Images: Coober Pedy Drive-In Theatre
South Australia’s only remaining drive-in cinema is set to reopen this spring, marking an exciting return of cinema to Coober Pedy. After a devastating storm hit in November 2023 and destroyed the screen at the beloved drive-in, there has been a lot of work behind the scenes to get it back up and running.
“There’s only a small group of us that run the drive-in,” shared Coober Pedy drive-in chairperson Chantelle Bamford.
“There’s a lot of teachers that volunteer, some of our community members. We’ve got a really good little team down here.”
The drive-in was first built back in the 60s and is one of the longest-running outdoor theatres in the state. Before the drive-in was built in 1965, the only spot for people to hang out was at the store on truck day. Previously, films had been shown in the town hall and cartoons had been projected on the wall of Brewster’s Store.
Whether it was families coming for a picnic or opal miners in their work utes, when the drive-in was built, it provided a multicultural venue for people to regularly get together to share news, gossip, and entertainment.
“The drive-in has always been here, it’s a staple for the community. The whole time I’ve been here, look I’ve lived here twenty-plus years, it’s always been here, always on every Saturday night. It’s something that’s really good for the community to do and now that we’re the last one in South Australia it’s a really good pull card for tourism as well.
“We now have tourists not just from South Australia but from across the country and overseas who come to Coober Pedy just for our drive in.”
The drive-in is set to reopen this March, bringing back this much-loved fixture to the region.
“We’re doing our small community open on the first of March. We’re showing two films, Moana and Deadpool vs Wolverine. We’re then doing an official reopening on the 22nd of March. We are playing the new Captain America movie and that will coincide with the Fringe happening in town that weekend.”
For those who haven’t been to the drive-in before, you don’t have to worry about pre-booking, just buy your tickets at the gate, and enjoy some of the latest Hollywood releases on the big screen!
“You can see the drive-in from the main street, it’s that big you can’t miss it. But it is really easy, just pull up at the gate, pay the fee to get in, find a park, and then tune your radio station in and enjoy the film.
“You can just sit in your car and chill, and watch a movie. You can talk with your mates, you don’t have to be quiet like in a cinema. It’s a completely different experience and that’s what makes it so special.”
An important thing to note is that tickets need to be purchased in cash.
Vehicle Prices
– Car (up to 7 people)- $30
– Van/Bus (8 or more people) – $40
– Single occupant vehicle – $15
Walk-Ins (Aged 15+ only unless accompanied by an adult)
– Adult $15
– Student/Concession $10
– Child $5
With a rich 50-year history, Coober Pedy’s drive-in cinema remains a cherished community spot and a unique attraction for both locals and tourists. As it reopens with exciting screenings, this long-standing tradition continues to bring people together for a nostalgic and enjoyable movie experience under the outback sky.
Coober Pedy Drive-In Theatre
When: Reopening March 1st
Where: Umoona Rd &, Hutchison St, Coober Pedy SA 5723
For more information, click here.
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