Yatala Drive-In
100 Jacobs Well Rd
Stapylton
Exit 38 M1

There can be few better ways to spend $30* as a family or with friends than a night out under the stars at the drive-in. And next to a field just off the Pacific Highway lies this time capsule of the 1950’s, where on weekend nights just like their parents once did, kids in pyjamas line up next to Marilyn Monroe & James Dean in the kiosk for candy, hot dogs and ice-creams.

Pack the car with pillows, snacks, camp chairs, a torch and the dog and head off before sunset to nab a good car spot. With plenty of time till the movie starts there’s a playground under one of the screens where children can make friends and dispense energy while parents enjoy a sunset BYO drink on the camp chairs or take a stroll with the (leashed) dog.

The candy bar kiosk, which is still the original Besser Block slope-roofed affair with padded booths, peddles the hot dogs, fish’n’chips, burgers, choc tops, candy and rock’n’roll tunes of fifty years ago and in a friendly efficient manner despite the queues that form in the lead up to the movie.

Even the original metal encased speakers have been preserved and still provide a great sound to hook up to the car or chairs.

Those with a real penchant for retro might want to check the timetable for the 1950’s nostalgia nights when the car park looks just as it would have 60 years ago as Cadillacs, Austins, FJ Holdens, Valiants and a host of other vintage wonders descend on the drive-in, rock’n’roll bands play at sunset under the screen and at the diner and rockabilly types stroll the grounds checking out each other’s cars.

*Pricing varies and starts from $30 per car of 4 for a single feature on selected family movie nights but even standard admission is good value at $13 per adult and $6 per child, with children under 6 free. Double features are $16 per adult and $ 9 per child and the Dusk to Dawn Movie Marathons (4 films) $20 per adult and $12 per child.

Another still-going-strong relic from mid last century, Yatala Pies, is only a 5 minute drive away.