What better way to enjoy views of a tropical harbour than in an outdoor cinema under the night sky? During the dry season in Darwin, outdoor films are screened every night after sunset. Enjoy the tropical gardens, pick up a meal before the movie starts and settle down in your beach chair.
Deckchair Cinema is run by the Darwin Film Society, and it is fully independent, so the films on offer are often not shown in mainstream cinemas. The movie theatre shows more Australian films than its commercial counterparts, so it’s a great place to immerse yourself in Australian cinema and support Australian filmmakers.
Films run from late April to November. During September, the Darwin International Film Festival brings a selection of international films to the Deckchair Cinema.
Outdoor cinemas have been a favourite gathering point for friends and families in Darwin since the 1920s. The first screenings took place in corrugated iron housing, with a piano accompaniment. This was succeeded by a purpose-built cinema, called The Star, where the audience would often join in sing-alongs during the intervals. This was a place where indigenous Australians, Chinese miners and Anglo-Saxon settlers could all enjoy the pictures together. The Star was sadly lost in the devastation of Cyclone Tracey in 1974.
Various restaurants and catering companies supply the cinema with a range of hot food every night. You can enjoy a meal and a drink before your movie starts, or you can eat while watching the big screen. Thursdays are Fundraising Nights, so support the local community by buying hot food and hot drinks with cakes from local groups on those evenings.
Deckchair Cinema is located on the edge of Darwin Harbour, just down from the War Memorial car park on the Esplanade. Parking in nearby lots is free. Tickets cost around the same as in regular Australian cinemas, and they can be bought online. The outdoor facility seats 400 people and is closed during the wet season (November to April).
Darwin Deckchair Cinema Tours and Activities
Visit Darwin Deckchair Cinema
Plan a trip to see Darwin Deckchair Cinema
Tours & day trips
See all 69 activitiesOpens in new tabDarwin City Explorer Tour
Private & custom tours
See all 18 activitiesOpens in new tabKakadu-2 Day Tour. The best Itinerary.
Water activities
See all 14 activitiesOpens in new tabKakadu National Park, 4x4, 4-6 guests only, Day Trip w/lunch
Shows & concerts
See all 5 activitiesOpens in new tabKakadu National Park, 4x4, 4-6 guests only, Day Trip w/lunch
Reviews of Darwin Deckchair Cinema
5/5 - Excellent
Very popular! Pre-purchasing tickets is a must, and arrive early to get your choice of seats and food. A great night out!
5/5 - Excellent
You can see sunset from just outside but if you do so you will have to join a long queue getting food inside the venue and may be a bit late getting to your seat. also they may run out of cushions so BYO pillow for extra comfort.
Popular places to visit
WWII Oil Storage Tunnels
Find out about the history of Darwin with a stop at WWII Oil Storage Tunnels. Wander the area's waterfront or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.
The Esplanade
During your trip to Darwin, you can do some window-shopping at The Esplanade. While in this walkable area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.
Darwin War Memorial
You can learn about the history of Darwin with a visit to Darwin War Memorial. Visit the shops and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.
Wave Lagoon
Explore the great outdoors at Wave Lagoon, a lovely green space in Warf Precinct. Stroll along the area's waterfront or simply savour its top-notch restaurants.
Darwin Waterfront
Explore Darwin’s scenic waterfront, where you can swim in the wave pool, see turtles up close and dine in restaurants overlooking the sea.
Crocosaurus Cove
This wildlife park offers the chance to admire a number of local species, as well as the safest encounter you can have with a saltwater crocodile.
Top Darwin Deckchair Cinema Hotel & Accommodation Deals
Check availability on hotels close to Darwin Deckchair Cinema
- Holidays and getaways similar to Darwin Deckchair Cinema
- Are there hotels near Darwin Deckchair Cinema?
- Hotels near popular Darwin Attractions
- Expedia's Latest Trends
- Darwin Waterfront
- Mindil Beach
- The Esplanade
- Cullen Bay Marina
- Darwin Convention Centre
- Mindil Beach Sunset Market
- Fort Hill Wharf
- Casuarina Beach
- Smith Street Mall
- SKYCITY Casino
- Hidden Valley Raceway
- Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory
- Marrara Sports Complex
- Stokes Hill Wharf
- George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens
- Novotel Darwin CBD
- Hilton Darwin
- Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront
- Mantra Pandanas
- Travelodge Resort Darwin
- Darwin Waterfront Short Stay Apartments
- Adina Apartment Hotel Darwin Waterfront
- Argus Hotel Darwin
- DCH on Mitchell
- H on Smith Hotel
- H on Mitchell Apartment Hotel
- Metro Advance Apartments & Hotel, Darwin
- Hotels near Darwin Waterfront
- Hotels near Mindil Beach
- Hotels near The Esplanade
- Hotels near Cullen Bay Marina
- Hotels near Darwin Convention Centre
- Hotels near Darwin Harbour
- Hotels near Mindil Beach Sunset Market
- Hotels near Fort Hill Wharf
- Hotels near Casuarina Beach
- Hotels near Smith Street Mall
- Hotels near Government House
- Hotels near SKYCITY Casino
- Hotels near Hidden Valley Raceway
- Hotels near Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory
- Hotels near Wave Lagoon
- Hotels near Marrara Sports Complex
- Hotels near Stokes Hill Wharf
- Hotels near George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens
- Hotels near Parap Village Markets
- Hotels near Darwin Entertainment Centre