The Guinness World Book of Records says the oldest open-air cinema in Australia is Broome’s Sun Picture Theatre which opened 113 years ago. Fast forward to today. The idea of watching movies in the great outdoors is as popular as ever and this weekend Canberrans can enjoy the experience at the launch of the ACT’s newest outdoor cinema.
The River Garden Cinema, held at the award-winning Pialligo Estate, will kick off this Friday evening with the famous Aussie film, The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. It continues Saturday evening with another iconic Aussie film, Crocodile Dundee.
The films will be shown near the river starting at sunset, around 8:30 pm, but movie-goers are invited to bring their picnic rugs and relax on the lawns of Pialligo Estate from 6 pm.
“The inspiration for the River Garden Cinema is in line with our love of hosting events that the whole family can enjoy and that soak up the special atmosphere the Estate is so famous for,” says General Manager Charlie Costelloe.
The weekend cinema picnic menu features produce grown and smoked on the Estate itself. Charcuterie and cheeseboards are perfect for sharing, as are vegan antipasto platters and cheeseboards. Other menu items include pasta, sausage sliders and burgers. Special kids’ meals are also available. Pialligo Estate Prosecco and wines are on the drinks line-up, as is champagne and Capital Brewing beer. All beverages will be sold at cellar door prices.
Aside from the cinema events, Pialligo Estate is also hosting its Australia Day BBQ, a true family feast, with a buffet featuring a whole pig rotisserie, whole snapper, gourmet sausage sizzle, summer salads and refreshing desserts. Sunday’s event starts at 5 pm and there will be loads of activities to keep young ones entertained, including at Pialligo Estate’s brand-new cubby houses.
Tickets are a must for all weekend events and can be bought through Eventbrite, with details on the Pialligo Estate website. Tickets for the cinema are $15 per adult and $10 per child (plus booking fee) and can be bought here. All food and drink must be bought on-site. Tickets for the Australia Day BBQ are $59 per adult and $29 per child (plus booking fee) and include all food and activities. Buy your tickets here. No pets are permitted.
Want to know what else Pialligo Estate has got on? Have your pick from events ranging from Summer High Tea (various days February and March), The Academy workshop and classes, Meet the Maker dinner series and even Kids Cooking Classes.
For more details, visit: www.thepialligoestate.com.au