A cosy outdoor fire pit cinema is coming to Sydney

Experience a European Christmas in the heart of Sydney this July.

Much to the delight of Sydneysiders, the Christmas in July festival is returning to the NSW capital – bringing with it a winter wonderland of mulled wine, cosy firelight and heart-warming Christmas movies. And the popular outdoor Fire Pit Cinema is headlining the program again this year.

The magical night takes the concept of an outdoor cinema and adds a big scoop of cosy charm, a generous sprinkle of Christmas festivity and a whole lot of movie magic to deliver the ultimate winter experience.

What to expect

Fire Pit Cinema at Christmas in July festival in Sydney, NSW — Settle in for a movie night around your own crackling fire pit.

Running for just 10 nights across July, the Fire Pit Cinema is all about embracing the winter chill and combating those mid-year scaries with festive fun. Gather a group of your family or friends for a movie night like no other, cosied up around your very own blazing fire pit.

Take turns roasting marshmallows, sip mulled wine or hot chocolate, eat your body weight in popcorn and snuggle under soft blankets as your favourite flick plays on the big screen.

hot cocolate at Christmas in July festival in Sydney, NSW — Cheers to your favourite film with a steaming mug of hot chocolate.

Wondering what you’ll be watching? Trust us – the curated line-up of films does not disappoint. Delight in the festivities with a classic Christmas movie like Elf, Home Alone, Love Actually or The Grinch. If that’s not really your thing, settle in for a Hollywood blockbuster instead – Die Hard, The Gremlins, Moulin Rouge and Midnight in Paris are all on the list too, plus many more!

Got little ones? There will also be matinee movies at 11am, 2pm and 5pm, so families can enjoy the experience without compromising on bedtime. Choose from kiddie crowd-pleasers, including (but not limited to) The Nightmare Before Christmas, Saving Santa and Ratatouille.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

Beyond the fire pits

crowd and snow at Christmas in July festival in Sydney, NSW — Wander Christmas-themed stalls and even experience snowfall.

Outside of the cinema, wander through decorated wooden inspired by the Christmas markets of Europe. Find stalls of local artisans. Treat your tastebuds to raclette and melted cheese experiences, mulled wine and other winter treats. And even experience snowfall moments throughout the festival.

Attending the final weekend? enjoy a special cultural crossover as Bastille Festival joins the celebrations from 16 to 19 July, bringing a selection of French films presented in their original language alongside the traditional Christmas movie program.

The details

Tickets and pricing

Passes are available now. There are 21 fire pits available per session, each with space for up to six people. Note that bookings for two guests will be seated with another party of two.

There are three different event passes for guests to choose from. The Watch & Roast pass costs $38 per person and includes a bucket of marshmallows to munch on. The Christmas Magic pass offers mulled wine (or hot chocolate), unlimted marshmallows and popcorn for $45 per person. The Family Moment pass covers two adults and up to four children for just $60, but is only available for day sessions. Once you’ve secured your pass, all you have to do is pick a flick!

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Location

snow lane at christmas in july festival sydney — The Rocks is only a quick walk from Circular Quay station.

This year, the Fire Pit Cinema will be held at Cadmans Cottage on George Street in The Rocks, Sydney. The historic site is easily accessible via public transport, with trains, buses, ferries and the light rail all less than a 10-minute walk away in Circular Quay.

Timings

The pop-up cinema will run for the duration of Christmas in July 2026, from 10 to 19 July.

The Artesian Spa Capital of Australia offers the perfect destination to escape the grind and reset.

The world moves more slowly in Moree, and that’s how it should be. Here, country charm and heritage buildings fill the town’s wide streets. While the surrounding farmland mixes with lush riverways to create a fascinating landscape.

But the biggest pull? Moree is known as the Artesian Spa Capital of Australia. It’s truly a place to slow down and disconnect, all an easy train ride from Sydney.

Soak in Moree’s artesian water

kids at Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre — Dive in to Moree’s artesian waters.

Moree is not your typical wellness retreat, replacing pretence with casual and easy. Blessed to be sitting above the Great Artesian Basin, it feeds the town (and surrounding villages) with hot, mineral-rich water. Loaded with minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium and sulphur, this water is believed to help with skin health, joint function and tissue repair.

