1 post tagged “drive in”
The last few months have been very busy and I was looking for something relaxing to do with the family. Just of late I have had a couple of free tickets for the cinema, and while I was sitting in my luxurious cinema chair I started to think about those great days gone of the double feature at the drive in. I know in my area they have all disappeared but I thought maybe somewhere else in Australia there are some still open. So I searched the Internet and was at first disappointed to learn that in the 1980's Australia had over 300 drive ins in operation but now only had about 20. Further research however gave me a name of a drive in at a place called Wonga just North West of Gympie in Queensland that was not only still open but was rated as one of Australia's best drive in experiences. A quick visit to Google maps and I soon discovered that this is only a 1 hour drive from where I live. Wow my kids will actually be able to experienced a real drive in!
The Wonga drive in is actually located on a piece of farmers land out in the middle of nowhere, and has been built by a guy out of parts he has bought from other closing drive ins all over the country. Even though he has done what we all dream about in opening a drive in in his back yard, don't get me wrong, this is no small time operation. He has two operational screens, a fully operational cafe that puts other drive ins to shame, a choice of window speakers or FM sound, rented chairs, swings for the kids and a cartoon before the double feature. Car loads are only $25 and the same movies that are currently showing at the cinema are being billed.
Getting to the drive in was a bit of an adventure but with the use of my GPS we arrived right on opening time. Visiting the Cafe we found the food and confectionary was well priced and very well made. Burgers, hot dogs, choc top ice creams are all there as well as juke box and pinball. Deck chairs are available for $2 for those who wish to sit out in the open air. The owner is now making a third screen and field and plans to have a fourth in the future. As we settled in to watch the feature, I felt like it was 1982 and time had stood still. A mickey mouse cartoon and two features later we still had a 1 hour drive to home, but none of us cared as the experience at Wonga drive in makes it all worth while. Wonga has its own website and 24 hour information line. Visit www.wongadrivein.com.au for details.
