5 February 2019

River Garden Cinema at Pialligo Estate: sunset entertainment at its finest

| Branka Prodanovic
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Pialligo Estate are hosting a sunset cinema. Photos: @feastoncanberra.

Pialligo Estate are hosting a sunset cinema. Photo: Supplied.

It’s never been a better time to head outdoors and enjoy the sun as Canberra continues to deliver a picture-perfect summer.

From sport to a night out in the city, everyone seems to be taking full advantage of the accommodating weather. But for those seeking something more mellow for when the sun goes down, we heard that Pialligo Estate had the perfect activity. The 28 hectares of land offers everything from local produce to breathtaking views of the national capital, and now it has also added an outdoor cinema to its long list of services. So we thought we’d check it out for ourselves.

And were we glad we did.

Screening classic films like Crocodile Dundee and The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert across the weekend, the River Garden Cinema is a retro-inspired experience for the whole family. We were lucky enough to secure a spot surrounded by Canberra’s breathtaking scenery and mesmerising sunset.

Located on the banks of the Molonglo River, right on the edge of Pialligo Estate, the cinema presents the perfect opportunity to gather a group or the family, and head down for a sunset picnic at the pictures.

Bring a picnic rug and settle in for a smooth night. Photo: Supplied.

Bring a picnic rug and settle in for a night of relaxation. Photo: Supplied.

Gates open 6 pm, with a shuttle waiting to take you down to the garden upon arrival. Make sure you get there early to reserve the best spot. A small number of tables, chairs and rugs are available at the cinema, but it’s safer to pack your own to ensure best comfort.

The River Garden Cinema at Pialligo is perfect for the couch potatoes! Photos: @feastoncanberra

While we waited for the movie to start, we were pleasantly surprised to find that pre-movie activities – like lawn games – were also available. Not many outdoor cinemas provide that level of consideration for their customers, which made it an even better experience and a preferred alternative to lazing on the grass engaging in idle conversation until the movie begins. But if a game of quoits isn’t your thing, you won’t feel too bad for wanting to stretch out in comfort as you take in the sunset while fine tunes play through the speakers.

Stay entertained with lawn games before the movie starts.

If you’re feeling peckish, Pialligo has that covered too, with a large food and drink menu that caters to everyone, from meat eaters to veggie lovers and gluten-free seekers.

The menu has been carefully curated by the Executive Chef, with produce sourced from the Estate’s Market Garden. You can choose from a range of Pialligo’s popular plates including the Vegan Antipasto with Cashew Cheese, Olives, Pickled and Marinated Vegetables, Hummus and Crisp Bread.

The best Pialligo has to offer is available at the River Garden Cinema.

The drinks menu offers some of our favourite Pialligo wines too, sourced from and made on the property. Also available are local beers from Capital Brewing Co.

The friendly staff are waiting to take your order.

The River Garden Cinema is set up to house everything we love about Pialligo in the one place. It showcases everything the Estate has to offer. The cinema brings with it a theatrical vibe, playing classic films that you can dance and sing along to. We sure did!

Plus, there aren’t many places in Canberra where you can enjoy a sunset cinema in a family-friendly environment while relishing some beautiful scenery.

The River Garden Cinema is located on the banks of the Molonglo River.

For all upcoming films at the Pialligo’s River Garden Cinema, visit the website.

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