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We're an American family living in Australia, where everything seems a little bit turned-upside-down.


Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Top 10 Outdoor Cinemas in Perth

One of the many advantages of our beautiful Perth summer weather is being able to enjoy a movie outdoors under the stars. There are several venues to choose from during the warmer months. Here are the Top Ten Outdoor Cinemas in Perth:

1.  Luna Outdoor, Leederville - located in the courtyard of Luna Cinemas in Leederville is a fully licensed outdoor cinema with bean bags, the latest digital technology, and 3D capabilities. Catch a classic, arthouse, or independent film while enjoying a fine wine or premium beer with a cheese platter, delicious dip and crisp bread from the Luna Lounge Bar. Check out the Luna Outdoor Program for upcoming movies and session dates.  Open all summer long through April 20th.  Doors open at 6:45 pm, and show starts at 8:00 pm sharp.


2.  Galaxy Drive-In- this family friendly drive-in located in Kingsley is one of the last of its kind in all of Australia, and the only one in Perth.  Drive-ins are a blast from the past, and an excellent way to enjoy the latest family films with young children.  When we go, we pile the car with pillows and blankets, beach chairs, and bean bags and arrive plenty early to set up our "camp".  We bring our own dinner, snacks, lollies and drinks although you can purchase from the Snack Bar.  Tuesday night is bargain night, and the whole gang gets in for just $20.  Friday, Saturday, and Sunday is also a good time to go because it's a double feature and you get two movies for the price of one!  Gates open at 6:30 and movie starts at 7:30.  CASH only.

3.  Camelot Outdoor Cinema- located in the heart of Mosman Park, this cinema is open seasonally through April 18th. This intimate garden setting is the perfect place to enjoy a picnic dinner while waiting for the movie to start.  Gourmet hampers for two are available for purchase in advance or on the night.  There is a fully licensed bar and also a cafe serving cinema fare: chocolates, ice cream, and lollies (of course!)  Arrive early to avoid disappointment, click here for Movie Sessions.  Doors open at 6:15 pm, and show starts at 8:00 pm sharp.

4.  Rooftop Movies- step off the parking garage elevator onto the retro rooftop that makes you feel as if you are on vacation.  Maybe it's the campervans turned into a kiosk, a bar, and projector room, or perhaps it's the palm trees, twinkling lights, and beach chairs.  Nonetheless, enjoy the feeling high atop the City of  Perth Roe Street parking garage in Northbridge and marvel at the beautiful view of the Perth City skyline before the movie starts. It is a licensed venue, so BYO is not permitted.  However, we were able to bring in our own dinner.  Cinema fare such as popcorn, lollies, and ice cream were available for purchase. I recommend bringing a blanket and a cushion for extra comfort.  Movies showing all summer through April 12th.  Click here for Rooftop Movies Program.  Most shows start at 8:00 pm.


5.  Movies by Burswood-  four settings to choose from: Burswood, Bassendean, Curtin, Mandurah.  These venues are all licensed, so they are strictly BYO food and non-alcoholic drinks only. There is a sausage sizzle with drinks, lollies, and ice cream available for purchase.  Bring your own seating or hire a bean bag ($6), chair ($3), or blanket ($2).  There is no seating for hire at Mandurah location.

6.  Moonlight Cinema- now showing on the lawms of Kings Park until March 30, 2014.  Gates open at 6pm, and shows start at sundown (around 8pm).  This is a BYO venue with snacks and non-alcoholic beverages available at the snack bar.  A limited number of bean bags are available for hire for $9. Otherwise, bring cushions, blankets and/or a low beach chair without legs.  Click here for Movie Program.


7.  Joondalup Pines- just 12 films remaining in the 2013/2014 season of the Perth Festival at this amazing setting. Named appropriately, this cinema is surrounded by pine trees in what feels like the middle of the wooded forest. This venue is BYO, so pack a picnic and bottle of wine if you would like.  There are a limited number of bean bags available, so arrive early if you hope to get one.  The hammock like chairs are comfortable for a while, but having a cushion for your back would be ideal. Check the Perth Festival program for films and showtimes. The Perth Festival Films end April 13.

8. Bamboo Outdoor Cinema- showtimes are Wednesday through Sunday during the summer months at this tropical bamboo amphitheatre. This venue mixes the best of cinema with one of the highly awarded cocktail bars in Perth.  The perfect combination on a hot summer night!  This venue is strictly no BYO.  Doors open at 6 pm, and show starts at 8 pm.  Check out the program here.  Closing night is April 13th.

9.  Northbridge Piazza- the best part of this venue is it's FREE!  Located at the corner of James and Lake Street, there's always something on the screen, 24 hours a day... and there's a mix of family friendly movies in the program, which is a definite bonus. There are Free Flicks for Kids running now until May 3rd.


10.  Somerville Auditorium- another of the Perth Festival Film venues.  Enjoy a picnic dinner before the sun goes down and the movie starts.  Doors open at 6 pm, and the show starts at 8 pm, 7:30 from March 2nd.  This is a BYO venue, however, there is an extensive menu if you wish to purchase non-alcoholic drinks or dinner including sushi, pizza, salads and curry. Check the Festival Program before it's too late.  The Perth Festival ends April 13th.







Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Top 12 Waterslides in Perth

Perth has a great selection of waterslides at several different venues including theme parks, water parks, and leisure centres.  Here is a list of Perth's Top 12 Waterslides:

1.  50 meter thrill slide at Cannington Leisureplex.
Location: Corner of Wharf and Seven Oaks St, Cannington.

PS splash jungle small

2.  The Yellow Devil, a zig zag slide with sharp turns and twists and The Monster Corkscrew, a super fast tube slide with tight, turning, twists.  Must be at least 5 years of age to ride. Located at Kalamunda Water Park.


3.  Aqua Jetty indoor waterslide in Rockingham-
This slide boasts being one of the largest indoor waterslide in Perth.



4.  Tunnel of  Terror- a fully enclosed corkscrew waterslide.  It's very dark, and very fast!  Must be at least 110 cm to ride. Location: Adventure World, Bibra Lake.
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5.  Rocky Mountain Rapids- ride down the mountain on your own tube as you navigate around the turns and through the rapids. Must be at least 110 cm to ride. Location: Adventure World, Bibra Lake.

6.  Indoor waterslide at Arena Joondalup- 42 meter, fully enclosed tunnel slide.  Open weekends and school holidays from 11am-4pm.



7.  Hydro Tube at The Great Escape, Hillarys- one of the longer water slides in Perth. Riders hop on an inter tube for this one.  Must be at least 6 years old to ride.


8.  Speed Twisters at The Great Escape, Hillarys- these two intertwined twisters could be the fastest waterslides in Perth! Must be at least 6 years of age to ride.


9.  The Waterslides at Outback Splash, Bullsbrook- Newly opened on 21 December! Slides include a family slide, and a side by side toddler slide.


10.  Dock Slides at Hillary's Boat Harbour- If you are able to swim to the raft, the best part about these slides is they are free of charge!


11.  Side by Side Slides at Beatty Park Leisure Centre- These slides are loads of fun, but still tame enough for swimmers 3 years plus.


12. The Famous Frog Slide- also at Beatty Park Leisure Centre is a hit with the young ones.  Who could resist those big eyes and wide grin?  Beatty Park is located in North Perth on 22 Vincent Street.