Cinemas in Northern Territory

Northern Territory has two family cinema options on this list, and they are about as different as two cinemas can be. Deckchair Cinema in Darwin City is an outdoor venue that its operator describes as Darwin's only independent cinema, with a mixed program of Australian, popular, family, foreign and classic films. BCC Cinemas Casuarina is a conventional indoor multiplex on the top level of the Casuarina precinct, next to Timezone and the food court.

Deckchair Cinema is the one families remember. It sits on the edge of Darwin Harbour, reviewers keep mentioning the sunset and water views, and the deck chairs facing the water fill quickly, so arriving at opening matters. Reviews rate the hot food, drinks and local tub ice cream well, choc tops sell out early, and the whole site is smoke-free. You can bring a picnic, though the operator says no bringing your own alcohol. Note the season: it runs seven nights a week from mid-April to mid-November and closes over the wet, although the Darwin Film Society also runs Flix in the Wet on Sunday afternoons from January to March. Sunday night screenings are fundraisers for community groups. It is wheelchair accessible and pram friendly, with a well-lit walkway from the city esplanade and free on-site parking.

BCC Cinemas Casuarina is the practical choice, particularly with toddlers and children under 10. Reviews describe clean, comfortable screens and helpful staff, and the seating rows are arranged so small children get an unobstructed view. Its rating is lower, and multiple groups report pricing errors and missing inclusions on party pack bookings, so book individual tickets instead. Park on the top level behind Coles Express for direct access, and check cafe hours on arrival because closing times can be out of step with session ends.