Your summer movie nights just got an upgrade. 

If you’re looking for the perfect way to enjoy warm evenings, The Sunset Cinema is back at the Eucalypt Lawn in the Australian National Botanic Gardens until February 28th. This is more than a movie, it’s an experience. Picture yourself under a canopy of stars, surrounded by nature, with a blockbuster on the big screen and a picnic spread at your feet. 

Why You’ll Love It
Sunset Cinema is all about creating magical summer memories. Gates open at 6:30 PM, giving you plenty of time to settle in, grab a bite, and soak up the atmosphere before the film starts at last light (around 8:25 PM in Dec/Jan and 8:10 PM in Feb). 

Food & Drinks
Forget boring cinema snacks, Sunset Cinema has you covered with: 

  • Snack Bar essentials: Freshly popped popcorn, ice cream, and candy. 
  • Hot meals: Canberra’s OG food truck, The Canberra Pie Cart, serving pies and hot dogs from a restored 1939 Chevy Van. Plus, on busy nights, enjoy Indian street food from Tikka Stand or authentic Vietnamese from What The Pho. 
  • Licensed bar: Sip on Fever-Tree mixers, Gravity Seltzers, Poco Vino wines, Tempus Two bubbles, Coopers beers, and Thatchers cider. Non-alcoholic options available too.
    (Note: Sunset Cinema is cashless and card only. No BYO alcohol permitted.) 

Upgrade Your Night
For the ultimate experience, book the Fever-Tree Lounge for prime viewing, premium bean loungers, popcorn, and a complimentary gin & tonic or Fever-Tree soda. These tickets are limited and sell out fast! 

Location & Accessibility
The cinema is set on the Eucalypt Lawn at the Australian National Botanic Gardens. There’s ample parking at the Gardens (please don’t park on Clunies Ross Street). Public transport options are easy to find via Google Maps. 

Accessibility is a priority: 

  • Wheelchair-accessible parking and toilets. 
  • Mobility shuttle available from the carpark to the site (approx. 10-min walk for able-bodied visitors). 
  • Most areas of the Gardens, including the cinema site, are accessible for people with limited mobility. 

Housekeeping & Tips 

  • No pets allowed. 
  • Smoking only in marked areas. 
  • Bring rugs, pillows, or hire beanbags and lawn chairs. Tall chairs must sit at the back. 
  • Layer up for cooler nights, bring insect repellent, and pack a poncho if rain is forecast. 
  • Share your snaps on Instagram with #imasunsetter and #sunsetcinema! 

Family-Friendly Fun
Kids are welcome! Children under 3 are free, and there’s a mix of family favourites (Zootopia 2, The Lion King) and adult picks (Knives Out Mystery, La La Land). For MA15+ films, under-15s must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. 

Program Highlights 

  • Zootopia 2 – Fri Jan 23rd 
  • Avatar: Fire and Ash – Sat Jan 24th 
  • Grease Sing-Along – Wed Jan 21st 
  • La La Land – Sat Feb 14th 
  • The Lion King – Fri Feb 27th
    …and so many more! 

This summer, make your nights unforgettable with Sunset Cinema, where movies meet magic under the stars. 

Secure your tickets here. 

Tickets start from standard admission with optional upgrades for seating and the Fever-Tree Lounge. Popular sessions sell out fast, so plan ahead!