Heddon Greta Drive-In: Enjoy a Movie in Your Car!

Discover the magic of the drive-in movie at Heddon Greta Drive-In! For now, families around the Hunter, Newcastle and Lake Macquarie region can still experience the magic of the Heddon Greta Drive-in.

While this beloved retro cinema was originally slated to close in July 2024 after the site was purchased by developers, its final curtain call has been extended. The new owners have advised that residential development will be on hold for several years and so the drive-in has the opportunity to continue, as long as attendance is enough to remain viable.

Heddon Greta Drive-in is a great family activity. Unlike the cinema, you can get up and move around, so it’s perfect for restless little ones plus bigger kids will love the nostalgia factor and novelty of the big screen.

So pack up the car, grab a blanket and some snacks, and create some lasting memories at one of the last remaining drive-in theatres in the state!

Where is the Heddon Greta Drive-In?

Located 40 minutes from Newcastle, the Heddon Greta Drive-In is the perfect mix of nostalgia and fun, providing a unique movie-going experience. With only two drive-ins still operating in New South Wales, we are incredibly lucky to have one so close by (the other one is the Skyline Drive-In at Blacktown).

Getting there: Jump on the Hunter Expressway (M15) and take the Main Road, Kurri Kurri/Maitland/Cessnock exit. Once you’re in Heddon Greta, the drive in is located to the left, off Heddon Street – look out for the retro drive in sign in the front yard of a house that marks the turn off.

When is the Heddon Greta Drive-In open?

The Heddon Greta Drive-In is open every Friday and Saturday night, and every night of the week during school holidays. Originally opened in 1967, it closed in 1984 and remained neglected for several years before being resurrected in 1997 by Scott Sneddon. Novocastrians will likely recognize Scott as the iconic ‘voice’ of the drive-in – “If you don’t like the movie, you can slash the seats!”

What do I need to bring?

Whether you snuggle up in your car, bring a couch for the ute tray, relax on a beanbag, or spread a picnic blanket outside, you’re sure to find a comfortable way to enjoy a movie (or two) at the drive-in. Here’s our tips for getting comfortable at the drive-in:

4WD/Wagon/Hatch/Utes: You’ll be more comfortable if you bring an air mattress or camping mattress. Don’t forget to add blankets and pillows!
Sedans: Make sure you bring something comfortable to sit on, like beanbags or camping chairs. Don’t forget blankets and pillows to make your seating even cosier!

Because it can get quite cool, definitely pack warm clothing and blankets. Even on a warm summer evening, you’ll still needed blankets and jumpers to keep you cosy in the chilly night air. Sleeping bags are a good idea!

Don’t forget to pack an esky filled with snacks and drinks for your trip to the Heddon-Greta Drive-In. We recently saw families bringing their own snacks and even cooking dinner on portable grills, so you might want to do the same!

To hear the film’s audio, you’ll need an FM radio. We recommend bringing a portable FM radio if you plan to sit outside your car, or if your car’s radio is unreliable (as many modern car radios tend to shut down). Be sure to pack reliable batteries or spares!

A word of caution: Tuning in via your car radio can lead to a flat battery by the end of the movie. On our last visit to the Heddon-Greta Drive-In, staff were busy jump-starting several customer vehicles.

How much is Heddon Greta Drive In?

Showing the latest mainstream movies, with two or three films screened each session (depending on Daylight Savings), the Heddon Greta Drive-In usually offers a family-friendly option. It’s a fantastic value for families, as the price is per vehicle, based on the number of films you choose to watch.

The website lists the admission price as $32 plus a booking fee per vehicle, per movie (up to 8 people per vehicle).

Tickets are available ONLINE ONLY. You cannot purchase tickets at the gate, as staff need to scan your barcode for entry. Online booking and transaction fees apply. Please note that all sales are final and non-refundable.

Food Options

Unlike the regular cinema experience, Heddon Greta Drive-In allows you to bring your own food and snacks. Families can enjoy pizza and other takeaway treats they’ve brought with them. If packing a picnic isn’t your style, there’s also an on-site restaurant.

All restaurant orders are online only, available through the website after your ticket has been scanned at the gate. Simply place your order online, wait for a text message notification when it’s ready, and then collect your food from the restaurant.

You’ll be able to purchase all of your favourite cinema foods: choc-tops, soft drinks, lollies and popcorn (so much popcorn!) or if you need dinner, you can grab something more substantial like a burger, hotdog or chips. On a recent visit, the restaurant were cooking up batches of hot donuts. The prices are very reasonable and the service is great.

Good to Know

Gates open 30 minutes before the first movie (and 5-10 minutes before subsequent movies). Get there early to secure a good spot. The first four rows are reserved for low vehicles, so if you have a 4WD, wagon or hatch, or if you plan on leaving the boot open, you must park from row 5 onwards. Vehicles with rooftop tents must be in row 9 or back. The staff are really helpful and are on hand to guide you to the best spot.

Whilst dogs are allowed, they must be on a lead and you must take bags to clean up after them. Management reserves the right to maintain a safe and nuisance free venue for all patrons.

A little bit of history: Until the mid-1980s, the Newcastle area was also home to drive-ins in Lambton, Rutherford, and Gateshead. During the peak of their popularity in the 1950s, the Newcastle Council even approved plans for a drive-in in Kotara (on the site that Westfield now occupies), but it was never built.

For more information, including session times, directions and pricing, visit the Heddon Greta Drive In website.