
Mareeba Drive-In Cinema
Experience classic cinema under the stars with a unique camping twist. Enjoy double features and affordable treats at this retro drive-in.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Catch the latest movies

Mareeba Drive-In Cinema
Best Time
Catch the latest movies
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience classic cinema under the stars with a unique camping twist. Enjoy double features and affordable treats at this retro drive-in.
"A camp and a cinema, all tied into one! One of our favourite hidden gems. "

🚗 Arrive Early for Best Spots
Secure your preferred parking, especially if you have a caravan or campervan. :car:
🏕️ Free Camping Included
Your ticket often includes an overnight stay, making it a great value. :tent:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Double Feature Under the Stars
Screening Area
Enjoy two movies back-to-back, from new releases to classics, all from the comfort of your car or campsite.

On-Site Camping Experience
Campground
Stay overnight for free with your entry fee, turning a movie night into a full camping adventure.

Classic Drive-In Snacks
Cafeteria
Indulge in burgers, chips, and other classic cinema treats at reasonable prices.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Camp and Catch a Flick
Arrive Early for Prime Spots
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Arrive Early for Best Spots
Secure your preferred parking, especially if you have a caravan or campervan. :car:
🏕️ Free Camping Included
Your ticket often includes an overnight stay, making it a great value. :tent:
🍔 Affordable Food Options
Enjoy well-priced burgers, chips, and other snacks that won't break the bank. :hamburger:
🐶 Pet-Friendly Fun
Bring your furry friends along for the movie night! :dog:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Arrive Early for Best Spots
Secure your preferred parking, especially if you have a caravan or campervan. :car:
🏕️ Free Camping Included
Your ticket often includes an overnight stay, making it a great value. :tent:
🍔 Affordable Food Options
Enjoy well-priced burgers, chips, and other snacks that won't break the bank. :hamburger:
🐶 Pet-Friendly Fun
Bring your furry friends along for the movie night! :dog:
🔊 Radio or Speaker Sound
Choose between tuning into the movie via radio or using the provided speakers. :speaker:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Mareeba Drive-In Cinema for its unique blend of old-school charm, affordability, and the fantastic bonus of free overnight camping with ticket purchase. The double features and reasonable food prices make it a great value for families and travelers alike. While the experience is overwhelmingly positive, some may find the movie selection or sound system less advanced than modern cinemas.
"Went on a Thursday night in school holidays. Was so good and the food from the cafeteria was really well priced. Had a burger and chips and both were really fresh and cost a lot less than any other takeaway in town.
The Movie was really good and no trouble hearing it with the option of Radio and speakers.
A really great night out."
David arthy
"Great experience. Loads of room and you can camp overnight, even with your caravan. Kids movie first. Usually followed by an adults movie second. Try the fish at the cafe. Memorable experience."
Tamika Simpson
"Awesome experience for the family! Highly recommend packing the car and heading out to watch a movie or 2 under the stars. Great location, great movie experience, and very reasonable prices for entry and food make it an affordable night out for the whole family. All the staff were super friendly too... and even your dog is welcome 😊
Has all the facilities you need.
We will most definitely be back soon, and hopefully the kids are up for the onsite free camping after the movie night next time!"
Jody Sky
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Mareeba Drive-In Cinema is located in Mareeba, Queensland. It's about an hour's drive from Cairns, making it a popular stop for those exploring the Tablelands region. Many visitors arrive by car, caravan, or campervan.
Public transport options to Mareeba are limited. It's best to have your own vehicle or consider a tour that includes the Tablelands region.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices are very reasonable, often around $14 per adult and $8 per child (ages 4-12). This price typically includes entry for two movies and free overnight camping.
While not always mandatory, booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons or school holidays, to secure your spot.
The drive-in typically screens movies on weekends. It's best to check their official schedule for specific showtimes and movie listings.
While the drive-in offers its own food and drinks, many visitors find the prices reasonable. Specific policies on outside food may vary, so it's good to check beforehand.
🎫 🎬 Onsite Experience
The drive-in screens a mix of new releases and popular films, often showing a family-friendly movie followed by an adult-oriented one.
You can tune into the movie audio via your car's radio or use the provided speakers. This offers flexibility for different preferences.
Yes, the entry fee often includes free overnight camping, allowing you to stay after the movies. This is a popular feature for travelers.
Yes, the drive-in is pet-friendly, so you can bring your dog along for the movie experience.
The drive-in has all the necessary facilities, including restrooms and a cafeteria serving food and snacks.
🍽️ 🍔 Food & Dining
The cafeteria offers classic drive-in fare like burgers, chips, and other snacks. Many reviewers praise the freshness and affordability of the food.
Reviewers consistently mention that the food prices are very reasonable and well-priced compared to other takeaway options.
📸 📸 Photography
The golden hour just before sunset offers beautiful lighting for capturing the drive-in's retro atmosphere. Evening shots with the screen illuminated are also iconic.
You can capture nostalgic shots of cars parked in front of the screen, the retro signage, families enjoying the movies, and the unique camping setup.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack some extra blankets and snacks, and prepare for a memorable night under the stars. The affordable food options also make it a great choice for families looking to keep costs down while enjoying a unique entertainment experience.
💰 Budget Travelers & Road Trippers
Arriving early is recommended to secure a good camping spot. The affordable food options further contribute to its appeal for budget-conscious adventurers looking for a fun and inexpensive evening.
💑 Couples Seeking a Unique Date Night
The affordable prices for entry and food make it an accessible date option. Whether you're locals or travelers, the unique ambiance of a drive-in cinema offers a charming alternative to traditional date nights.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Nostalgic Charm of Drive-Ins
This drive-in is more than just a place to watch a movie; it's an event. The ability to camp overnight with your entry fee transforms a simple outing into a mini-vacation, perfect for travelers seeking unique accommodations and experiences. The retro vibes are palpable, making it a fantastic spot for capturing memorable photos and soaking in a piece of cinematic history.
Camping and Cinema: A Perfect Pairing
Campers can set up their tents, caravans, or campervans in designated areas, creating a communal atmosphere. Imagine watching a film under the stars and then simply retiring to your campsite without the hassle of driving. This unique combination offers a relaxed and memorable way to experience both cinema and the outdoors.
Affordable Eats and Great Value
This commitment to value extends beyond just the food. The overall experience, including the double features and free camping, makes the Mareeba Drive-In an excellent value proposition. It's a place where you can have a full evening of entertainment and dining without overspending, making it a popular choice for families and budget-conscious travelers.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit