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

Spend a few days visiting the real-life Central Australian locations that inspired the new film everyone is talking about, and discover why Alice Springs is such an important part of Australian culture.

In the credits of the new Australian film Kangaroo , the first name under ‘cast’ should read ‘The Northern Territory ’. Not only is Alice Springs (and the surrounding landscape) integral to the movie itself, but the spiritual heart of Australia and its local Indigenous owners also inform the look and feel of every frame, explains Producer Trisha Morton-Thomas of Brindle Films, who also plays Charlie’s grandmother Gwennie.

“By setting Kangaroo in Alice Springs (Mparntwe), the film embraces how visible Aboriginal people are here, and the living Aboriginal culture that is woven through this community,” she explains.

still from kangarro film — See *Kangaroo*, then visit the real-life filming locations.

And while shooting in such a sacred part of the Northern Territory required extra planning, it was something the cast and crew were highly invested in.

“There are incredibly significant sacred sites and places of deep cultural stories in the area, that at times are very gender-specific, which we’ve kept out of the production,” she explains. “Even if overhead drone footage captures a sacred site that isn’t meant to be seen by other people outside of that clan, we’ve made sure to omit it from the film.”

If Kangaroo piqued your interest in a Central Australian holiday, we don’t blame you. Read on to discover eight places featured in the movie that you can visit in real life – and get planning. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen and a hat.

1. Alice Springs/ Mparntwe

artist at Many Hands Art Centre — Visit the galleries of Alice Springs, like Many Hands Art Centre. (Image: Tourism NT/ Helen Orr/ Many Hands Art Centre)

The red and dusty streets of the film’s fictional town of Silvergum were filmed on the outskirts of Alice Springs. And, while the art gallery featured in the film is fictional, Alice Springs is a hub of creativity. See the work of local artists at the Araluen Art Centre , Yubu Napa Art Gallery , Iltja Ntjarra (Many Hands) Art Centre and the famous Tjanpi Desert Weavers .

2. The Kangaroo Sanctuary & Kangaroo Rescue Centre

The Kangaroo Sanctuary Alice Springs, the inspiration for the Kangaroo move — Visit the movie’s inspiration at Kangaroo Sanctuary. (Image: Tourism NT/ Kangaroo Sanctuary)

Kangaroo was inspired by the journey of Chris ‘Brolga’ Barns, who founded the now world-renowned Kangaroo Sanctuary based in Alice Springs. For lead actor, Aussie Ryan Corr, the animals were central to the movie, alongside the landscapes.

“The animals in this story were a real calling point for me,” he explains. “What this story tries to tell us about the connection between humans and animals is beautiful.”

To gain a real insight into the fauna and flora of the Red Centre, you can visit the Kangaroo Sanctuary on a sunset tour, where you might even get the chance to hold a baby kangaroo.

3. Ormiston Gorge

woman walking along the edge of Ormiston Gorge near alice springs — Take a dip in Ormiston Gorge. (Image: Tourism NT/ @domandjesso)

The film captures the raw beauty of the West MacDonnell Ranges, known in the Arrernte language as Tjoritja. This national park is rich in Indigenous culture and stark geological wonders.

Only a 15-minute drive from Alice Springs, Tjoritja offers visitors the chance to camp, hike and swim among ancient landscapes (most attractions are less than a three-hour drive away).

Ormiston Gorge , a cooling oasis in among the red desert sands, is one of the most popular destinations, no doubt because of the permanent swimming hole and towering red cliffs. From here, visitors can also embark on the beautiful Ormiston Pound Walk and the shorter – more accessible – Ghost Gum Walk. Bring your bathers – it’s safe for swimming.

4. Standley Chasm

woman walking through Standley Chasm near alice springs — Wander through Standley Chasm. (Image: Tourism NT)

The 1.2-kilometre walk to nearby Standley Chasm will be a highlight for any visitor as the imposing 40 metre-high chasm walls project strength and ancient wisdom.

Visit at midday to experience the path illumined by the midday sun. Not only will you fill your camera roll with vibrant red images of the gorge and its intoxicating shadows, but you can also camp nearby in a powered or unpowered site so you can watch the brilliance of the desert stars fill the night sky after dusk.

5. Simpsons Gap

three people walking on path through simpsons gap near alice springs — Walk the trails of Simpson’s Gap. (Image: Tourism NT/ Helen Orr)

Closer to Alice Springs, the photogenic Simpsons Gap is the perfect place to spot the endangered Black-footed Rock wallaby near the permanent watering hole. While swimming isn’t permitted, soaking up the sun and views certainly is.

Explore the area’s numerous walking trails, appreciate the soaring cliffs on either side of the ‘gap’ and pick out the shooting locations of Kangaroo in the area.

6. Ellery Creek Big Hole

aerial of Ellery Creek Big Hole near alice springs — Dive into Ellery Creek Big Hole. (Image: Tourism NT/ Tourism Australia)

When it comes to classic Northern Territory landscapes, you can’t go past Ellery Creek Big Hole/ Udepata : tall gum trees sidling up to a refreshing watering hole (fed by the West MacDonnell Ranges and surrounded by rugged red cliffs.

Swim in the cooling waters, hike the cliff tops, watch for birds and even stargaze as you camp here overnight. It’s locations like this that attracted the film’s director Kate Woods to the project.

“It humbles you to be in this environment: it’s so beautiful, so old and so vast,” she explains. “I was thrilled to get a chance to … shoot such a beautiful story in the incredible landscape of the Northern Territory.”

7. Larapinta Drive

aerial of Larapinta Drive into alice springs — Drive along Larapinta Drive. (Image: Tourism NT)

There is no better way to get a feel for how the characters arrived at the fictional Central Australian town of Silvergum than to travel along the iconic state road, Larapinta Drive.

Connecting Alice Springs to the mighty King’s Canyon in the west, via the historic community of Hermannsburg, this road takes in the West MacDonnell National Park, Alice Springs Desert Park and artist Albert Namatjira’s house, among other attractions. Take your time, bring a camera and prepare for numerous stops along the way.

8. Todd River

competitors in Henley on Todd Regatta, alice springs — Join in the fun of the quirky Henley on Todd Regatta. (Image: Tourism NT/ TImparja Creative)

Meandering through Alice Springs like a lazy Western Brown snake, the Todd River is a central part of Alice Springs culture. Known as an ‘intermittent river’, the Todd can go from a dry dusty riverbed to a flowing waterscape in less than 15 minutes after heavy rainfall.

When it’s dry, the famous Henley on Todd Regatta fills the sandy riverbed with handmade ‘boats’ carried by sailors. This is the world’s only dry river boating event, and it’s referenced in the ‘Silvergum Boat Race’ in the movie. Inspired by the real-life event, the characters built quirky “Flintstones-style boats” and competed in teams.

See Kangaroo in cinemas now, and start planning your NT getaway at northernterritory.com.

13 of the best bars in Darwin for every occasion