It’s almost that time of year again. Here are our Top 10 Open Air Cinema in Sydney this summer (in chronological order):

1. Skyline Drive-in Blacktown is Sydney’s only drive-in cinema. It’s technically an open air cinema, but has the benefit of keeping you dry if it rains. It has a cute 1950s-style diner attached and runs all year round. And it only costs $11 per person.
2. The Beresford Hotel (until 2nd January 2017) in Surry Hills shows free movies every Monday evening in their fairy-lit courtyard. If you need another excuse, there will be free popcorn, $10 pizzas and bottle shop prices on all wine!
3. Ben & Jerry’s Inner West (25th November to 21st December 2016) is located at Sydney University. Their Sundae Sessions feature free Ben & Jerry’s ice cream and live music before the movie each Sunday. Tickets start at $20 for adults, $16 for concessions and $70 for groups of 4. Amex cardholders receive 15% discount on these prices, plus a complimentary blanket. Star Lounge tickets are also available, which include a glass of Giesen wine (or a non-alcoholic beverage), reserved bean lounger seating, a warm blanket in case of chilly breezes, and service straight to your seat.
4. Moonlight Cinema (1st December 2016 to 2nd April 2017) has over 20 years to its belt. It’s still one of my favourites as I love it’s setting in Centennial Park and you don’t usually need to prebook (so you can wait to see the weather forecast). Prices for this season are yet to be confirmed, but last year adult standard tickets were $19 and Gold Grass (including a Bean Bed in the premium viewing location and waiter service) were $35.
5. St George Open Air Cinema (December 2016 – January 2017) at Mrs Maquarie’s Point definitely wins ‘best location award’. At $38 for adults and $36 for concessions, it’s quite a bit pricier than the other options, but the view more than makes up for that (see photo above), with the Opera House and Harbour Bridge as its backdrop. Tickets go on sale on 5th December to St George Bank customers and 12th December to everyone else. It is almost worth opening an account just for this, as tickets always sell out quickly. Premium Packages will also be available from 9th December.
6. Movies by the Boulevard (7th to 22nd January 2017) at Sydney Olympic Park is perfect if you have spent too much on Christmas gifts (as they are free). The movies and activities beforehand are aimed at families, with most films having a G or PG rating. Films start 8.30pm.
7. Sydney Hills Outdoor Cinema (12th January to 12th February 2017) in Castle Hill might seem far away, unless you live out that way, but the VIP Packages with private butler service make the drive more than worth it. Standard tickets cost $19 (or $16.50 for concessions and $15 for children), whilst Family passes are $60 (upto 2 adults and 4 children) and Smooth VIP tickets are $30 (include a deckchair, blanket and Twisted Yoghurt Cup). If you really want to do it in style, Koala Class Suites (include king sized bedroom suite, butler service, blankets and pillows) are $150 for upto 4 guests and VIP Bell Tents (include butler service) are $300 for upto 8 guests. Movies start at 8pm sharp.
8. Ben & Jerry’s Bondi Beach (19th January to 26th February 2017). See Inner West listing above for more info.  NB – It can get surprisingly chilly by the ocean, but the views and ice cream make it worthwhile.
9. Sunset Cinema (19th January to 18th March 2017) at North Sydney Oval is perfect for those of you north of the bridge. Adult tickets cost $22 (or $25 for opening and closing nights), concessions cost $19, children’s cost $15 and family passes are $55. The film will commence screening after last light, approximately between 8pm and 8:15pm.
10. Mov’In Bed (3rd March to 2nd April 2017) is a reincarnation of last year’s Picnic Cinema. If you fancy going to the cinema, but you are feeling pretty lazy and would rather watch a DVD in bed, this experience in Parramatta Park is perfect! They have 150 beds under the stars, to watch the movies from. Single beds, if you don’t fancy sharing, cost $34.90, queen beds for a romantic twosome cost $69.80 and queen beds for 3 in the bed cost $89.70. There are also general admission tickets available for $19.90, but what is the fun in that?

Please note, most of the above have bars although a couple will allow you to take your own food and/or drink, whilst most do not, so please check their FAQs beforehand.