The Best Bars in Darwin for Every Occasion

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

a dimly lit bar interior at Stone House Wine Bar & Kitchen, Darwin — Enjoy classic cocktails and nibbles. (Image: 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

the dimly lit bar interior of Charlie’s of Darwin — Sip on locally distilled gin in this dimly lit speakeasy. (Image: Supplied)

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

preparing cocktail drinks at Willing Distillery, Darwin — Willing Distillery utilises Top End flavours in its spirits.

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

an array of cocktails at Ella – by Minoli bar in Darwin — Drink your way through an extensive offering of creative cocktails. (Image: 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

dried orange slices in a jar at Trader Bar, Darwin — Dried orange slices add a festive touch to cocktails at Trader Bar. (Image: Tourism NT/Christopher Nayna)

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

oysters and delicious bites at Oyster Bar, Darwin — Oyster Bar serves oysters in various ways. (Image: Tourism NT/Christopher Nayna)

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

drinks at Babylon Bar, Darwin — The retro-themed Babylon Bar has an equally eclectic drinks list. (Image: Tourism NT/Backyard Bandits)

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

a look inside the Smoke and Oak bar in Darwin — Smoke and Oak celebrates rustic charm and rich flavours. (Image: 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

Dumplings at Dom's Bar in Darwin — Get your fill of dumplings at 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 group of friends dining at The Darwin Ski Club — The Darwin Ski Club is a perfect spot for a sundowner. (Image: Tourism NT/Cait Miers)

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

The Northern Territory is made for road trips, and this one hits all the highlights.

Craggy mountain ranges, inviting waterholes, ochre soil: the landscape of the Northern Territory is asking to be explored by road and foot. There are many iconic road trips to choose from here, but none so all-encompassing than the roughly 3000 kilometres of sealed road that make up Explorer’s Way.

Spend 14 days (or more, to really make the most of it) driving this route from Adelaide, hitting the NT near the small settlement of Kulgera before later finishing in Darwin. Along the way, you’ll find nearly all the territory’s most iconic sights.

Discover some of the top highlights that make Explorer’s Way one of Australia’s most incredible road trips.

1. Alice Springs

echidna at Alice Springs Desert Park — See the locals at Alice Springs Desert Park. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT)

Recently hitting the big screen again with the story of The Kanagroo Sanctuary , there’s a lot to surprise you in Alice Springs.

Three distinct desert habitats – desert rivers, sand country and woodland – are recreated over 1300 hectares at Alice Springs Desert Park . Time your visit for a presentation or a free bird show.

Later, turn your attention to the skies above, taking a dive into local astronomy at Earth Sanctuary . You’ll find a range of experiences, from a 90-minute toe-dip into the stars through to an overnight adventure.

Alice Springs packs a surprising punch with its tasty dining options, including pub grub and unique brews at Alice Springs Brewing Co , tapas and pizza at Epilogue Lounge and tasty cafe fare at the quirky Page 27 .

2. Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park

woman standing at Ormiston Gorge — Dive into Ormiston Gorge. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Dom and Jesso)

Beginning 15 minutes from Alice Springs and stretching across 161 kilometres, Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park is packed with striking ancient landscapes and inviting water holes.

Visit Standley Chasm – traditionally known as Angkerle Atwatye, meaning ‘Gap of Water’ – to take in its bold red and orange hues, and to observe the diverse bird species, lizards and wallabies that call it home.

Cool off in one of several picturesque natural swimming holes, like Ellery Creek Big Hole and Ormiston Gorge.

3. Uluru & Kata Tjuta

three women looking at Kata Tjuta at sunset — Explore Kata Tjuta. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT)

Visiting the Cultural Heart of Australia is something everybody should experience. There are so many side trips in the Red Centre you could easily spend a week here, but to get the most out of a short time, park the car then get out on foot.

Take the 10-kilometre Base Walk around the entirety of Uluru or join a free, ranger-guided Mala Walk along part of the base, learning about Tjukurpa (creation stories) and geology as you go.

