Brisbane’s Mount Coot-tha Botanic Gardens are a really beautiful setting for Sunset Cinema, which has an epic line-up of movies screening between now and April 7. A natural amphitheatre in the gardens provides the perfect backdrop to sit back and relax under the stars.
We nestled into comfy bean loungers to watch the opening night movie, Molly’s Game, in which Jessica Chastain puts in a brilliant performance as Molly Bloom, a young Olympic-class skier who ran an exclusive high-stakes poker game. It’s a true story and I enjoyed it so much more than I expected to.
The full program, available to view here, includes I, Tonya with Margot Robbie, the acclaimed Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, multi award-winning Lady Bird, The Post starring Meryl Streep and family favourites The Greatest Showman on Earth and animation Nut Job 2.
We arrived at Mount Coot-tha early and had a great time wandering around the gardens at their most beautiful time of day. When the gates to Sunset Cinema opened at 5pm, we found our spot and settled back to listen to soulful live music from guitarist Fernando Aragones (a performance for opening night only).
We tucked into Baton Rouge pork burgers (slow-cooked pork with slaw and brown sugar/Bourbon flavoured sauce). These were from Cajun-inspired food truck The Dapper & Chic, who also do smoked chicken tacos, fish burgers with Cajun seasoning, and American-style hot dogs.
Drinks on offer include Madfish Wines, craft beer from 4 Pines Brewing Company, and Presha fruit drinks, while buttery Cobs popcorn is available for those who must have popcorn with their movie.
Grab a Lawn Lounge ticket if you want to have it all laid on for you with reserved bean loungers, or alternatively bring your own blankets, beanbags and picnics. Settle back and enjoy a great night’s entertainment, making the most of our beautiful balmy autumn evenings.
If you go:
What? Sunset Cinema
Where? Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens
When? Until April 7, 2018 Cost? Adults $19; kids $12.
Tickets: www.sunsetcinema.com.au
Food Wine Travel attended the opening night as guests of Sunset Cinema. All images except the top image supplied by Pendulum Communications and used with their permission.
