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HOT: Thornbury Picture House, Thornbury

Do you love going to the movies? Do you find that you don’t have the time to see a film since bubs came along? Then check out “Babes in Arms”, “Prams at the Pix”, “Bring Your Baby”, “BYO Baby” and even “Bambini Session” sessions at your local cinema! It’s that weekly well-deserved movie break for parents (or any adult carer) with a mini kid (or two) tagging along!

Thornbury Picture House Entrance

At Thornbury Picture House, this is called the “Cry Baby Session” (oh, how aptly named) and runs every Wednesday during school terms generally. A Cry Baby Session ticket is a whopping bargain for $12 for an adult and child/ren under 18 months!

Thornbury Picture House child on foyer couch

The magnificently furnished indie cinema located at Melbourne’s inner north sets itself apart from its rivals with its quirky fixtures, attentive services and extra care.

I step into this artistically renovated cinema on a Wednesday morning slightly before the start of the session at 11 am. Quite a few mummas and grannies walk in pushing/strapping/carrying/ cradling their tiny bubs. We exchange knowing glances, nods and smiles. Already, a small community is formed without the need for a word.

Thornbury Cinema front courtyard

The building is difficult to miss. Conspicuously located at the corner of the main commercial area of High Street Thornbury, its white-washed walls and the signs for “Motor Service Station” immediately capture the attention of curious passers-by.

Thornbury Picture House window

Thornbury Picture House is stylishly converted, with a large sheltered outdoor area (previously a driveway) complete with vintage furnishings and remnants (including one antique petrol bowser), reminding us of its former status as one of Melbourne very first drive-in petrol stations in the 1910s.


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Petrol Bowser Thornbury Picture House

The selection of movies is an interesting mix of latest releases, documentaries, classics, film festival specials, and independently-made films. They do not necessarily screen G or PG-rated films suitable for children as the expectation is that the audience is adults who have babes in arms.

Thornbury Picture House foyer

Before the movie starts I order my coffee from the bar. I’m delighted that it comes in proper cafe-styled porcelain cup and saucer and is kindly brought all the way into the cinema room and placed nicely on the table-tray of my chosen seat. Note there is no allocated seating for Cry Baby sessions – for general sessions seats are reserved.

Thornbury Picture House Bar

If you prefer something more ‘punchy’, there is also local craft beer, fancy cocktails and gin & tonic on the menu. The menu also includes a reasonably good selection of food, including classic cinema snacks such as popcorns and choc top ice-creams!

For Cry Baby Sessions prams are allowed access into the theatre or there is secure pram parking in the foyer.

Thornbury Picture House Cry Baby Session

The sound volume is soft enough for Little Missy to continue her sleep without stirring but loud enough for the adults to enjoy the film. Lights are slightly dim for a ‘true’ cinematic experience but bright enough for an emergency nappy change without interrupting any thrilling scenes!

Thornbury Cinema

Note there is a proper change table in the toilet outside the cinema room, but I wish a few more are provided as there is quite a queue right after the movie.

The babies are incredibly well-behaved and any occasional crying sound seems to just blend in without causing any disturbance.

I really enjoy my morning at Thornbury Picture House‘s Cry Baby Session. I love the cinema’s pram-friendly ramp, the Art Nouveau interior, the old-glamorous Hollywood touches, and the personable service of a small-sized, independently-run cinema.

Thornbury Picture House vintage cinema poster

Thornbury Picture House is a quiet gem in Melbourne for anyone who prefers a non-mainstream cinema experience. And I am proud all of the other super adults who can get themselves and their baby ready for a movie outing!

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text el_class=”thon-hot-tips-panel”] Tips for Thornbury Picture House:

  • Cry Babies Session is on each Wednesday, 11 am  during school terms generally;
  • Tickets for Cry Baby Sessions are $12 per adult;
  • No allocated seating;
  • Films are not necessarily suitable for children;
  • Sound volume is lowered and lights are slightly dimmed;
  • Easy pram access with ramp at the entrance;
  • Prams are allowed into the cinema room;
  • One change table in the toilet outside the cinema room;
  • Drinks and snacks available – drinks can be delivered into the cinema for you;
  • parking is in nearby streets. There is ample of parking on High St but please beware of the clearways at peak times. Sometimes you can find a park in the Aldi car park off Dundas st after 7pm; and
  • Thornbury Picture House is walkable from the Thornbury train station or Stop 41 of the 86 Tram.

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I hope this post has helped or inspired you! Subscribe to my weekly newsletter to find out more ways for your family to have fun together!

About Joyce Watts

Joyce Watts is a former intellectual property, IT and media lawyer turned serial entrepreneur.

As well as being the founder of TOT: HOT OR NOT she helps businesses with their SEO, email marketing & social media as BrightSmart.com.au; she owns an online bike store CycleStyle.com.au and develops and produces creative experiences for families via WheelieGoodFun.com. She used to publish another popular lifestyle and food blog called MEL: HOT OR NOT The decisive guide to Melbourne.

She lives in inner-city Melbourne with her husband, two children and seven bikes.

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