For a change of pace, wait until nightfall and wander through the iconic Field of Light display by celebrated artist Bruce Munro, or see the Wintjiri Wiru lightshow that shares the ancient Mala story using drones, lasers and projections.

4. Tennant Creek

pson looking at Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles) northern territory — See the ancient granite boulders of Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles). (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Dom And Jesso)

Tennant Creek was Australia’s third-largest gold mining town in the 1930s, and visitors can discover that history at Battery Hill Mining Centre – and even try their own hand at gold fossicking.

For a completely different side of history, pop into Nyinkka Nyunyu Art & Culture Centre , which preserves and shares Warumungu culture through art, performance, a museum and more.

Just outside town, find the ancient granite boulders of Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles). A site integral to important stories held by the Warumungu, Kaytetye, Warlpiri and Alyawarra peoples, the boulders appear to almost have dropped out of the sky and seemingly continue to defy gravity.

5. Mataranka

aerial of people swimming in bitter springs northern territory — Dive into Bitter Springs. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Ben Savage)

A town made famous by the novel We of the Never Never by Jeannie Gunn (and a movie of the same name), Mataranka is also known for its sandy-bottomed thermal pool, Bitter Springs , within Elsey National Park. Follow a 500-metre loop track around these spring-fed pools that stay a toasty 34°C year-round, before choosing your favourite spot to dive into. Enjoy the local birdlife while you relax.

Elsewhere in the park, find historical sites, several scenic walks and Roper River, which is perfect for boating and fishing.

6. Nitmiluk National Park

Nabilil Dreaming Sunset Dinner Cruise — Join a sunset cruise with Nabilil Dreaming. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Lachlan Gardiner)

Nitmiluk National Park is sandstone country, with 13 stunning gorges and plenty of waterfalls waiting to be explored.

One of the most beautiful spots can be found along the 62-kilometre Jatbula Trail, a five-to-six day bushwalk that follows an ancient Jawoyn songline from Nitmiluk Gorge to Leliyn (Edith Falls). Numbers are restricted and book out quickly, so be sure to plan well ahead. Not up for the hike? Drive right up to the falls and enjoy a dip without the challenge.

Elsewhere, explore Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge. Paddle a kayak through the river running through the canyon, or save your energy on a Nabilil Dreaming Sunset Dinner Cruise , discovering the stories and ways of the Jawoyn people while enjoying a candlelit dinner as the cliffs around you shift colour and glow with the changing daylight.

Continue your cultural journey at local art centres like Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Art & Culture Centre or Mimi Aboriginal Art & Craft .

7. Litchfield National Park

cathedral termite mounds in Litchfield national park — Be awed by giant cathedral termite mounds. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ As We Wander)

Just over an hour’s drive from Darwin lies the beautiful Litchfield National Park. It’s famous for stunning waterfalls and swimming holes, including Buley Rockhole, Wangi Falls, Florence Falls and Tjaynera Falls.

Here you’ll also find hundreds of giant – and magnetic – cathedral termite mounds that are truly a sight to see. Ageing up to 100 years old, you won’t find mounds like these outside the northern parts of Australia. Stroll along the accessible boardwalk to see them up close.

8. Darwin

darwin street art — Darwin art is streets ahead. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Mark Fitzpatrick)

This list wouldn’t be complete without the territory’s capital city: Darwin. Situate yourself upon arrival with a stroll through the main streets, admiring the many art murals by local, interstate and international artists. They’re all remnants of the annual Darwin Street Art Festival , one of Australia’s longest running street art festivals.

Stop to recharge along Darwin’s Waterfront Precinct , an area of delectable restaurants, public swimming pools and free events. And, of course, it would be wrong to leave the city without enjoying a bowl of laksa at Mindil Beach Sunset Market as the sun goes down.

Learn more and start planning your Explorer’s Way road trip at northernterritory.com/drive.

13 of the best bars in Darwin for every occasion