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’

Spend a few days visiting the real-life Central Australian locations that inspired the new film everyone is talking about, and discover why Alice Springs is such an important part of Australian culture.

In the credits of the new Australian film Kangaroo , the first name under ‘cast’ should read ‘The Northern Territory ’. Not only is Alice Springs (and the surrounding landscape) integral to the movie itself, but the spiritual heart of Australia and its local Indigenous owners also inform the look and feel of every frame, explains Producer Trisha Morton-Thomas of Brindle Films, who also plays Charlie’s grandmother Gwennie.

“By setting Kangaroo in Alice Springs (Mparntwe), the film embraces how visible Aboriginal people are here, and the living Aboriginal culture that is woven through this community,” she explains.

still from kangarro film — See *Kangaroo*, then visit the real-life filming locations.

And while shooting in such a sacred part of the Northern Territory required extra planning, it was something the cast and crew were highly invested in.

“There are incredibly significant sacred sites and places of deep cultural stories in the area, that at times are very gender-specific, which we’ve kept out of the production,” she explains. “Even if overhead drone footage captures a sacred site that isn’t meant to be seen by other people outside of that clan, we’ve made sure to omit it from the film.”

If Kangaroo piqued your interest in a Central Australian holiday, we don’t blame you. Read on to discover eight places featured in the movie that you can visit in real life – and get planning. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen and a hat.

1. Alice Springs/ Mparntwe

artist at Many Hands Art Centre — Visit the galleries of Alice Springs, like Many Hands Art Centre. (Image: Tourism NT/ Helen Orr/ Many Hands Art Centre)

The red and dusty streets of the film’s fictional town of Silvergum were filmed on the outskirts of Alice Springs. And, while the art gallery featured in the film is fictional, Alice Springs is a hub of creativity. See the work of local artists at the Araluen Art Centre , Yubu Napa Art Gallery , Iltja Ntjarra (Many Hands) Art Centre and the famous Tjanpi Desert Weavers .

2. The Kangaroo Sanctuary & Kangaroo Rescue Centre

The Kangaroo Sanctuary Alice Springs, the inspiration for the Kangaroo move — Visit the movie’s inspiration at Kangaroo Sanctuary. (Image: Tourism NT/ Kangaroo Sanctuary)

Kangaroo was inspired by the journey of Chris ‘Brolga’ Barns, who founded the now world-renowned Kangaroo Sanctuary based in Alice Springs. For lead actor, Aussie Ryan Corr, the animals were central to the movie, alongside the landscapes.

“The animals in this story were a real calling point for me,” he explains. “What this story tries to tell us about the connection between humans and animals is beautiful.”

To gain a real insight into the fauna and flora of the Red Centre, you can visit the Kangaroo Sanctuary on a sunset tour, where you might even get the chance to hold a baby kangaroo.

3. Ormiston Gorge

woman walking along the edge of Ormiston Gorge near alice springs — Take a dip in Ormiston Gorge. (Image: Tourism NT/ @domandjesso)

The film captures the raw beauty of the West MacDonnell Ranges, known in the Arrernte language as Tjoritja. This national park is rich in Indigenous culture and stark geological wonders.

Only a 15-minute drive from Alice Springs, Tjoritja offers visitors the chance to camp, hike and swim among ancient landscapes (most attractions are less than a three-hour drive away).

Ormiston Gorge , a cooling oasis in among the red desert sands, is one of the most popular destinations, no doubt because of the permanent swimming hole and towering red cliffs. From here, visitors can also embark on the beautiful Ormiston Pound Walk and the shorter – more accessible – Ghost Gum Walk. Bring your bathers – it’s safe for swimming.

4. Standley Chasm

woman walking through Standley Chasm near alice springs — Wander through Standley Chasm. (Image: Tourism NT)

The 1.2-kilometre walk to nearby Standley Chasm will be a highlight for any visitor as the imposing 40 metre-high chasm walls project strength and ancient wisdom.

Visit at midday to experience the path illumined by the midday sun. Not only will you fill your camera roll with vibrant red images of the gorge and its intoxicating shadows, but you can also camp nearby in a powered or unpowered site so you can watch the brilliance of the desert stars fill the night sky after dusk.

5. Simpsons Gap

three people walking on path through simpsons gap near alice springs — Walk the trails of Simpson’s Gap. (Image: Tourism NT/ Helen Orr)

Closer to Alice Springs, the photogenic Simpsons Gap is the perfect place to spot the endangered Black-footed Rock wallaby near the permanent watering hole. While swimming isn’t permitted, soaking up the sun and views certainly is.

Explore the area’s numerous walking trails, appreciate the soaring cliffs on either side of the ‘gap’ and pick out the shooting locations of Kangaroo in the area.

6. Ellery Creek Big Hole

aerial of Ellery Creek Big Hole near alice springs — Dive into Ellery Creek Big Hole. (Image: Tourism NT/ Tourism Australia)

When it comes to classic Northern Territory landscapes, you can’t go past Ellery Creek Big Hole/ Udepata : tall gum trees sidling up to a refreshing watering hole (fed by the West MacDonnell Ranges and surrounded by rugged red cliffs.

Swim in the cooling waters, hike the cliff tops, watch for birds and even stargaze as you camp here overnight. It’s locations like this that attracted the film’s director Kate Woods to the project.

“It humbles you to be in this environment: it’s so beautiful, so old and so vast,” she explains. “I was thrilled to get a chance to … shoot such a beautiful story in the incredible landscape of the Northern Territory.”

7. Larapinta Drive

aerial of Larapinta Drive into alice springs — Drive along Larapinta Drive. (Image: Tourism NT)

There is no better way to get a feel for how the characters arrived at the fictional Central Australian town of Silvergum than to travel along the iconic state road, Larapinta Drive.

Connecting Alice Springs to the mighty King’s Canyon in the west, via the historic community of Hermannsburg, this road takes in the West MacDonnell National Park, Alice Springs Desert Park and artist Albert Namatjira’s house, among other attractions. Take your time, bring a camera and prepare for numerous stops along the way.

8. Todd River

competitors in Henley on Todd Regatta, alice springs — Join in the fun of the quirky Henley on Todd Regatta. (Image: Tourism NT/ TImparja Creative)

Meandering through Alice Springs like a lazy Western Brown snake, the Todd River is a central part of Alice Springs culture. Known as an ‘intermittent river’, the Todd can go from a dry dusty riverbed to a flowing waterscape in less than 15 minutes after heavy rainfall.

When it’s dry, the famous Henley on Todd Regatta fills the sandy riverbed with handmade ‘boats’ carried by sailors. This is the world’s only dry river boating event, and it’s referenced in the ‘Silvergum Boat Race’ in the movie. Inspired by the real-life event, the characters built quirky “Flintstones-style boats” and competed in teams.

See Kangaroo in cinemas now, and start planning your NT getaway at northernterritory.com.