FAQs
When do tickets go on sale?
Tickets are on sale from 9am, 9 December for everyone, with an exclusive Westpac Customer pre-sale window between 9am, 3 December until 5pm, 5 December 2024.
I’m a Westpac customer, where can I find the code for the pre-sale?
You can also keep an eye out on Westpac’s social media or in branch. You can find more information specific to Westpac customers here https://www.westpac.com.au/help/community/openair/
Do I need to se up an account to buy tickets?
You do not need to set up an account with Humanitix or OpenAir to complete the purchase.
How do I buy tickets?
To purchase tickets for a screening, locate the film program, then select the movie you want to see. You can then click ‘BUY TICKETS’. This will take you to the ticketing purchasing page, where you can select the ticket type you would like, subject to ticket availability.
Only tickets purchased through the official platform via www.westpacopenair.com.au and www.humanitix.com.au/host/westpac-openair will be valid for entry. If you purchase through other avenues, including but not limited to resale sites, friends, social media marketplaces, you risk being denied entry on the night. Humanitix Resale is the only accepted platform for resale of tickets.
How do I make an accessible booking? Eg. Wheelchair, mobility, visual, etc.
Patrons requiring accessible seating in General Admission can book online. At the end of your booking please answer the question regarding specific accessibility requirements and we will be in touch.
Patrons requiring accessible seating in reserved areas must contact us directly to make the booking.
Please contact us on 02 9236 7492 or email tickets@summertix.com.au.
Please see our ACCESSIBILITY section below for more information.
What does a preview screening mean?
Preview indicates that the screening is taking place before the wider cinema release of the film, so rest assured it’s the full length feature.
Why can’t I buy the tickets I’m after?
If there are no tickets available in a particular section, the section will appear as SOLD OUT. If the screening is fully sold out, it will say SOLD OUT. Head to the Humanitix Resale site; you make be able to pick up tickets there.
Are cinema seats reserved or do you need to reserve your own seat?
A bit of both… The Point – General Admission tickets require you to reserve your seat in the cinema on arrival at the event, on the night of your screening. This means that arriving early is key for those who are part of a group that want to sit together, or if you have a specific place you like to sit. Whilst we will always do our best to help you find seats together, the later in the evening the harder this gets so why not join us early, from 6pm and enjoy the magic hours harbourside, knowing your cinema seat is waiting for you.
If having a reserved seat in the cinema is important to you, then you will need to opt for either a Reserved Dining ticket in The Chandon Garden, or for a Premium Dining Pass in Summer House Dining. Go to our tickets page to read more about these options.
What happens if I can’t make it anymore?
Sorry to hear you can’t make it, but the good news is you can exchange your tickets for another screening subject to availability for a non-refundable fee of $2.20 per ticket. Requests for exchanges are accepted up until 72 hours before the screening time; within 72 hours of screening time, we cannot exchange. The ticket holder who made the booking needs to contact tickets@summertix.com.au. We do not offer refunds if you’re unable to attend anymore and encourage you to share the love and give your tickets to a friend if you can’t join us, alternatively please use Humanitix Resale to list your tickets for sale (Humanitix Resale Terms&Conditions apply).
What time do gates open?
Gates open at 6pm. We encourage you to come early, as to us, OpenAir is as much about the pre-cinema (festival of food) experience, as it is the films. It’s important to note that for The Point – General Admission ticket holders, dining seats and cinema seats are self-reserved and are taken up on the night by guests on a first come first served basis. Whilst there is a seat at the cinema for every ticket holder, if you plan to sit together in a group or have a particular vantage point in mind, arriving early is your best chance of making this happen. If there are any changes to opening times, they will always be published on our website and social media accounts.
I’m coming to Westpac OpenAir on Australia Day (26th January), what important information should I know?
There are Australia Day events occurring on the 26th January, so please note there will be important access changes within Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney. In previous years Queen Elizabeth gates have been closed at 3pm instead of 8pm, however stay tuned for gate closures closer to the time. See link for more details Live traffic NSW | Incident List.
- A Tony’s Chocolonely Chocolate sample on arrival
$9 for Hendrick’s mixed drinks ($13 after 7pm) purchased at The Point before 7pm (excludes cocktails)
DJs at The Point from 6pm every evening
Tastings of Chandon Garden Spritz in the Chandon Garden before 7pm, and wine tastings in Summer House Dining before 6:30pm
What does a preview screening mean?
Preview indicates that the screening is taking place before the wider cinema release of the film, so rest assured it’s the full length feature.
Can I bring food or drinks into the event?
Please be aware that Westpac OpenAir is a fully licensed venue, so no BYO alcohol or food will be permitted to enter the event. We have a great range of dining choices in all of our areas, for more info around the menus visit our Eat&Drink page.
Can I bring my baby or child with me?
Babies and infants are welcome at our cinema, however, classification restrictions apply. We do make allowances for prams whereby you can reserve a seat where you’re welcome to have the baby on your lap. You can either keep your pram with you, or we can place it aside for the duration of the film. You will now need to book these seats directly with us, in advance. Book early to secure your seats. Please contact 02 9236 7492 or tickets@summertix.com.au to make a booking. Tickets are subject to availability at the time of booking.
