The Royal Open-Air Theatre Winton is one of the world’s most unique cinematic venues and is only found under our outback Queensland sky.  Established in 1918, the theatre is one of the oldest and largest remaining open-air theatres of its kind operating in Australia and it is a destination attraction in its own right!  

The Royal Open-Air Theatre Winton is centrally located on the main street, next to the iconic landmark North Gregory Hotel, where Waltzing Matilda was first performed. The theatre’s grand art deco style exterior, with the black glass adorning the retail shop fronts, creates a strong presence and draws visitors through the prominent front doors. Visitors step into a glamourous foyer with double height ceilings, chandeliers, exposed original brick walls from 1918, art deco floor tiles, historic artefacts and a striking full wall mural, including images of over 250 movie posters unearthed from the theatre.

Guests are invited to explore the museum and learn about its unique past.  Hear stories from when it was built in 1918, through to the purchase by the Evert family in 1938, the devastating fire just two weeks after Bill Evert’s purchase, the rebuild, the family history of running the theatre for over 84 years, the cultural significance and impact to Winton, how the theatre operated, through to its modern-day evolution.  On display are all original artefacts from the theatre, including historical photos, film winding reels, movie posters, glass advertising slides, projector equipment, ticketing systems, historical operational systems, roller skates and more.

Moving into the main theatre, guests are amazed as they walk through the doors and find a large, oversized theatre arena, unlike anything they have seen before.

As a day-time experience, take a guided tour to discover the stories and cultural significance of The Royal.  Learn how the theatre could hold 700 people in its day, why the flooring is made up of bricks and why the corrugated iron walls of the theatre are different heights. Discover the venue’s uses including hosting balls, dances and regular skating nights. Hear the secrets of what is behind the big screen, sit on a canvas deck chair and see the original projector equipment still in place. 

The evening experience is a transformation from the day.  Upon entering the main theatre arena, the evening sky shines a pathway to the canvas seats and the smell of popcorn flows through the theatre.  Grab the popcorn, sit back in a canvas deck chair and enjoy a unique and authentic outback experience not found anywhere else.   

For further details, visit the Royal Theatre.