Opened: 1975
Location: Harvey Range Road, Townsville
Capacity: 420 Cars
Screens: One
Operator: Brian O’Donoghue
Closed: 2000
The Range was the only drive-in open of the three that once operated in the city of Townsville. The Range outlasted the other two and enjoyed the patronage of loyal fans in an environment perfect for drive-ins. Situated across the road from the Rugby stadium, it is now missed by the thousands of fans who pass it.
A great drive-in sign. Look closely and you’ll see it peppered with bullet holes, somebody didn’t like the movie!
The Range opened on Anzac day 1975 and recently celebrated 25 years of operation. Back in the 1970’s it ran up to nine sessions per week and regularly had triple features on weekends. All three drive-ins went head to head in those days, only The Range flew the drive-in flag into the new century. It was supported by a large family audience who set up in deck chairs and revelled in the great outdoor movie atmosphere at the Range. The Range now sits abandoned the owners were reluctant to spend money on council road upgrades at the front of the site. A sad end to the atmospheric Range. Townsville once had 3, now none remain.
Neat signboard with posters, only $12 a carload and down to $9 on Tuesday’s.
nack bar/projection building with outdoor deckchair seating in front. Speakers on the posts all ready to go. The upstairs projection box was perfectly situated for the addition of extra screens!
It looks hot and you’re right, it was a really hot day, just as well movies only run at night here.