Warragul Twilite

Opened: 1963
Location: Copelands Rd
Capacity: 250 cars (originally 549)
Screens: One
Operator: Kevric Theatres, Warragul Theatres Pty Ltd, Kenrick
Closed: 1984 - Re-opens 2003

Brief history:
This drive-in is due to reopen in late 2003. The VCAT appeal was successful and Kevric Theatres are forging ahead. The Twilite promises to revive the drive-in theatre experience for families throughout the Warragul and the LaTrobe Valley. Since Moe drive-in closed several years ago, this area has had no drive-ins accessible to them. The Twilite will soon join Lunar Dandenong as the second drive-in in Victoria to re-open, pictures in paddocks are back!

The Warragul Twilight history is typical of many drive-ins located in similar sized Australian towns. The owners of the Regent theatre, realising the effects of television, built a drive-in that closed during the VCR boom in the 1980's. Then finally a small modern multiplex is built in the town and cinema continues to re-invent itself.

The new Twilite is located in a lush garden setting- complete with a wonderful children's playground and a unique, fully landscaped, large-scale railway which patrons can ride before the show! My son can vouch that this is one excellent ride especially with pet dog running alongside! The original C&W projectors with carbon arcs will be retained, they will be relegated to standby use, as a 35/70mm Cinemecannica Victoria 8 projector with a 5000 watt xenon lamp in a Xebex lamphouse is being installed. Other equipment includes a Speco LP 270 Platter film transport system, stereo sound with red-led readers, both AM and FM stereo radio sound, as well as a limited number of traditional drive-in speakers! Double feature programs will provide value-packed, affordable, big screen entertainment. The re-opening of the Twilite is great news for film-goers of all ages, especially for family groups, who are encouraged to arrive early and avail themselves of all the facilities and enjoy the fun, freedom and unique atmosphere of a night at the Drive-In.

Drive-ins Downunder wishes Kevric Theatres every success in their venture and encourgaes all from the Valley to visit it regularly.

Thanks to Kevin Adams and Richard Fear for the information on the new Twilite. More photos to be posted soon.