Westpac OpenAir Sydney

We really nailed the timing—picked the one sunny day in Sydney, only for the evening to take a dramatic, waterlogged turn. Watching a movie in the rain is definitely an experience—one we won’t forget anytime soon. We stuck it out, caught bits of the film - September 5th, heavy in every sense, but after three hours of relentless rain, staying enlightened was a tall order when we were drenched to the bone. General admission meant arriving early for good seats—a solid plan if the weather cooperates. Instead, we found ourselves shivering, drinking cold champagne, and eating out of takeout containers while getting progressively soggier. Romantic? Not quite. Memorable? Absolutely. To their credit, the Westpac group graciously offered us tickets for another night, though the short notice didn’t work with our plans. Honestly, a little warm cocoa and comfort food during the show might have been a better move than hoping we’d want a second round of wet and windy cinema.

I loved this cinema! The view is amazing and they have so many different movies playing. Even with the general admussion ticket, you can get in, watch the sunset with the opera house and harbour bridge in view, and enjoy the movie you picked with a drink from the bar.

Let’s start with the venue, which is, hands down, one of the most stunning places on the planet. The views are so breathtaking, you might even forget to eat—except, of course, you’re at a restaurant, so you have to. We got lucky with perfect weather (no rain this time!), which made it all the more magical. Now, about the food... Well, let’s just say it was a bit of a rollercoaster ride. We kicked things off with the zucchini flowers for $9, and while it didn’t look like much, they were an unexpected delight. The flavors packed a punch, proving that sometimes, small things do come in deliciously surprising packages. They were like the charming, quirky character in a movie—you don’t expect much, but they steal the show. Then came the Lamb Ragu pasta for $36. It was like a plot twist no one saw coming, except it was the kind of twist that leaves you thinking, “Wait, what just happened?” The portion was tiny, the pasta was undercooked, and the lamb... well, let’s just say it was more “tough love” than tender. The flavor was as muted as a Monday morning, and the whole thing had me wondering if I accidentally signed up for a cooking class rather than fine dining. My stomach started plotting a revolt, and I feared heartburn city was on the horizon. So, while the venue is absolutely worth a visit, I wouldn’t recommend showing up with an empty stomach and a wallet full of hope. If you’re there for the views, you’ll be in heaven. If you’re there for the food, well... maybe pack a snack.

The night started off well with great seating and lovely food in the GENERAL ADMISSION section. Unfortunately we had a massive unpredicted storm do the movie was canceled but I’m looking forward to the next booking!!!

I have no clue why anyone would give this a 1 star, honestly, I would give it 6 stars if I could. We were staying with our friends and they secretly booked us dinner and a film and I have to say it was one of the best evenings out ever, you have to do it if you can. Of course films are a personal choice and we saw a great film called 'Next Goal Wins', if you have never seen it I suggest you look it up, you will enjoy it as it has everything from tears to laughs and it's a true story as well, which makes it extra special. As I say it was a surprise, and dinner was super special, six of us sitting down, enjoying the incredible views as the sun went down over the Sydney skyline, with fab food and wine and pictures that make your friends go WOW. Then as the screen seemed to appear from the water we took our comfy seats and as I say had a wonderful evening full-stop! Live Life Loving Tony & Nicki Vee

The saying "the most beautiful city in the world" is true. Can't be more beautiful than this. The overall set up: food offering, the view of the harbour the bridge the opera house and the botanic gardens is just stunning, the big screen the sound, accessibility before during and after is just all on point If you are living in Sydney, visiting Sydney or have visitors, this is a must! I go every year at least 3 times. Dare to say it's my favourite event of the year

Extraordinary! Certainly the world's most beautiful cinema! But more than that, everything was so very well organised. Staff are friendly and helpful, food served quickly and was very good, plenty of casual seating. The main screen picture quality was excellent and the sound system first class, even for a heavy-dialogue film. Highly recommended.

I’ve been a lot over the years but I think this year was my last. The location is stunning, truly stunning, so everyone should go at least once. However, once is probably enough now. It’s progressively moved to corporate / high end tickets with the result that GA is pretty limited but many sessions now run at under capacity as so much seating is given to very high priced tickets people don’t seem to be buying. The high end tickets don’t even get you anything other than the (empty because they have blocked them out) seating areas. You still have to buy food etc on top. And that brings us to the next problem, the food is incredibly over priced, in all areas, for very, very poor quality festival food. For those prices definitely eat somewhere else before you come. Finally, and probably most importantly, I don’t know if it’s that the sound system is worse, the screen has got old or just the fact that as viewing gets more sparse there is no atmosphere but the actual movie watching experience is now very third rate. The last few movies I’ve seen there I have been very “meh” about. However, I’ve then rewatched them in a different environment and really enjoyed them. So, in summary, go for the view and the experience but not for the food or the films!