Step Inside History at the Paragon Theatre
Explore at your own pace, enjoy great coffee, and taste Tasmania’s best fruit cake.
Tours 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday*
Tour. Coffee. Tea. Cake.
The Paragon is serving up history with a side of homemade hospitality.
Step through the doors of our Heritage Listed 1930s Art Deco Talkie Theatre and wander at your own pace on a self-guided tour. Every corner holds a story, every detail a piece of Queenstown’s past.
When you’ve soaked up the history, stay awhile. Order a freshly brewed coffee and treat yourself to a slice of our legendary homemade fruit cake — a recipe so good it’s become a West Coast secret worth sharing.
Whether you’re chasing history, architecture, cinema magic, or simply a cosy stop on your travels, The Paragon offers the perfect blend of heritage, warmth, and flavour.
No booking needed — just drop in, step back in time, and leave with a story (and maybe a crumb or two).
*Excludes weekends and public holidays.
Every paid tour supports the ongoing care of this iconic building.
Franklin
Screening Weekdays
(Except public holidays)
Franklin recounts the epic seven-year campaign to save Tasmania’s World Heritage-listed Franklin River from being drowned by the construction of a hydroelectric project in the early 1980s.
The ‘Franklin Campaign’ remains the most significant environmental protest in Australian history, a definitive example of the power of non-violent direct action, and is considered ground zero for ‘Green’ politics worldwide.
The story is told through the eyes of Oliver Cassidy as he follows in his activist father’s footsteps and embarks on a solo rafting pilgrimage down the Franklin. In the process, he retraces the campaign, exploring why it was so successful when others have failed and what lessons can be applied to other non-violent movements today.
All this while being physically challenged beyond anything he has ever known, in a remote and extraordinary landscape.
Director: Kasimir Burgess
Tickets at the Door
Adult $14 | Concession $12 | Child (under 13) $10
Doors Open 4.30pm | Franklin starts 5pm Sharp
Special Group Screenings Available!
Got a group of 10 or more keen to see this epic film outside of regular screening times? We're a never say never kinda crew so...
...Give us a call! We'll do our best to make it happen for you.
0407 049 612
Open Mic Session
musicians club
Sunday Nov 9, 2025
Sunday Dec 14, 2025
3.00pm to 6.00pm
Calling all budding musicians, musical enthusiasts & performers of all skill levels!
The Paragon Theatre, Queenstown Tas is hosting what we hope is one of many more Open Mic Sessions for our budding musicians, vocalists and those with an interest in the technical side of things - sound desk, lighting etc.
We're encouraging local musicians to come along and register/act as mentors, offering guidance to individuals as they move through the various stages of their musical journey.
The Paragon Theatre offers a professional and safe space for individuals of all ages to share their musical talents, fostering a supportive environment empowering individuals to step onto the stage and musically express themselves.
With an emphasis on accessibility, we welcome participants of all skill levels; beginners, intermediates, advanced musicians and vocalists to contribute in developing a vibrant musical community.
Terms and Conditions apply, to find out more call the Paragon: 0407 049 612.
Conveners: Anthony Coulson and Chris Burton
Special Notes:
Agreeing to our Terms and Conditions forms part of the registration process. All performers to register at the sound desk on entry.
Our conveners are volunteers please treat them with respect and follow their directives. The Paragon Theatre is a licensed venue and all liquor licensing rules will apply.
ON HOLD for the rest of 2025
LONGWAY TO THE TOP
a full-throttle rock 'n' roll experience
Sat 1 Nov, 2025
Trivia
Bon Scott and AC/DC were in town back in 1975 and apparently there's a back story to 'A Whole Lotta Rosie'...
Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again - we all know the answer to this one!
The Diviinyls had a mention in Season 2 episode 7 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer with I Touch Myself
Longway To The TOP comes to Queenstown
Get ready, Queenstown—the amps are cranked, the lights are hot, and the spirit of Aussie rock is alive and loud at The Paragon Theatre.
Longway to the Top is a high-energy live show that celebrates the legends of Australian rock, brought to life by some of Tasmania’s most experienced and dynamic musicians. This is no ordinary tribute—it’s a full-throttle rock ‘n’ roll experience that pays homage to the bands who defined an era and gave Australia its unmistakable sound.
Across one electrifying night, you’ll hear the iconic music of The Divinyls, The Angels, and AC/DC—tracks that filled pubs and shook arenas. Longway to the Top isn’t just a gig—it’s a celebration of Australian music history.
Get ready to sing loud, stomp hard, and relive the songs that shaped a generation.
Tickets: Moshtix
18+ Event
Organisers: Pitch Artist Agency
Doors open 7:00pm
Music from 7:30pm
Life & Rhymes of
BANJO PATERSON
with Gregory North
Thursday 13 Nov, 2025 | 2.00PM
Step Back in Time with Banjo Paterson
Did you know it’s been 125 years since the legendary Banjo Paterson visited Queenstown as part of his Boer War lecture circuit?
This year, we’re marking that milestone in true poetic style.
Gregory North—three-time Australian champion bush poet and a self-proclaimed Banjo Paterson tragic—is retracing Banjo’s footsteps, visiting the very towns where Banjo once spoke, 125 years to the day.
Join us for an afternoon that celebrates one of Australia’s greatest wordsmiths. Hear your favourite Banjo poems, learn about the man behind the myth, and discover the fascinating story of his travels—including his stop right here in Queenstown.
