TTHE future of Dandenong’s Lunar Drive-In, Australia’s largest and longest-running drive-in cinema, is uncertain after the owners put the 15-acre site up for sale.
The sale of Melbourne’s Lunar Drive-In follows years of dwindling audience numbers, owner and film historian David Kildrey said in his 66-year career due to changes in both viewing methods – such as streaming – and film offerings from Hollywood. referred to.
Located in Dandenong South, the four-screen Lunar Cinema can seat 900 vehicles. It is one of only three in Melbourne, and only 16 in the whole of Australia..
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The business has dutifully entertained Australians since 1956, but declining profits and the challenges of rising costs led Kildare to consider selling the site before the start of the COVID pandemic.
Talking with ABC, Kildare points out that the value of lunar land has changed over time, increasing the amount of land tax paid. The location was originally considered part of Melbourne’s suburbs, but continued sprawl has resulted in the area being relegated to a more “mid-suburban” location.
“People are shocked when I tell them. [that Land Tax is] It’s already over $1,000 a day,” Kildrey said ABC’s Andrew Hanson.
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The sale of the Lunar doesn’t necessarily mark the end of the location as a drive-in theater, Claudry indicated, “We would love to continue it as a drive-in, but the reality is that we have multiple Surrounded by national warehouses and factories.
“We think the land will ultimately be used for the short to medium term,” Kildrey said.
Drive-in theater attendance peaked in the 50s and 60s, although the theater’s most beloved chariot, the Holden Sandman, didn’t arrive until 1974.
There are 16 drive-in theaters remaining across Australia by 2022, with Chandra being one of three in Melbourne. While Qumri’s fate is unknown, its potential closure will follow Adelaide’s mainline cinema at Gaps Cross, which ended its run in November 2021.
Current drive to locations around Australia.
| Driving | Address |
|---|---|
| Skyline Drive-In | Blacktown, Cricketers Arms Rd, Blacktown, New South Wales 2148 |
| Hayden Greta Drive-In | Hayden St, Newcastle, New South Wales 2321 |
| Westview Drive-In | 12R Narromine Rd. Dubbo, New South Wales 2830 |
| Yatala Drive-in | 100 Jacobsville Road, Stapleton, Queensland 4207 |
| Mareeba Drive-In | 5303 Kennedy Hwy, Mareeba, Queensland 4880 |
| Taurus Drive-In | 130 New Queen Road, Quenton, Queensland 4820 |
| Stardust Drive-In | 27 Kilrie Rd, AYR, Queensland 4807 |
| Jericho Drive-In | Darwin Street, Jericho, Queensland 4728 |
| Coober Pedy Drive-In Theatre | Umoona Rd, Coober Pedy, South Australia 5723 |
| Dromana 3 Drive-In | 133 Nepean Hwy, Dromana, Victoria 3936 |
| Village Cinemas Coburg Drive-In | 155 Newlands Rd, Coburg, Victoria 3058 |
| Lunar Drive-In Theater | 115 S Gippsland Hwy, Dandenong, Victoria 3175 |
| Kookaburra Outdoor Cinema | Allan Rd, Mindring, Western Australia 6073 |
| Galaxy Drive-in Theatre | Hocking Road, Kingsley, Western Australia 6026 |
| Dongara Drive-In | LOT 941 Point Leander Dr, Port Denison, Western Australia 6525 |
| Corda Drive-In | 2 Orchard St, Koorda, Western Australia 6475 |