Guide To: The Margaret River Region’s Outdoor Movies

While urbanites have stamped their own twist on the tradition with the rooftop cinema in recent years, there is something magical about hearing the wind in the trees and the squawk of the cockies at Margaret River’s outdoor movies.

Add in some local wine, a starlit sky that can only be achieved without the lights of suburbia and the fresh breeze of country air, and it’s as close to movie buff heaven as you can get. The region is home to some fabulous outdoor screen options; covering the north and south, so no matter where your bed is for the night you’ll be able to find one in easy driving distance.

Hot tip: Once the sun goes down it can get chilly (even in the height of summer), so it’s recommended to bring a blanket and / or jacket to stay cosy.

One of the most popular night-time activities in Margaret River, it’s a magical experience watching the sun turn pink over the vineyard backdrop of Cape Mentelle. The season runs all the way from 16 December through to 31 January 2023 with films selected from new and recent releases, plus classics and family favourites thrown in the mix. Book for a Monday evening and you’ll be in for some live music to accompany your pre-film picnic during the hour before the film starts.

The gates open from 6pm and it’s definitely a good idea to get there on time so you can snag the best spot – seating is unreserved, and pre-purchase of tickets is definitely advised. For those that prefer an extra level of comfort you can hire a beanbed to recline in while you sip that glass of wine. It’s perfectly acceptable to bring your own picnic or pick up some hot food on offer from food truck Little Hand’s Dumplings – just be sure to keep the drinks at home. There is a fully licensed bar stocked with all sorts of options to sip, including some world class Margaret River wine of course!

• Dates: mid-December to 31st of January. Screenings Friday to Tuesday.
• Prices: Concession/children from $16; Adults from $22.50; Reserved seating with beanbed from $32.50.
• Movies begin between 7.30pm-8pm depending on sunset (Doors open from 6.00pm).
• No smoking and BYO chairs must sit up the back of the outdoor cinema.

Lentedal outdoor movies are back this summer – starting from 17 December 2023. As one of the most family friendly cellar doors in the region there is plenty to keep all ages happy until the movie starts, so we recommend getting there early to snag a good spot and enjoy the atmosphere as the sun slowly sets. The cellar door and alfresco café are open until 9pm, offering wine, delicious woodfired pizza and platters available for pre-order.

Tickets are an absolute bargain at $10 per person making it a no-brainer for your next family fun night. Check out the Lentedal website for the program.

• The season runs from Saturday 17th December through to Saturday 25th March 2023
• The movie will start between 7.30pm – 8.00pm (depending on light).
• Bring your own picnic rug or low deck chair, warm clothes, a blanket and mozzie repellent.
• Arrive early to score a prime position, there’s plenty of room for kids to run around and meet the friendly cellar door animals before the movie starts.

Enjoy movies under the stars as part of the Festival of Busselton.

Screenings run every Monday night at the Busselton Foreshore, and every Thursday night at the Dunsborough Playing Fields, throughout January 2023.

Bring your low back folding chairs, bean bags and blankets and relax with your family as you enjoy great family movies. ​Food Vans will also be onsite from 6pm so you can enjoy a delicious picnic dinner before the screening commences.

And better yet, entry is just a gold coin donation!

Check out the movie list at the Busselton and Dunsborough locations and carve them in your calendar now.

• Movies run throughout January 2023; Monday nights at the Busselton Foreshore and Thursday nights at the Dunsborough Playing Fields.
• Movie begins from approx. 7:45pm (sunset).
• Bring your own picnic rug or low deck chair, and a blanket.
• Price: A $2 donation per person.