For almost seven decades, the Lunar Drive-in theatre has been a regular destination for date nights and other special occasions.

But earlier this year, the iconic theatre took to Facebook to reveal it would be closing out decades of operation–and the sombre last moments of the theatre being torn down were captured on video and posted on social media.

The video, captioned 'End of an Era', was met with sadness by former patrons. The theatre, once considered the largest in Australia, had become an integral part of Melbourne culture, and reportedly welcomed 400,000 guests a year prior to its closure.

Multiple generations have made memories at the Lunar Drive-in–watching the latest blockbusters while snuggled up in the car or with a picnic spread in the outdoor area.

So why did it have to close its doors?

Multiple generations have made memories at the now-closed Lunar Drive-in theatre in Melbourne. Image source: Facebook / Lunar Drive-in.

Owner David Kilderry said that the cost of keeping the doors open had simply become too high.

Council rates and land tax in Melbourne’s Dandenong suburb had ballooned to a staggering $1000 a day, and rising costs left the theatre financially unviable–which is a huge shame as the company had been in business for twenty-one years and had a great relationship with its loyal staff, suppliers, and patrons.

But the stories about the iconic theatre don’t end there–the Melbourne community came together (albeit virtually) to reminisce about Lunar Drive-in, some of whom weren’t even aware it had closed. People shared amazing stories about firsts, bringing movies to life, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Patrons of the Lunar Drive-in shared their memories of the local theatre on social media. Image source: Facebook / Lunar Drive-in.

‘First Drive-in when I got my license. I watched Mad-Max on the big screen and it was great,’ one user shared.

‘Took my wife here to watch a movie late 2005 in my silver VR commodore and determined pretty quickly I was onto a good thing. Can’t recall the movie but I’m sure it was good,’ another user shared.

‘I took my classic car on the final night and saw Goldmember. One of my fave movies, my fave car, and one of my fave spots. Hard to not feel emotional when leaving,’ a third user shared.

​

It’s certainly fair to say it is a real shame that something so beloved has to disappear. But, as nearly everything nowadays, operating a business of this scale has become increasingly difficult for many entrepreneurs due to the detrimental effects of the cost of living.

Key Takeaways

• The iconic Lunar Drive-In theatre in Melbourne, once considered the largest in Australia, has been demolished after nearly seven decades of operation.
• The theatre was reportedly receiving 400,000 visitors annually prior to its closure, the reasons for which included high operating costs and the enormous land tax.
• The theatre's closure triggered widespread disappointment among former patrons and locals alike, who lamented the loss of a cherished recreational venue.

If you’re from the area, do you have any memories of Lunar Drive-in? What are your thoughts on classic Australian businesses like these closing? Share them with us in the comments below!

 

[MariaG]

We have a drive-in near us. Almost closed down due to a property take over. For now, they have a reprieve. Money usually is the decider.
It is well attended and quite a meeting spot for people especially in summer.
Only last week, my niece took her 3 boys and the dog, her own food, a pop up tent to keep the cold away as they were sitting in the back of a ute style vehicle, and, two movies for the price of one admission. The kids, all under 10, love going there.
In summer, some people take their portable BBQ's to have little cook-outs at the back of their cars.
Some family groups get together and go to watch side by side. It is a load of fun.
If they choose, some take advantage of the well attended, basic food offerings at the onsite food kiosk. Hot chippies, or hot chocolate, are always nice on a cold winter night. Lets not forget the choc top.
I also have to mention the ads the owner puts out, always ending them with .. If you don't like the movie, you can slash the seats. He's been saying that for decades and I always smile.
It is a very family friendly, and economical, outing. A shame the powers to be make it so costly to keep them running.

 

[Luckyus]

For almost seven decades, the Lunar Drive-in theatre has been a regular destination for date nights and other special occasions.

But earlier this year, the iconic theatre took to Facebook to reveal it would be closing out decades of operation–and the sombre last moments of the theatre being torn down were captured on video and posted on social media.

The video, captioned 'End of an Era', was met with sadness by former patrons. The theatre, once considered the largest in Australia, had become an integral part of Melbourne culture, and reportedly welcomed 400,000 guests a year prior to its closure.

Multiple generations have made memories at the Lunar Drive-in–watching the latest blockbusters while snuggled up in the car or with a picnic spread in the outdoor area.

So why did it have to close its doors?

View attachment 27603

Multiple generations have made memories at the now-closed Lunar Drive-in theatre in Melbourne. Image source: Facebook / Lunar Drive-in.

Owner David Kilderry said that the cost of keeping the doors open had simply become too high.

Council rates and land tax in Melbourne’s Dandenong suburb had ballooned to a staggering $1000 a day, and rising costs left the theatre financially unviable–which is a huge shame as the company had been in business for twenty-one years and had a great relationship with its loyal staff, suppliers, and patrons.

But the stories about the iconic theatre don’t end there–the Melbourne community came together (albeit virtually) to reminisce about Lunar Drive-in, some of whom weren’t even aware it had closed. People shared amazing stories about firsts, bringing movies to life, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

View attachment 27602

Patrons of the Lunar Drive-in shared their memories of the local theatre on social media. Image source: Facebook / Lunar Drive-in.

‘First Drive-in when I got my license. I watched Mad-Max on the big screen and it was great,’ one user shared.

‘Took my wife here to watch a movie late 2005 in my silver VR commodore and determined pretty quickly I was onto a good thing. Can’t recall the movie but I’m sure it was good,’ another user shared.

‘I took my classic car on the final night and saw Goldmember. One of my fave movies, my fave car, and one of my fave spots. Hard to not feel emotional when leaving,’ a third user shared.

​

It’s certainly fair to say it is a real shame that something so beloved has to disappear. But, as nearly everything nowadays, operating a business of this scale has become increasingly difficult for many entrepreneurs due to the detrimental effects of the cost of living.

Key Takeaways

• The iconic Lunar Drive-In theatre in Melbourne, once considered the largest in Australia, has been demolished after nearly seven decades of operation.
• The theatre was reportedly receiving 400,000 visitors annually prior to its closure, the reasons for which included high operating costs and the enormous land tax.
• The theatre's closure triggered widespread disappointment among former patrons and locals alike, who lamented the loss of a cherished recreational venue.

If you’re from the area, do you have any memories of Lunar Drive-in? What are your thoughts on classic Australian businesses like these closing? Share them with us in the comments below!

Wonder how many kids were concieved in the backseats of the cars??