It used to be that a Darwin bar was considered on the upmarket side if thongs were frowned upon. But then, these out-of-this-world drinking holes came onto the scene.

When you picture the best bars in Darwin as a first-time visitor, you could find yourself unable to imagine anything beyond good aircon, glaring sun and a welcoming cold pint. This might have used to be the case, but today you’ll find everything from romantic speakeasies to tropical high-end bars. And yes – those all too troppo pubs where you can still find a mean crocodile schnitzel and a cold one are still here as well.

1. Stone House Wine Bar & Kitchen

An upmarket, European-style wine bar that dishes out cocktails and nibbles, as well as an ever-changing wine menu by the glass. Sit in the garden with a bottle of Italian cabernet sauvignon and gooey raclette cheese to share, or perch at the bar with a glass and a plate of pâté for a romantic tête-à-tête.

Address: 33 Cavenagh St, Darwin

2. Charlie’s of Darwin

A gorgeously glowing, wooden-hued bar with rows of gleaming spirits behind it and fashionably worn brown leather couches might make you think for a moment that you were in a Melbourne speakeasy. But then, take a sip of Charlie’s locally distilled gin, with accents of Kakadu plums, Palmerston rosellas, water lilies and native lemongrass, and step out to the outdoor area, lined in Southeast Asian-style lanterns. It’ll quickly become clear that you’ve landed in a far more tropical locale at this bar.

Address: 56 Smith Street, Darwin City

3. Willing Distillery

A friendly and family-owned distillery that prides itself on utilising the flavours of the Top End in its spirits. Willing Distillery is relatively new on the scene and, like many distilleries and breweries, is housed in a light industrial complex on the outskirts of the CBD. Try a Darwin Dry Gin martini at the cellar door or a ‘bush’ negroni if that’s more your tipple of choice, and definitely pair it with a cheese platter.

Address: 1/31 Benison Rd, Winnellie

4. Ella – by Minoli

A luxurious take on modern Sri Lankan cuisine. Ella – by Minoli promises a well-balanced mix of flavours, which pays homage to Sri Lankan food’s Ayurvedic properties, as well as creative and original cocktails. Pair flavours of tamarind, coconut and spice with a cocktail like none you’ve ever tried before – perhaps a ‘Spiced ‘Spresso’, a classic Espresso Martini but with cardamom syrup or the ‘Island Medicine’ with gin, pineapple and jalapeno syrup, lemongrass and fresh ginger. It’s an intoxicating combination and one of the reasons this romantic restaurant made our list of the best places to eat in Darwin.

Address: 20 West Ln, Darwin City

5. Trader Bar

Come to the stylish Trader Bar to watch jaw-droppingly skilled bartenders at work as they whip up a refreshing ‘Aloha’ (since you asked: Grey Goose, juicy watermelon and hydrating Aloe Vera) before making your way out onto the lawn for the DJ set. Had a big night? You can also stop by Traders for a recovery coffee and fresh croissant in the morning and perhaps a spiced Bloody Mary if you’re feeling perkier. Want to shake it up come morning? We have more suggestions for the best Darwin cafes and breakfasts right here.

Address: 3 Harriet Pl, Darwin City

6. Oyster Bar

Plonk yourself down at one of the waterside tables of the Oyster Bar for a shellfish feast at one of the best bars in Darwin in the Darwin Waterfront Precinct. We’re talking Coffin Bay oysters served up every which way from natural through to Kilpatrick, plus other delicious bites like coconut crumbed prawns, pork belly and popcorn crocodile. Time your visit with Oyster Wednesday for discount oysters and drink specials, or visit on a Friday evening between 5 and 7pm for the same cheap deals.

Address: 19 Kitchener Dr, Darwin City

7. Babylon Bar

Slip into one of Darwin’s arcades for the oh-so-kitsch, retro-themed small bar: Babylon Bar. We’re talking disco balls, walls lined with vintage Esquire posters, a dimly lit red interior and a big pair of watching blue eyes, straight out of The Great Gatsby. Settle into the quirky joint with a strong ginger beer and see who else has come out on the town.

Address: Air Raid Arcade, Shop 18/35 Cavenagh St, Darwin City

8. Hanky Panky Lounge

A sleek and hidden-away cocktail lounge, which can be found behind a mural of tropical parrots in the Darwin CBD. Approach the polished wooden bar of this speakeasy-style watering hole and order a dram of whiskey or perhaps an item off their extensive martini list: a specialty at Hanky Panky.

Address: 3/32 Mitchell St, Darwin City

9. The Tap

A big open-air pub known for its friendly clientele, busy service and croc burger, The Tap is not far from the main tourist drag, where you can sit back in the shade of its enormous leafy tree for a feed. Chances are? You’ll be chatting away with Darwin locals and visitors alike within minutes of your arrival.

Address: 58 Mitchell St, Darwin City

10. Smoke and Oak

Sip a cocktail as smooth as the music that plays in this charismatic Darwin jazz bar under the quizzical eyes of our comedy lord and saviour, Bill Murray, whose portrait curiously graces the bar here at the Smoke and Oak. Their specialty is the ‘Blazer’. It’s a cocktail that’s so hot right now, that it is literally on fire. Staying off the booze? Non-alcoholic cocktails like their ‘No Tai’ are pretty special, too.

Address: Entry via, 14 Dashwood Crescent, Smith St, Darwin City

11. Dom’s Bar

When the strange man on the three-wheeled rickshaw approaches you and your friends and asks if you’d like a drink, don’t panic. This (we hope) is the famous Dom’s Bar rickshaw, which takes you to the quirky, relaxed, hidden-away local bar in Nightcliff.

Dom’s is popular, with frequent live music events in a smallish space, so expect a buzzing atmosphere as you fight your way to the bar to order one of their signature ‘Territoritini’ or award-winning ‘Tiger Stripe’.

Address: Shop 7/60 Aralia St, Nightcliff

12. The Cavenagh

Calling all backpackers – The Cavenagh is one of the best bars in Darwin for those who want to experience the hostel vibe and to party up the Darwin way. Think frozen mango daiquiris, dinner steak specials, taco Tuesdays, and live music at an air-conditioned bar come Dry Season. A ten-minute walk from the Darwin Waterfront, it is central, pumping with strong party vibes and has cocktail specials: a major win in the heat of the Northern Territory.

Address: 12 Cavenagh St, Darwin

13. The Darwin Ski Club

A Top End institution for over half a century, the Darwin Ski Club isn’t just the home of the Northern Territory Water Ski Association. It’s also one of the best places to watch a Darwin sunset, perched in prime position on the still, vast waters of Fannie Bay.

As well as The Bali Bar, where you can indulge in a tropical cocktail, there is the Epikur restaurant with local bistro meals. For more info, read our full review of the Darwin Ski Club.

Address: 20 Conacher St, Fannie Bay

Still hungry after all that bar-hopping in Darwin? Hit up the best restaurants in Darwin to satisfy your appetite.

Originally written by Kate Bettes with updates by Melissa Mason