Melbourne Zoo Summer Cinema ticks all the boxes for a great summer night out

Looking for a great valentine’s week date idea or a fun outing with friends and can’t decide between a movie, dinner, or a visit to the zoo? Thanks to the Melbourne Zoo’s summer cinema program, you can do all three in one balmy summer evening! 

Running Thursday to Saturday between now and 12 March, Melbourne Zoo Cinema is screening a mix of new releases and cult classics, with ticket sales supporting Melbourne Zoo’s Marine Response Unit. 

The program includes cult favourites, including Romeo + Juliet (the one with Leo in his absolute prime), Alien, The Birds, Do the Right Thing, The Virgin Suicides and Jurassic Park, and brand new features such as Licorice Pizza, C’mon C’mon and even a Melbourne International Film Festival premiere of Bruce Lee’s Fists of Fury dubbed into Noongar Language. It is the first feature film to ever be fully dubbed in an Aboriginal Australian language.  

Gates open at 5.30 pm for ticket holders to explore the zoo. You will feel like you almost have the whole place to yourself, and many of the animals might be more active than you see them during the day in the big crowds. There are even a couple of keeper talks each evening to learn more about the lions and elephants and how they’ve looked after. 

Entry is via the Rail Gate only, with plenty of parking available out the front at this time of day. Alternatively, it’s just a few steps from Royal Park Train station if you’re planning on taking advantage of the zoo bar! 

Our hot tip: get there early and reserve your spot on the grass by putting down your picnic blanket and then maximise your time wandering around the zoo. (You can view the animals until around 7 pm.)

Our other hot tip: bring warm clothes and blankets (maybe even a beanie and a raincoat) to make sure you’ll be comfortable no matter what the weather – it is Melbourne after all, and even the warmest days can turn in a matter of minutes. 

Once you’ve had your wildlife fix, pick from one of the food vans for some dinner, wash it down with a drink from the bar, or BYO picnic feast to munch on while listening to music before the movie starts. 

Baketico’s wonder pies, Chiko rolls, loaded fries and toasties will be on offer from their shiny new airstream van throughout the program, and another rotating food truck will be on offer each night. 

If you’re super organised you can pre-order a picnic hamper for two or four people, which includes delicious pies, pastries and cakes (including vegan options) from Baketico. 

If you’re not planning on viewing the animals – although why wouldn’t you – just make sure you arrive by 8 pm when the gates close. The movie will start once it’s dark enough, or roughly 8.15 pm. 

You can also elevate your experience by opting for a ‘Gold Garden’ ticket, which includes access to the prime viewing area from the comfort of a bean bed, a take-home blanket and waiter service for the food and drink options on offer.

Melbourne Zoo Summer Cinema
Elliott Ave, Parkville VIC 3052
Until Saturday 12 March 2022
zoo.org.au/melbourne/whats-on/events/zoo-summer-cinema