Darwin Harbor, Australia: Outdoor Movies at the Deckchair Cinema

Deckchair Cinema, operated by the Darwin Film Society on the edge of Darwin Harbour, is unlike any conventional cinema. Fully independent, it screens films often unavailable elsewhere -- foreign, festival, family, and classic titles -- seven nights a week during the dry season (mid-April to mid-November).

The setting is the draw: anchored ships reflected on the water, nightly sunsets over the sea, and clear dry-season skies overhead. Patrons arrive early with picnic dinners to enjoy the atmosphere before the 7:30 p.m. start. Two hundred and fifty deckchairs and about 100 straight-backed seats make up the house; cushions are welcome. Gates open at 6:30 p.m., and the fully licensed kiosk sells wine, beer, and snacks.

Friday and Saturday nights feature double sessions. The cinema is accessible via a well-lit walkway from the Esplanade, with parking available on site.