Starlight Drive-In in Aspley: A Cinematic Icon Fades to Black, Now Replaced by Housing

Aspley residents may remember a time when the hum of engines and the crackling of speakers filled the night air on Albany Creek Road. That era belonged to the Starlight Drive-In Theatre, a beloved entertainment hub that merged cinema and community across the suburb’s nightscape for over four decades.



Photo Credit: Chermside District

Opened in 1957 by the Sourris Brothers in Aspley, the Starlight Drive-In originally accommodated 359 cars, offering moviegoers a unique under-the-stars cinematic experience. Under the subsequent ownership of Birch Carroll & Coyle, a prominent Australian cinema chain, the drive-in flourished, adding a second screen in 1969 to become the Starlight Twin Drive-In and expanding its capacity to 650 cars by 1981.

Starligh Drive-In
Photo Credit: Chermside District

For years, the Starlight Twin Drive-In served as a social gathering spot, a family outing destination, and a cherished part of Aspley’s cultural landscape. It was known for its double features, playground for children, and a popular snack bar that offered classic drive-in fare.

However, the curtain fell abruptly on the Starlight Twin Drive-In in 2001 under circumstances that remain unclear. While reasons such as declining attendance due to the rise of multiplex cinemas and video rentals were speculated, the sudden closure sparked public outcry and even made headlines, highlighting the community’s attachment to this iconic landmark.

Photo Credit: Cinema Treasures

Today, the site of the former drive-in is home to residential housing. While the drive-in’s physical presence is gone, its memory lives on in the hearts of those who experienced the magic of outdoor cinema under the Aspley night sky, and it remains a nostalgic symbol of a bygone era in Brisbane’s entertainment history.



Photo Credit: Cinema Treasures

The Starlight Drive-In may have vanished from the physical landscape of Aspley, but its legacy as a community landmark and cultural icon will not be forgotten. As new residents make their homes on the former drive-in site, they become part of a story that intertwines cinema, community, and the ever-evolving nature of urban development.

Published Date 22-May-2024

Aspley Residents Warned After Trailer Thefts

Aspley residents are being urged to secure their trailers and remain vigilant after a recent spate of trailer thefts across the North Brisbane area, including one incident on Albany Creek Road.



Queensland Police are investigating seven trailer thefts reported over the past week, with the stolen items ranging from box trailers and pig trailers to a Drake Quad trailer and a rented skip trailer.

In the Aspley incident, a box trailer with the registration FL1821 was reported stolen from the street front on Albany Creek Road on May 15th (reference QP2400825703).

Other thefts occurred in nearby suburbs like Deagon, Geebung, Brighton, Pinkenba, and Stafford Heights between May 7th and May 14th.

According to police, the trailers were largely stolen during the night, with many left unsecured on streets or in front yards, making them easy targets for opportunistic thieves.

Offenders take advantage of easily accessible items, such as trailers left unsecured, which can be easily attached to a vehicle for towing and then used to commit further offences, including theft of motorcycles and other goods.



Residents, especially those who own box trailers, horse floats, camper trailers or similar items, are being advised to take extra precautions:

  • Use off-street parking or locked garages/gates when possible
  • Secure trailers with high-quality wheel locks, coupling locks and chains
  • Avoid leaving valuables in or on trailers
  • Consider using engine immobilisers that meet Australian Standards for maximum protection

The police urges the Aspley community to lock up possessions and report any suspicious behaviour or vehicles to police immediately.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Policelink on www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000, quoting the relevant theft reference numbers.

Published 17-May-2024