Gregory has written two books on Banjo and recorded a double album of his poetry. You couldn’t ask for a better guide to take you on this journey.
Book your ticket, grab a comfy seat, and let Banjo’s words come alive once more.
OnLine ticket sales only | limited seating
General Admission $20 per person
Doors open 1.30pm | Performance 2.00pm
Van Diemen's Band
FORGET-ME-NOT
Friday 14 Nov, 2025 | 7.00PM
VDB: Forget-Me-Not is an intimate musical journey through one family's wartime story, exploring universal themes of joy, love, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit.
Slovenian singer Rebeka Dragolič brings her grandmother's memoirs to life through haunting
melodies—both traditional and newly composed; performed by:
Julia Fredersdorff (Baroque violin)
Luke Plumb (mandolin)
Khalida de Ridder (violin)
Brett Rutherford (cello) and
Dave McNamara (piano accordion).
OnLine ticket sales only | limited seating
Tickets through: HUMANITIX
$44 / $38 / $30 under 30. Children 12 and under free.
Doors open 6.30pm | Performance 7.00pm
RENNIE PEARSON
Traditional Celtic Music
Saturday 29 Nov, 2025 | 7.30PM
Tunes, Songs and Stories from Ireland, Scotland and Maritime Canada.
Rennie Pearson’s music is deeply rooted in the Celtic traditions of Ireland, Scotland, and Maritime Canada, blending centuries-old melodies with fresh energy and artistry. Whether he’s performing on the wooden flute, guitar, Irish tin whistles, bodhrán, fiddle, or with his voice, his music takes audiences on a journey through history and culture.
His shows feature soaring flute melodies, captivating songs, foot-stomping jigs and reels, and heart-wrenching slow airs. Each performance is a carefully crafted tapestry of tunes, songs, and storytelling, designed to engage and transport listeners to another time and place.
Rennie’s ability to transition seamlessly between high-energy tunes and emotive ballads keeps audiences on the edge of their seats, making each performance dynamic and unforgettable.
OnLine ticket sales encouraged, limited tickets at the door
Tickets through: HUMANITIX
$25 +bf online | $30 at the door
Doors open 7.00pm | Performance 7.30pm
Rennie will be joined by guitarist and singer Kushla Kozeluh from Golden Bay New Zealand. read more
SHAUN KIRK live
Saturday 31 Jan, 2026 | 7.00PM
Hailing from the music-filled streets of Melbourne, Shaun Kirk is an award-winning blues and soul troubadour whose one-man show has been hailed as “one of the best one-man shows I’ve ever seen!” by three-time Grammy Award winner Fantastic Negrito.
With gritty, soulful vocals that seem to reach far beyond his years, Kirk has been celebrated as “one of the finest blues voices Australia has ever heard” (Buzz Mag). His signature blend of vintage guitar tones, raw grooves, and magnetic stage presence creates an unforgettable live experience that bridges the gap between blues tradition and modern soul.
Having shared the stage with icons like Robert Plant, John Mayer, The Teskey Brothers, and Joe Bonamassa, Shaun’s performances leave audiences spellbound — a testament to his rare talent and captivating artistry.
Join us for an evening of pure, electrifying blues and soul as Shaun Kirk lights up The Paragon Theatre stage.
OnLine ticket sales encouraged, limited tickets at the door
Tickets through: HUMANITIX
$25 +bf online | $30 at the door
Doors open 7.00pm | Performance 7.30pm
PARAGON MERCHANDISE
timeless style | inspired by history
Take a piece of The Paragon Theatre home with you and keep the memories alive!
Whether you’ve enjoyed a self-guided tour, been captivated by a live performance, or experienced the magic of a classic film on the big screen, our merchandise allows you to carry a piece of that special moment with you.
These items not only make practical and memorable souvenirs but also serve as a tribute to one of West Coast's most treasured landmarks.
By taking home or gifting a part of the Paragon, you’re not only preserving the memories of your visit but also supporting the ongoing legacy of this historic venue for future generations to enjoy.
To order, simply call us on: 0407 049 612
PRICING:
Paragon unisex T-shirt sizes M-XXL $45.00
Tote Bag: $12.95 | Tea Towel $15.95 | Stubbie Holder $10.00
Banished Book: $29.00 | A Diary of Lost Memories DVD $20.00
postage from $10.95 flat rate to any Australian address
VERY LIMITED
FRANKLIN RIVER BLOCKADE
40th Anniversary T-shirt
$50.95ea
buy 2 or more & receive $10 OFF your order
use code: NODAMS2023
at checkout
40 Years On...
1 July 2023 has been and gone, but you can still be part of the ongoing celebration and commemoration of the Wild Franklin River running free. You just need the T-shirt...
Our Franklin River Blockade T-shirt features a bold design that commemorates the iconic Franklin River Blockade, a protest that helped to protect the river from being dammed.
These Very Limited and sought after 40 Year Anniversary
T-shirts are available exclusively through The Paragon Theatre & our online store.
With only 200 T-shirts produced in total & FREE shipping to any Australian address, you may need to be quick to make one yours. Or you could gift one to a friend or two.
Available in Black, it's the 'in' colour and generous sizing:
Small | Medium | Large | XL whilst stocks last.
