Mareeba Drive in

If you’re looking for something a bit different to do together with your dog, the Mareeba Drive In is a great way to spend your evening with your doggie by your side!

Mareeba has an outside drive in movie theatre, giving you some real 60’s vibes! And the best part is that they’re dog friendly. This way you can enjoy a great night out in the open air, watching a movie on a massive screen together with your fur friend. Honestly, that sounds like a dream date to me!

The Mareeba Drive In is a 1-hour drive from Cairns city. Fastest way to get there is to drive via Kuranda, over the Kuranda Range. Driving over the Kuranda Range can sometimes be an adventure on its own, so make sure to take your time and if you’re up for it make a quick stop at the lookout.

Address details to navigate to the Mareeba Drive In is: 5303 Kennedy Highway, Mareeba QLD.

They play movies on Friday and Saturday evenings, with opening times varying during winter- and summer months. During winter months the Mareeba Drive In Café will generally be open from 5pm and movies start at 6:30pm. During the summer months the Drive-In Café will generally be open from 5:30pm and movies start at 7:30pm.

They have different movies on every weekend so you can even make it a regular thing! To check out which movies are playing in the coming weeks, check out their website.

How much does Mareeba Drive in cost?

Adults: $14.00
Concession/ Students: $12.00
Kids ( 4 to 12 years old): $8.00
* The price is for 2 movies as they play both of them after each other.

They also have a Café that serve (among other things) burgers, fries, sweets and even cater to vegans. And no need to bring your own popcorn ‘cuz they even have fresh popcorn! We’d highly recommend getting some food at their Café. This is a great way to support the business and their staff is super friendly, and the food is simple but delicious. They also sell soft drinks, coffee, milkshakes, and hot chocolate. When we went it was a bit cooler at night, so the hot chocolate was definitely a winner! However, if you want to have a beer/wine during your movie night, make sure you bring this with you as they don’t sell any alcoholic beverages.

We went on a Saturday night when they had 2 Jurassic movies on screen. We have a ute so we brought a thin mattress to put in the back of our truck and lots of pillows and blankets to make ourselves comfortable. However, you can set yourself up any way you like – some people used inflatables mattresses on top of their roof, others brought chairs or simply sat on a blanket.

Especially during the winter months, it can get ‘’cold’’ in the evenings in FNQ so make sure you bring some warm clothes and blankets. Biggie actually loves the cold weather and had the best time at the Mareeba Drive In. He enjoys hanging out in the fresh air and getting lots of attention from people around.

It is also possible to stay overnight and camp at the Mareeba Drive In for free! You can use their toilets during the entire night and they ask you to be gone by 9 am the next morning. Some people bring their caravan however it’s also possible to set up your tent or sleep in the back of your ute. If you want to camp overnight in your tent, we’d recommend setting up your tent close to the main screen – on the grassy field – after the 1st movie has ended.

We decided to stay the night and were glad we did. The sky was absolutely stunning with lots of stars and Biggie had the best time sleeping outside with us!

If you rather set up camp and drive there after the movies Wally’s Roost in Chewko is a good option.

To make the most of your movie night at Mareeba Drive-In, here are some extra tips:

Arrive Early

Arriving early will allow you to choose a prime spot for the best movie-watching experience. It also gives you and your dog some time to get acquainted with the area and for your furry friend to make some new friends!

Socialize Your Dog

The Mareeba Drive-In is a fantastic place for your dog to socialize with other canines and their owners. However, make sure your dog is comfortable around other dogs and people to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone. Keep your dog on a leash, and always clean up after them.

Bring Bug Repellant

As the Mareeba Drive-In is an outdoor venue, it’s essential to bring bug repellant to protect both you and your dog from any insects that might be present.

Prepare for All Weather Conditions

Even if the weather seems perfect when you set out, it’s always a good idea to be prepared for unexpected changes. Bring an umbrella or a raincoat just in case the weather takes a turn for the worse.

Be Respectful of Others

Finally, be mindful of your surroundings and the people around you. Keep the noise levels down, don’t block other people’s view with your setup, and ensure your dog is well-behaved. By being considerate of others, you’ll contribute to a positive atmosphere that everyone can enjoy.

With these additional tips in mind, you’re all set for a fabulous evening at the Mareeba Drive-In with your canine companion. Embrace the nostalgia, savor the delicious food, and cherish the unforgettable memories you’ll create under the starry sky.