Snapshot in Time: A history of Geraldton’s Oasis Drive-In Theatre which closed in 1985 after 28 years

Local pop trivia question: What were the first and last movies shown at Geraldton’s Oasis Drive-In Theatre? We’ll get to the answer later, for now the focus is on the drive-in’s history. The Oasis Drive-In was on North West Coastal Highway in Wonthella where Bunnings is now situated. It was opened in 1957 by the then-mayor of Geraldton, Dr James McAleer, to a crowd of 200 cars holding about 1200 moviegoers. It had capacity for 650 cars and there were 50 seats in the snack bar. The elephant fountain is something that several generations of Geraldton moviegoers will fondly recall. There exists some contention as to what the first movie to be screened there was. Some say it was 1951’s Bright Victory, a wartime romance. Others contend there were two movies played on the opening night: Thunder on the Hill, also from 1951 and starring Claudette Colbert, and 1954’s Yellow Mountain starring Lex Barker, along with some various shorts. Many Geraldton locals were excited to attend what was the first drive-in theatre outside the metropolitan area. No doubt, there would be many people who remember sneaking into the movies in the boot of a car, a popular ruse to avoid buying a ticket. After entertaining locals for 28 years, the Oasis closed in April 1985. The farewell movie was Beverly Hills Cop, starring Eddie Murphy. Snapshots is an initiative of the Geraldton Regional Library. For more information, or to donate a historical photo or slide contact 9956 6659 or library@cgg.wa.gov.au