Historical information

Inspired by a visit to the USA in the early 1950s, Hoyts' Southern Division manager George Griffith Jnr, formed a syndicate to build Australia’s first Drive-in located in Burwood. Drive-ins soon spread throughout the country.

One of the earliest Skyline Drive-ins in rural Victoria was built in Wodonga, opening in 1956. It was located on the southwest corner of Melrose Drive and Melbourne Road and had a capacity of 643 vehicles. Its first screening was "The Broken Lance" with Richard Widmark, Spencer and Robert Wagner. The first manager of Skyline was Jim Robinson.

The original screen was made from timber but had to be replaced only 20 years later with an all steel structure. The Wodonga Skyline became part of the Hoyts Country Theatres circuit and was later joined by the Stargazer drive-in located in Albury. Unlike most drive-in theatres, the snack bar was located under the screen. This allowed it to operate during the day to cater to travellers passing on the Hume Highway. When Hoyts decided to sell most of the regional circuit, the Skyline was purchased by the operator of the Albury Cinema, Mr A. Smith in conjunction with Village Roadshow.

The Skyline closed in 1984 and was demolished in 1987. Its former location in Wodonga is now a housing estate whose street names, such as Roadshow Drive, Universal Court and Paramount Court, reflect the area’s history.

Significance

These photos are significant because they document a popular venue in Wodonga's past.

Physical description

A series of photographs depicting the Skyline Drive-in at Wodonga.