Overview
It might be Australia's most famous place to see all creatures great and small, but Taronga Zoo isn't just about communing with nature's critters. It's also a Vivid site and an overnight wildlife retreat, and boasts its own restaurant. It hosts summer gigs, too, and has even been home to an ice rink. So, setting up Sydney's latest openair cinema is really just business as usual.
That said, there's nothing standard about spending time with adorable animals, then watching a classic movie with a stunning harbour view. Accordingly, it's no wonder that Taronga has dubbed its film-loving addition Harbour View Cinema. The New South Wales capital is no stranger to places to see flicks outdoors when the weather is warm — see also: Sunset Cinema, Openair Cinema and Moonlight Cinema, to name just a few — but this one comes with 4000 zoo residents as an extra soundscape.
Taronga's concert lawns will welcome the temporary big screen, with the cinema hosting four sessions between Thursday, September 28—Sunday, October 1. Launching the program: none other than The Lion King, the OG animated version, aka an animal-themed movie that everyone loves.
While Harbour View Cinema will start its lineup with the right movie for the right place, it isn't only showing films about critters. Instead, it's serving up beloved retro titles that you've seen before, and possibly even on an outdoor screen, but never in this specific setting. So, if you like scary movies, that includes the original Scream. If you're fond of all things wizarding, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone is also on the list. And, nobody will put Baby in a corner again when Dirty Dancing gets a spin.
Attendees are encouraged to bring picnic blankets, and can show up with their own snacks. The zoo is fully licensed, however, so you aren't able to BYO booze or any drinks in glass containers.
If you're keen to just rock up without packing a basket, there'll be food trucks slinging hot bites, and also popcorn, ice creams and other sweet treats. And, the onsite bar will be doing beer, wine, sparkling and cocktails, plus mocktails.
Your ticket does indeed include zoo access, starting at 2pm, with doors to the cinema area opening at 5.30pm. Films start between 6.45–7.30pm, depending on the session.
Levelled-up options include scoring a VIP chair, and food and drink delivered to it; that prime seat and an ice cream; or staying at the eco-retreat afterwards. Whichever you pick, because Taronga is not-for-profit, your cash goes into helping the zoo save wildlife.
Taronga Harbour View Cinema will pop up between Thursday, September 28—Sunday, October 1, with tickets on sale now.
Images: Maclay Heriot, The James Adams and Charlie Hardie.