On February 18 1954, an advertisement appeared in the Melbourne Sun; "Opening tonight at 6:30 Australia's first drive-in theater". The Skyline in Burwood, a Melbourne suburb, became the first of more than 330 drive-ins that were built across Australia and changed the way Australians saw movies forever.

Welcome to the Drive-ins Downunder web site - a tribute to the drive-in theaters of Australia and the world.

Thanks for visiting the home of Drive-ins in Australia. The Cinema & Theatre Historical Society have recently published a special,edition magazine on Hoyts to celebrate its 100 Years; Hoyts 100: The Legacy of Arthur Russell. What does a dentist have to do with Hoyts and drive-ins in Australia? Buy a copy from the CATHS site CATHS site and you can find out. The first few print runs have sold out so don't miss out on your copy

Australia's largest drive-in, the Lunar Dandenong in Melbourne has been experiencing solid crowds all year, so if you love drive-ins and live nearby, come and visit soon. For all of the session details seewww.lunardrive-in.com.au Add it to your favourites right away. The Wonga Drive-in in QLD remains closed at present, but we are all hoping a new owner comes forward and brings it back to life. Remember you only need to visit your local drive-in once or twice per year, if every movie-goer did that there would be dozens more still in business!

Val Morgan once were a great supporter of drive-in theatres, today most of their ads are directed to large multiplex cinemas. More people attend a film at the lunar Drive-in than they do at a local multiplex. These ads and the revenue from them are important to all drive-ins and independent cinemas. You can let Val Morgan know how you feel about it here email Val Morgan.

Your support emails have made a difference with a marked upswing in advertisers at independent drive-ins, thanks to every one of you who has emailed to date.

If you want to create your own drive-in at home in the yard check out Super 8 Centre. It sells the last of the old Australian drive-in speakers! These were once common, but when these are gone that is it.

I am always interested in buying old film collections in 8mm, Super 8, 9.5mm, 16mm and 35mm. Let me know what you have email

David Kilderry Spring 2010

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If you wish to copy or publish content from this site, link to this site or seek further information on drive-in theaters, please email Buddy. All photos and information contributed to this site will be gratefully acknowledged.