Open Air Cinema

Our Rating: 7/10

Chandon Bar and Good Living Restaurant
Mrs Macquaries Point (Adjacent to Royal Botanic Gardens)
Sydney

This is one of my most favourite things to do in Sydney in summer — the Open Air Cinema. Located directly opposite the Opera House it commands million dollar views of Sydney Harbour. This is really a delicious treat for Sydneysiders and visitors. In fact, it’s Sydney’s hottest ticket will all seats sold out back in December save for a handful that go on sale every evening. The day tickets go on sale in December is very stressful, as most movies sell out within first half hour. Luck was on our side this year.

We’ve been here several times over the years, though this time we were taking the family (Mum, Dad, brother and girlfriend) for their first taste of Open Air Cinema. The tickets were a Christmas gift to the family.

So is the highlight the movie? The location? The food? Well, I have to say all three make this a great night out though the food and wine stand out for me. The food is supplied every year by Belinda Franks Catering and the choices on offer this year include BBQ Lamb with crushed peas, roast sweet potato & mint dressing, Grilled eggplant & goat curd parmigiana, Wagyu beef burger with beetroot relish, swiss cheese and caramelized onions. There is also a selection of pizza’s, fresh fruit and cheese plates which are ideal for sharing.

My tip for the evening is arrive early. Gates open at 6.15pm, though the queue starts forming just after 5pm. There is a reward for queuing early as once the gates open you’ve got your picks of the seats. Reserved signs are available for your seats, so once this is done head to the Chandon Bar and Good Living Restaurant where tables and chairs are available all with spectacular sunset views over the harbour. We started off with a bottle of Domaine Chandon Rosé, a light crisp drop perfect for a summers night. For the main course, we both couldn’t resist the Nepalese grilled chicken with steamed rice, cucumber & mustard salad and spiced fresh tomato chutney. All meals are served on environment friendly bamboo plates with bamboo knifes and forks.

Oh…and the movie? Actually it was amazing. The film was Man on Wire which tells the true tale of Philippe Petit who tightrope walked between the twin towers of the World Trade Centre in NYC. A highlight of the film was archival footage of Philippe coming to Sydney in the early 70’s and illegally tightrope walking between the Sydney Harbour Bridge pylons. What better place to watch this film than right on Sydney Harbour with the bridge right behind the screen. A beautiful moment.