An Insider Glimpse into the City’s Most Famous Pubs, Clubs, & Bars
You may have heard that Darwin’s nightlife lacks excitement or variety, but don’t be fooled—it is as exciting as Sydney and Melbourne if you consider the right parameters. In fact, according to a increasing number of young working holiday makers, backpackers and college students, nightlife in the city of Darwin is ever more exciting because of the city’s pubs, clubs, discotheques, and bars.
Located on Darwin’s very happening Mitchell Street, Monsoons Darwin is a very popular club & restaurant where college students flock to unwind and relax not only on weekend nights but weeknights also. Apart from the menu of Monsoons Darwin, live music played at this popular is a huge attraction among party lovers. It is considered to be one of the best places to meet new people and make friends. In recent times, Monsoons Darwin is becoming increasingly popular among international visitors and students due to its truly Australian vibes.
If you are a food lover who loves the outdoorsy vibes, you must visit Darwin’s Deck Bar. Whether a chilled glass of wine or an expertly made cocktail or a freshly poured craft beer, a drink shared with friends at The Deck is a ‘must do’ Darwin experience. Overlooking the iconic Parliament House, The Deck Bar is a restaurant and bar in the heart of the city serving freshly prepared meals. You would like to try everything from laksa to pizzas and from margaritas to mojitos.
Like other major Australian cities, Darwin is also a conglomeration of different cultures and if you love Irish cuisine and the inherent need to celebrate life which is a trademark of Irish culture, you must visit Shenannigans which is a traditional Irish pub with wooden decor, offering hearty meals, live music & weekly karaoke. Popularly referred to as Shags, this pub is the place to enjoy some Irish pub classics, catch the game with mates, or sit back on the terrace with a $7 pint and watch the world go by.
This article would have remained incomplete without the mention of Hotel Darwin which is equally popular among locals as well as visitors for burgers, pizza and shared plates served in a busy, sports-centric pub with large-screen TVs and a patio. Whether you are a fan of fight nights or football games, you will have a completely different experience enjoying the matches at Hotel Darwin’s Sports Bar. The energy, enthusiasm and fanatism brought to the venue by Darwin’s sports lovers are matchless.
Venturing slightly off Mitchell St will provide you eclectic options such as Babylon Bar, Smith Street Social, The Mayberry, and one of our favourites, Charlie’s of Darwin. A short trip the waterfront shouldn’t be without visiting the Oyster Bar, which provides an extensive choice of Australian wine and beer selections while enjoying delicious fresh chilled or grilled oysters, share-food and platters, and of course, the impeccable waterfront views.
Sure, much of this has to do with the expanding definition of nightlife: it’s not just DJ-driven clubs, but also late-night restaurants, cocktail bars, and after-hours sports and recreation. But there’s also something to be said for how diverse, both in genre and geography, the Darwin nightlife experience has become. Whether you’re looking to stunt with sparklers and bottle service or dance the night away in a club with a lot of same-minded youth, you’ll surely find what you’re after once the sun goes down.
