of Australia’s culinary heritage. A sweet layer offers delights like a Malted Milk Envelope (a milk mousse layered between two biscuits), Bakewell Pudding (a super tasty egg-based pudding), and Apple Charlotte.

On the savoury layer, expect finger sandwiches with fillings like cucumber, egg and smoked salmon. While classic pinwheels and stuffed eggs almost make the menu. And, of course, all finished off with traditional scones served with cream and mixed berry jam.

Can’t fit in a whole afternoon tea? Be sure to at least order a slice of the 32-layered chocolate cake, a decadent mix of dark chocolate crémeux, fresh whipped cream, and Valrhona Azélia chocolate sauce. ⁣

2. The Place

the Fullerton Hotel the place dining — Dine in the stunning GPO atrium.

On level one of The Fullerton Hotel Sydney lives The Place – the hotel’s restaurant, in an atrium overlooking the former GPO. Here, dine on Modern Australian cuisine – think fresh, local seafood and a Riverina steak sandwich – along with a touch of Singaporean signature dishes, like Thai-style green curry or chicken satay. All in the shadow of the GPO clock tower, enjoying the GPO atrium’s natural light.

3. Local gelato

Couple enjoying ice-creams at First Fleet Park, The Rocks — Enjoy ice cream in the sunshine. (Image: Destination NSW)

What is summer without ice cream and/or gelato? Luckily, there are plenty of options just a short walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, whether you’re craving a midday pick-me-up or an after-sun treat.

What to do/see

1. GPO Heritage Tour

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney lobby — Be awed by the building’s history.

Want to know more about the building you’re staying in? The Fullerton Hotel Sydney offers a complimentary 90-minute GPO Heritage Tour. Follow a knowledgeable tour guide to discover the stories, tales and legends of the former Sydney General Post Office building.

From the iconic clock tower (completed in 1891) to the black-and-white tiled staircase at 1 Martin Place, which was once the main entrance to the GPO and today serves as a prominent feature of the building to the 24 stone faces (mascarons) on the Martin Place side of the building. Part of the 1880s-era facade (designed by architect James Barnet), each represents different states, countries and continents.

2. Circular Quay

aerial of circular quay sydney — Catch a ferry from Circular Quay. (Image: Destination NSW)

An easy walk or light rail ride away from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, lies the bustling Circular Quay. Here, you can sit for a drink and nibbles at the Opera Bar, or head into the iconic house itself for a show. It’s also a major ferry port, becoming your gateway to Sydney’s beaches, Luna Park and even Sydney Zoo.

3. Royal Botanic Gardens

view of circular quay from Sydney's Royal Botanic Garden — Wander through Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. (Image: Destination NSW)

Just beyond Circular Quay, discover Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. Wander through this 30-hectare, heritage-listed, botanical garden – exploring its differing sections, from Australian native botanicals to garden beds of vibrant flowers to towering groves of international trees.

It’s also the perfect place for a picnic, so pick up supplies before you come and enjoy a spot on the grassy meadow looking out into the harbour.

4. Theatre Royal

Just a one-minute walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, take in a show at Theatre Royal. Built in 1976, the theatre has been offering a broad range of entertainment since the 1990s. Expect a show roster that ranges from the classics (like Cats) to the modern) like Pretty Woman: The Musical).

Start planning a summer stay in Sydney worth remembering at fullertonhotels.com/fullerton-hotel-sydney.