If you thought limelight was a Hollywood phenomenon, you’d be wrong. It was actually invented by an Aussie in 1816, and yes, limelight was a real form of lighting used to project films back then! In fact, in the early days of film it was Australia that was at the forefront of the industry in more ways than one. The first cinema of Oz was opened in 1896, while it took Americans until 1905 to open theirs. It’s not surprising, since there has been a demand for entertainment in Australia since colonial times, when the first ever stage performance was a recital of a poem by a convict pickpocket!

Things have changed a lot since then, and now there are a variety of venues and forms of entertainment to be enjoyed. Some historic theatre’s still exist, showing everything from classic plays and recitals to contemporary pieces by cutting edge scriptwriters. Cinemas have evolved as well, and you can find a venue screening just about whatever type of film you’re after. There are many cinema’s dating back to the Art Deco era, while you can also find the newer multi-screen complexes in any major city. If you’re after a real treat, outdoor cinemas take advantage of the warm Australian nights during summer, so you can watch the latest blockbuster or your favourite classic under the stars.