And the town’s crown jewel, Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre, has reopened after extensive upgrades. This state-of-the-art aquatic centre offers accessible facilities with multiple artesian baths of varying temperatures between 38 and 41°C.

Feel like exploring a little further? About an hour’s drive from Moree, the village of Boomi also offers public access to this same artesian water. Pop into Boomi Artesian Pool to make the most of a 25-metre cold pool, a wading pool and a hot artesian spa pool.

Just an hour west of Boomi, you’ll also find Mungindi Hot Artesian Pool, another relaxing place to rejuvenate for the afternoon in the mineral-rich water.

Moree’s best stays

woman swimming ta Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre — Stay right by Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre.

There are several motels within walking distance of the aquatic centre, so you linger longer in its therapeutic waters. A day pass not enough? Really soak in the benefits of Moree at three local stays with their own artesian baths.

Gwydir Thermal Pools Resort boasts five artesian pools for motel and caravan park guests, ranging in soothing temperatures from 34 to 39 degrees. And that includes a 25-metre lap pool.

The Phoenix, Artesian Spa Resort & Accommodation features outdoor artesian thermal pools and six indoor artesian spas, all 34 to 42°C, plus regular pools for guests staying in their accommodations.

While the Artesian Spa Motel matches 46 comfortable budget rooms set across five acres of landscaped grounds, with direct access (for guests) to its own natural artesian hot thermal pool.

Moree’s location at the crossroads of the Newell and Gwydir Highways makes it the ideal resting place for those road tripping through country NSW. With plenty of accommodation options, including farm stays, quaint bed and breakfasts and affordable motels.

Delving into nature around Moree

aerial of moree — Find plenty of natural beauty in and around Moree. (Credit: Destination NSW)

Beyond the baths, find calm in Moree’s nature. Soak up the impressive Gwydir River from the peaceful Tareelaroi Weir Recreation Area. Popular with locals, this scenic spot is perfect for fishing, kayaking and picnics. Delve into local history at the Terry Hie Hie Picnic Area – a significant Gamilaroi cultural site. The picnic area is still used today as a ceremonial gathering ground, with educational signage sharing the history of the Gamilaroi People and the mission which used to reside here in the early 20th Century. Follow the Yana-y Warruwi Walking Track to explore the area’s box pine forest.

Combine nature and culture at the Jellicoe Park Open Spaces Aboriginal Art Trail along the scenic Mehi River Walk. Find artworks from local Indigenous artists across a range of different mediums, like carved logs, engraved and painted sandstone and scar tree paintings.

A taste of Moree

meal at Moree Country Club — Sit down for a tasty meal after a game of golf. (Credit: Destination NSW)

Taste the best of local cafes as you wander past the Art Deco architecture of Moree’s tree-lined main streets. Join the locals each morning at Brooker Trading Co as they line up for their morning java. Stay for classic breakfast dishes like eggs benedict and Dutch pancakes, or arrive later in the day for a hearty lunch menu. Inside a gorgeous Art Deco building, 61 Balo is another tasty breakfast option, with pet-friendly service. The recently renovated Cafe Omega is another popular stop for fresh, hearty meals – the chicken burger is a particular crowd pleaser – all served with a smile.

Get inspired as you wander the CBD’s Mural Trail, stopping at some of Moree’s six art galleries along the way. Bank Art Museum is a must-see, housed in the town’s heritage bank building and home to a collection of First Nations art, plus a changing calendar of touring exhibitions.

Step inside the gorgeous Bank Art Museum Moree. (Credit: Destination NSW)

Get active with a round on the beautiful riverside course at Moree Golf Club (and refuel afterwards at the delicious onsite restaurant) or a game of bowls at Moree Services Club’s state-of-the-art facility. Visit on the last weekend of September to join (or watch) Run the Plains, Moree’s annual two-day running festival.

Known as ‘white gold’ country, Moree is Australia’s most productive agricultural region. Visit from April to September to join a cotton farm tour and get to know one of Moree’s major exports.

However long you choose to stay, there’s plenty to soak in around Moree.

Start planning the ultimate escape at visitmoreeplains.com.au.

A cosy outdoor cinema with private fire pits is returning to Sydney

Experience a European Christmas in the heart of Sydney this July.

What to expect

Beyond the fire pits