Magic and Moonlight at the Powerhouse.

Someone was obviously listening when I said "I miss that open-air cinema they had in Brisbane a few years back..." I literally squealed when I heard that Ford (and a whole other bunch of associated sponsors) were bringing a heap of films (some recent - some less so) to New Farm Park for their "Moonlight Cinema" sessions. Now granted, I won free tickets, so I needed no further incentive - so last night, blanket in tow, we headed over to the Powerhouse for their showing of "Mao's Last Dancer".


It was absolutely lovely - the weather was perfect, not a cloud in sight, and after awhile we forgot that we were lying in the middle of New Farm Park - the sound and the picture were both excellent. When we arrived, we decided that a blanket wasn't enough - we HAD to roadtest their funky "Moonbeds" (think bean-bags but WAY cooler). $6 each to hire - we considered that worth it! And they were!

If you're looking for something a little bit different but still romantic as hell (seriously - wine, food, picnic, stars, blanket, films.....why haven't you bought your tickets yet?), Moonlight Cinema is your place. It's only running until March - so you don't have long - but why not take advantage of the warmer months while they're here? 

• Summary: Cinema under the stars. 
• Tip:  1. Bring your own food. The food is extravagantly overpriced (in my opinion). I paid $15 for 3 dips in plastic containers and some toasted turkish bread. Apparently you can't bring your own alcohol - but everyone else did - and if you want to avoid the $30 bottles that they're selling - do1 it. Bring a blanket - even if you're going to hire a moon-bed - it's good to have somewhere to stash the food.  2. Get there early. Gates open at 6pm - you don't want to be any later than that if you want a good spot up the front. :)
• Transport: Buses go to New Farm Park and the Powerhouse from the City. Parking is excellent and right next to the cinema-setup.
• Where: New Farm Park (Powerhouse end), New Farm.
• When: Wednesday-Sunday nights (until the 21st of February). Gates open at 6pm and the film starts at 7pm.
• Cost: $13 a ticket online - $15 at the gate. Moonbeds are $6 to hire each (with $10 deposit ea.)
• Website: http://www.moonlight.com.au
• Perfect for: Romantic evenings under the stars, something a little different, night-time picnics.
• Watch out for: Overpriced food. Some of the younger "promotional" staff haven't been trained well in customer service, and I witnessed some interesting encounters where they were quite rude to customers. Again - just avoid the catering van and you'll be right. The staff on the gate were lovely.