This summer, Melbourne Zoo is hosting a brand-new Zoo Summer Cinema Thursdays through Saturdays from February 3 until March 12. Our city has many outdoor cinemas, but this is the only one that lets you catch a flick while surrounded by some of the world's most beautiful and interesting animals.
If you're keen to make a day of it, head to the zoo to visit the animals in the arvo before finding a spot to settle in on the lawn. While you wait for the sun to set, DJs will be playing and you can grab dinner from the food precinct. Food will be provided by Baketico, chef Raymond Capaldi of the Sofitel cooking school and a food truck that will change for each film.
On screen will be everything from new releases like Licorice Pizza and The French Dispatch to classics like Jurassic Park, 10 Things I Hate About You and The Princess Bride.
Tickets are $35 for non-members and include access to the zoo and its animal exhibits as well as to the general admission viewing area for the film. If you'd like to upgrade your experience, you can pay a bit extra for a Lawn Lounge ticket or a Gold Grass ticket and receive a few extra perks and access to better viewing areas.
To purchase tickets and to view the full film program, head to the Melbourne Zoo website, All proceeds from ticket sales go towards supporting the work of the Zoo's Marine Response Unit and its work to rescue injured marine wildlife.