We ask that when small children or babies do attend the films that their parents/carers respect the experience of all patrons and if they become unsettled, we will open the closest gate and ask that they temporarily leave the premises whilst they become settled again. We hope you understand this.
Can I bring my dog?
Due to the event’s location as part of the Botanic Gardens Sydney, dogs and other domestic animals are not permitted within the site. Assistance and guide dogs are accepted.
Can I use cash at the bar and restaurants?
Our event is a cashless event, and we will only accept contactless payments, i.e. credit card, app and tap payments across the venue.
Can I bring an umbrella?
You can bring a hand-held umbrella to the event, for use when walking around and when seated in the dining areas. Please note that when the film is screening, you cannot use your umbrella. This is so that you’re not obstructing anyone’s view of the screen. In the event of rain, we will distribute ponchos to all patrons.
Once I am in the venue, can I leave and come back?
We do permit pass outs and re-entry. Once in the venue, exit through the main entrance ensuring you are scanned on the way out, and when you want to come back in, just come back through the main entrance again.
Can I smoke at the event?
The health, safety and wellbeing of everyone at the OpenAir is our top priority. In line with this commitment, the event space is a smoke-free environment (including all smoking and vaping). By becoming a smoke-free site, we are seeking to reduce exposure to harmful second-hand smoke.
What time does the film end?
Our gates open at 6pm and the film starts approximately 8:30pm. Our pre-screening information which is sent out via email to the ticket purchaser, will detail what time your screening finishes, as each film is a different length.
I’m coming to Westpac OpenAir from the Opera House through the Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney. What time does the Botanic Garden close?
All gates in the Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney close at 8pm. If you’re already inside, you can keep walking towards Yurong Gate and one of our staff will be there to help you exit.If you’re not already inside the Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney by 8pm, you’ll need to make your way to Westpac OpenAir via The Domain/Art Gallery Rd/Mrs Macquaries Rd. Please factor in an additional 15-20 minutes of walking time.
Is there accessible seating and how can I book it?
Patrons requiring accessible seating in General Admission can book online. At the end of your booking please answer the question regarding specific accessibility requirements and we will be in touch.
Patrons requiring accessible seating in reserved areas must contact us directly to make the booking.
Please contact us on 02 9236 7492 or email tickets@summertix.com.au.
How can I use my Companion Card?
If you require a Companion Card ticket, please contact us directly to make the complete booking: phone 02 9236 7492 or tickets@summertix.com.au. You must book all tickets simultaneously to ensure you are seated together. Please have your Companion Card with you on the night.
Can I bring my assistance dog?
Yes, assistance and guide dogs are welcome inside the event. Due to the event’s location as part of the Botanic Gardens Sydney, dogs and other domestic animals are not permitted within the site.
What happens if I can’t make it anymore?
Sorry to hear you can’t make it, but the good news is you can exchange your tickets for another screening subject to availability for a non-refundable fee of $2.20 per ticket. Requests for exchanges are accepted up until 72 hours before the screening time; within 72 hours of screening time, we cannot exchange. The ticket holder who made the booking needs to contact tickets@summertix.com.au. We do not offer refunds if you’re unable to attend anymore and encourage you to share the love and give your tickets to a friend if you can’t join us, alternatively please use Humanitix Resale to list your tickets for sale (Humanitix Resale Terms&Conditions apply).
The weather isn’t looking good but it’s early in the day… what do I do?
As an outdoor event, our Cinema is subject to prevailing weather conditions. Specifically, rain will not prohibit the screenings of films. Screenings will be cancelled only if weather conditions present a danger at Fleet Steps at screening time. We all know that Sydney Summer weather can change quickly so we always hope to proceed with the screening and make weather-related decisions, based on the conditions at our event site at the time of screening. Regardless of the forecast, we monitor the weather closely throughout the day and evening and keep everyone updated on Facebook, Instagram and our website. Our number one priority is safety, so if we have to make the difficult call to cancel to ensure our patrons’ safety, we will do so, but our preference is to proceed with screening our great program of films if possible!
What happens if a screening is cancelled?
Unfortunately, sometimes things happen beyond our control, and we have to make the tough decision to cancel screenings. You can find the full cancellation policy in the terms and conditions on our website.
Smoky conditions?
Let’s hope it’s not an issue this summer, but if it is, on days where air quality in the city is determined by the NSW Department of Environment and Heritage to be poor, very poor or hazardous, and is predicted to remain that way into the evening, patrons who have tickets for that same night and who are concerned for their health may exchange tickets for another night later in the season, pending availability, by emailing us between midday and 4pm that day at tickets@summertix.com.au. It’s important that you email us by 4pm so we can cancel and reissue your tickets to ensure you get to experience OpenAir on another night. Also feel free to email us if you have any questions regarding this. The NSW Department of Environment and Heritage issues air quality measurements and predictions each day, as well as an index advising how different groups may be affected.
Lost something at our event?
We will do everything we can to get your lost item back to you. Head over to our lost property page, submit your enquiry and we will be in touch if anything matching your description shows up.