Summer Garden Cinemas in Bowen

Work has been hectic lately, and I originally planned to publish this post last week... but finally found a quiet moment to write it down today.

This time, I want to share one of the biggest reasons I’ve fallen in love with Bowen — a charming, nostalgic little local cinema called Summer Garden Cinemas.

Cheapest Tickets, Latest Films

Summer Garden Cinemas — also known as Twin Cinemas — is full of surprises.

As someone born in Taipei, Taiwan in 1992, I’ll never forget the first time I visited this place. From the outside, you’d never guess it’s a cinema. Honestly, I thought Google Maps was pointing to the wrong building!

The feeling I got walking in reminded me of the Sunshine Cinema back in Ximending, Taipei — that magical sensation of stepping through time the moment you enter. But the biggest surprise? Despite being tucked away in the peaceful town of Bowen, North Queensland, this little cinema shows all the latest releases — and tickets are just $10 AUD!

Love It While It Lasts: Don’t Wait to Get Your Tickets

Even though they screen new-release films, Summer Garden Cinemas only has two theaters — which means their film schedule is pretty tight.

According to their website, most movies only screen over the weekend, with showings lasting just 2 to 6 days, and usually only 1 to 3 sessions per day.

Take this Saturday’s screening of Superman for example: it’s showing across just six days. Four of those days offer two sessions; the other two have just one. Next month’s 28 Years Later is only screening for four days — again, just a few chances to catch it.

So, if you’re hoping to enjoy a movie at this heartwarming and nostalgic cinema, be sure to check their website in advance and grab your tickets early!

🎟️ Summer Garden Cinemas: https://bowencinemas.com

A Place Where Time Pauses and Romance Lingers

While nostalgia plays a big part in this cinema’s charm, what keeps me coming back is the passion and love that owner Ben DeLuca pours into every detail.

My husband and I have watched at least five films here, and every single time, we’ve seen Ben personally greeting guests, chatting with people, checking tickets, and even waving goodbye at the end. On our first visit, my husband had a chat with Ben after the movie, and Ben was kind enough to give him a full backstage tour of the entire cinema! (I missed it because I was in the toilet... oh no!)

You can feel how proud he is of this place, and that pride is truly touching. I often tell friends, “If I lived in Bowen, I’d watch every movie, every month. I’d support it nonstop!”

From the Garden to the Screens

"Why is it called Summer Garden? That’s not even the name of the street!"

I’ve always wondered about this, and while writing this post, I finally did some digging.

Turns out, Summer Garden Cinemas began as an open-air community cinema in Queens Beach back in 1948.

In Australia, open-air cinemas are often called “Picture Gardens.” The name “Summer Garden” was especially popular in warm tropical regions like Queensland, where outdoor screenings could happen year-round.

On October 19, 1951, the cinema was converted into an indoor theater to meet growing demand and weather challenges. Ben started working at the cinema that same year.

On May 4, 1962, Ben and his business partner Clive Bauer officially bought the cinema. Ben and his wife Phyl have been running it together ever since. (Clive passed away in Canada in 2012.)

Between 1995 and 1996, the cinema was upgraded with air conditioning and split into two screens, giving it the name “Twin Cinemas.” The larger screen seats 275, and the smaller one 86.

The cinema has even been featured in a few films — The Slim Dusty Movie (1983), and Baz Luhrmann’s Australia(2008), which filmed scenes here the year before.

Final Thoughts

Affordable tickets. The latest movies. Summer Garden Cinemas is, without a doubt, a cultural treasure and a source of joy for movie lovers living in rural North Queensland.

If I had to mention a downside, it would be that the audience tends to be very laid-back and local — which means if you’re attending a popular weekend screening, expect a mix of people: kids, latecomers, babies, and even a few chatty aunties in the back.

If you’re someone who values a super quiet, premium cinema experience, this might not be your cup of tea. But if you go during off-peak hours (like morning sessions), you might just have the whole theater nearly to yourself. That’s been my experience, anyway.

All in all, I hope my words here capture even a fraction of how much I adore this little place. I truly wish Ben and Phyl good health and long lives — and may they continue showing great films for our lovely Whitsundays community.

I can’t believe this turned out to be my longest post ever — but there was just so much I wanted to share! Hopefully, this little corner of the internet can help preserve and celebrate the charm of this timeless cinema.