DROMANA DRIVE-IN

The Dromana Drive-in cinema opened as the 'Peninsula' in 1961 with a single screen and parking available for 485 cars. It was built by the Whitaker family who have continued to operate the drive-in since it opened. A second screen, which came from the Hoyts Altona drive-in, was added in the early 1990s. A third screen was added in 2001 and a new projection booth was built over the diner to accommodate the three projectors, giving each a clear line of sight to its screen.

The significance of the Dromana Drive-in is in the layout of the fields, berms and screens that immediately identifies the place as a drive-in cinema.

The layout of the drive-in has changed to adapt to the introduction of the later screens. It is now divided into three fields separated by white picket fences. Berms have been constructed in each field to elevate the noses of cars toward each screen. Sound was originally delivered to the cars via a small speaker that clipped onto a side window of the car. The speakers were attached to posts located to the side of each parking space. In 1999 the speakers were removed, though the posts remain.

The site includes a diner/projection booth building. Originally a simple skillion-roofed timber-framed fibro-clad structure, this building has been much altered. Two simple fibro-clad ticket booths joined by a flat roof are located at the end of the drive. These are recent structures. An original 'Peninsula' neon sign is attached to the rear of the original screen.

How is it Significant?

The Dromana Drive-in is of historical significance to the State of Victoria.

Why is it Significant?

The Dromana Drive-in is of historical significance as a reflection of the mid-twentieth century rise of the influence of the car on Victorian society and culture. Along with motels, service stations and other places and urban forms associated with the rise in private car ownership, surviving drive-ins are significant for their association with the development of a car culture in Victoria during this period.

The Dromana Drive-in is of historical significance as a reflection of the Americanisation of Victorian cities and country towns in the mid-twentieth century. Drive-ins were most popular in the 1950s and 1960s in the United States, Canada and Australia. Inspired by American cultural trends, drive-ins functioned like mobile extensions of the family living room, and were consistent with a trend in personal behaviour to be less formal and inhibited in public spaces. Drive-ins grew out of the extraordinary popularity and increasing affordability of cars, and provided a novel and easy form of entertainment.

The Dromana Drive-in is significant as a rare surviving example of a drive-in cinema. It is one of three that remain in operation in Victoria out of approximately sixty at the height of drive-in popularity

Group

Recreation and Entertainment

Category

Drive In Cinema