6 of Darwin’s best bars and pubs
Quench your thirst the Darwin way.
By Sophia Watson
Darwin’s unique tropical character makes for one of the most interesting bar and pub scenes in Australia. You won’t want to miss a chance to sip and snack like a local at one of these iconic venues. Cold beverages, live music and epic party experiences are all housed within the gorgeous natural setting of the Northern Territory.
SIX TANKS
Six Tanks Brew Pub, Darwin, Northern Territory © Six Tanks
Where: 4/69 Mitchell St, Darwin
Named for the six tanks they have onsite, Six Tanks is Darwin’s coolest brew pub, micro-brewery, kitchen and bar, serving up hand-crafted beers from tanks to tap. Not only do they feature their own brews, they also pour craft beer from breweries around Australia. Home to some of the best chefs in Darwin, you will love the menu of delicious eats like woodfired camembert. Each dish has been designed to complement the star of the show – the beer.
Shenannigans
Where: 1/69 Mitchell St, Darwin
Located in the heart of town, Shenannigans – or ‘Shags’ as it’s known by locals – is a favourite haunt for locals and visitors alike. Standing proud for over 21 years, this piece of Ireland in the Northern Territory is the place to sit back on the terrace with a pint and watch the world go by, catch the game with mates or enjoy some Irish pub classics. Shags’ lively and friendly atmosphere will absolutely have you coming back for more.
Darwin Railway Club
Darwin Railway Club, Darwin, Northern Territory © Darwin Railway Club
Where: 17 Somerville Gardens, Parap
Originally a Social and Workers club for people who worked on the now defunct local Darwin railway line, the Darwin Railway Club is the rock'n'roll epicentre of alternative culture and live music in the Northern Territory. With its relaxed tropical atmosphere coupled with an uber cool underground punk rock vibe, you will be glad you stopped in for a cold beer, a game of pool and live music. Have a chat to the friendly locals and resident bar dog “Sid” – who loves a good belly scratch.
Lola's Pergola
Lola's Pergola, Darwin, Northern Territory © Tourism NT/Backyard Bandits
Where: 48 Marina Blvd, Larrakeyah
Located right on the waterfront, Lola's Pergola is a funky waterhole with great drinks, food and views. Quirky trinkets dot the long wooden bar, and unique beers can be found on tap. Grab a table outside and take in the warm Darwin weather with a cold drink in hand.
Monsoons Restaurant & Party Bar
Where: 46 Mitchell St, Darwin
Housed in Darwin’s very cool original cinema building, Monsoon’s Restaurant & Party Bar is the ultimate marriage of party-time atmosphere with traditional pub values. Think all things fun, relaxation and style. So, what will you find at Monsoons? Great beer, fresh and easy food, and true to the iconic Northern Territory lifestyle – a very spacious outdoor beer garden and cocktail area to enjoy those balmy Darwin nights under the stars.
The Precinct Tavern
The Precinct Tavern, Darwin, Northern Territory © Tourism NT/Helen Orr
Where: 7 Kitchener Dr, Darwin
A relaxed atmosphere, a menu of pub classics and an award-winning beer garden – is there anything else you need on a sunny Darwin day? The Precinct Tavern opened their large-scale bar back in 2012 and have been a favourite among locals ever since. Head toward the waterfront for a craft beer and a burger and enjoy the ocean views.
The Trader Bar
The Trader Bar, Darwin, Northern Territory © Tourism NT/Shaana McNaught
Where: 3 Harriet Pl, Darwin
Pass under an archway of vines and through a steel door and you'll reach The Trader Bar. Boasting an extensive menu of gins, cocktails and wine, this is the kind of place you can spend the whole afternoon – and perhaps into the evening. Wander out into a leafy green backyard, or find a stool inside the industrial-chic interior. Attend on Friday night to catch a different DJ each week.
Stone House Wine Bar & Kitchen
Stone House Wine Bar & Kitchen, Darwin, Northern Territory © Stone House Wine Bar & Kitchen
Where: 33 Cavenagh St, Darwin
Stone House Wine Bar & Kitchen is one Darwin bar that would just as well fit into Australia's more cosmopolitan cities. An extensive wine list traverses the globe, with a healthy mix of top range and more accessible styles. Not only does Stone House have timeless decor and a 300-strong wine list, but it's also a place of history. This building has survived an unexploded bomb in the back garden and a pattering of bullets from the Japanese bombing during World War II. With stories like that, Stone House is bound to be a place where memories are made.
