
Fleet Steps, Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
9 January – 24 February 2026
6pm – late
Starting from $44 per person
The world’s most beautiful cinema
Set on Mrs Macquaries Point, before a backdrop that spans the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and city skyline, Westpac OpenAir is a stunning celebration of film, food and Sydney lifestyle.
From early evening a spectacular al fresco dining and bar experience comes alive on the harbour’s edge with some of Sydney’s best chefs sharing their take on the perfect summer menu.
At dusk, the giant cinema screen rises from the water to stand three storeys high over Sydney Harbour. Dolby digital surround sound, 4k projection and comfortable cinema seating, together create an unbeatable cinema experience.
The 2026 season will run from Friday 9 January – Tuesday 24 February, an epic 47 nights of the world’s most beautiful cinema, with every detail considered just for you.
"The perfect marriage of art and nature"
The New York Times
Film program
Click here to view the full 2026 film program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Westpac OpenAir is a premium outdoor cinema experience screening films with a harbourside restaurant and bar. This year the event celebrates its 28 season at Fleet Steps, Mrs Macquaries Point.
Visit the Westpac OpenAir website for more information here.
- Fleet Steps, Mrs Macquaries Point.
- Site occupation: Wednesday 10 December 2025 – Monday 2 March 2026.
- Event Season: Friday 9 January – Tuesday 24 February 2026.
Bump–in and bump–out phase: Due to the size of the infrastructure and set up of this event, for safety reasons there will be no public access along the Sea Wall or Fleet Steps during bump-in and bump-out phases. Yurong Gate to remain closed throughout bump-in/out, pedestrians to be diverted through Victoria Lodge Gate.
Event season: Access will be maintained along the Sea Wall and on Fleet Steps until 5pm. See exceptions further below under Footpath Closures.
- 20 January – there will be no access along the seawall or Fleet Steps for red carpet event. Time to be confirmed closer to event.
- Other dates to be confirmed closer to event.
We encourage patrons to use public transport to and from the event:
Train: exit via St James, Martin Place or Circular Quay
Metro: alight at Martin Place
Ferry: walk from Circular Quay
Bus: plenty of route services make stops near the event. for timetables, maps and to plan your trip, visit www.transportnsw.info
Light Rail: the closest stops are Bridge Street and Circular Quay on the L2 and L3 lines
Road Closures: no road closures for this event however, traffic delays are expected nightly on Mrs Macquaries Road during event season on egress between approx. 10.15pm – 11.45pm, pending film end time.
Gate Closures: Yurong Gate to remain closed throughout the bump–in/out period, pedestrians diverted through Victoria Lodge Gate.
- Bump-in: 10 December 2025 – 9 January 2026
- Bump-out: 24 February – 2 March 2026
During the event season access will be maintained through Yurong Gate until 8pm as per the Garden's regular opening hours. Please note the following exceptions:
- 20 January – there will be no access along the seawall or Fleet Steps for red carpet event. Time to be confirmed closer to event.
- Other dates to be confirmed closer to event.
Footpath Closures: there will be no public access along the Sea Wall or Fleet Steps during the bump-in/out period.
- Bump–in: 10 December 2025 – 9 January 2026
- Bump–out: 24 February – 2 March 2026
During the event season access will be maintained along the Sea Wall and on Fleet Steps until 5pm. Please note the following exceptions:
- 20 January – there will be no access along the seawall or Fleet Steps for red carpet event. Time to be confirmed closer to event.
- Other dates to be confirmed closer to event.
Parking restrictions/parking availability: limited metered parking is available on Mrs Macquaries Road and at the Domain Car Park. For prices visit: https://www.wilsonparking.com.au/the-domain-car-park.
Mobility Pass Holder access: as per usual availability, see more about Garden accessibility here.
Yes.
Yes.
Pre–season sound checks: Low level intermittent sound checks between 10am and 10.30pm, 6 – 9 January 2026.
Event season: Sound checks on screening nights from approx. 5pm (subject to change), and low sound impact during event hours 6pm – 11.45pm, Thursday 9 January to Tuesday 24 February 2025.
We are committed to complying with all legislations and guidelines covering amplified sound levels at outdoor events.
Messages can be left on the hotline number (02) 9231 8330 and will be responded to on the following working day. If there are any urgent issues please phone the ranger number on 0419 270 279.
We inform all immediate neighbours of events that may require traffic changes by email. We also provide event information via our website, newsletters and social media.
To stay informed, subscribe to our newsletter here or follow us on social media @BotanicSydney.
Check out What’s on to see what other events are happening.
We have a range of venues for hire to suit a variety of different needs. Explore our venues and lawns here.


