Ever been on a night out in Darwin? You’re in for a memorable night! Darwin is known for its tropical climate, which gives you the perfect setting for some good food, cold drinks and fun nights out. From cocktails on the waterfront to live music and dancing ‘til late, the nightlife in Darwin is a vibe.
We just love it and we hope you will too, so here are our top picks to enjoy some nights out in Darwin.
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Mitchell Street
Mitchell Street is THE place to start a night out in Darwin. The strip is buzzing with bars, pubs, restaurants and late-night spots. You could bar hop all night here, mixing with locals and other visitors for a great time.
While Mitchell Street is known for its top nightlife, it’s also known for daytime adventures. You’ve got the Aqua Park and waterfront precinct, which is a lot of good fun, so it’s ideal for something to do with your mates to try and end the hangover. Here’s what you can expect to find on Mitchell Street:
Shenanigans
What’s the vibe?
What’s not to love about an Irish pub? And Shenanigans is the place to check if you really wanna give a taste to the authentic nightlife in Darwin. You can expect live music, big screen sport, tasty pub meals and a fantastic atmosphere. Unlock classic pub energy at any time at Shenanigans.
Need to know
- Traditional Irish pub with indoor and outdoor seating
- Regular live entertainment and sporting events
- Food served throughout the day
- Popular with both locals and visitors
Opening & Closing Times
Daily: 10:00am – 2:00am
Address
69 Mitchell Street, Darwin City NT 0800
Monsoons
What’s the vibe?
Monsoons is a legendary place for both locals and visitors. The crowd is lively, and the live music is unreal. It’s a good spot to grab a drink with your mates, enjoy a bite and just soak up the city vibe. Make it a must-do for your things to do in Darwin at night.
Need to know
- Regular live music performances
- Big drinks menu and casual dining options
- Popular meeting spot before heading to Darwin clubs
- Outdoor seating available
Opening & Closing Times
Daily: 10:00am – 4:00am
Address
46 Mitchell Street, Darwin City NT 0800
Hotel Darwin
What’s the vibe?
Part sports bar, part traditional pub, Hotel Darwin is a great place to catch a game while enjoying a schooner. It’s got a huge patio which is perfect for some evening drinks in the Darwin heat, and the perfect spot to meet your mates or enjoy a laid-back night out.
Need to know
- Big outdoor beer garden
- Sports shown throughout the week
- Pub grub
- Ideal for groups
Opening & Closing Times
Daily: 10am to Midnight
Address
39 Mitchell Street, Darwin City NT 0800
Hanky Panky Lounge
What’s the vibe?
Hanky Panky Lounge is tucked away from the main bars on Mitchell Street, and a little more intimate. It’s a stylish spot, perfect for cocktails and something a bit more sophisticated, so yeah… Throw on your best outfit and take 100 pics with a Mango Mule in hand. We’re sure it’ll be insta-worthy.
Need to know
- Boutique cocktail lounge
- Amazing cocktail menu
- Ideal for dates and small groups
- Smart casual atmosphere
Opening & Closing Times
Friday: 4:00 pm–12:00 am
Saturday: 4:00 pm–12:00 am
Sunday: 6:00–11:00 pm
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 4:00pm –11:30 pm
Wednesday: 4:00pm –11:30 pm
Thursday: 4:00pm –11:30 pm
Address
Basement Level, 2 Smith Street, Darwin City NT 0800
Sweethearts
What’s the vibe?
Ready to grab the mic? Sweethearts is top of our list of things to do in Darwin at night. It’s a duelling piano bar, where the tunes are unreal and the drinks keep flowing. And yes, it’s as fun as it sounds so you can’t have a bad night here. Get ready to dance on the tables!
Need to know
- Piano bar
- Huge drinks menu
- Great for groups and celebrations
- Late-night venue
Opening & Closing Times
Daily: 10am – 3:00am
Address
48 Mitchell Street, Darwin City NT 0800
Darwin Waterfront
Want to see a different side to the city’s nightlife? Away from the madness of Mitchell Street is the Darwin Waterfront, where you’ll find amazing restaurants, bars and, of course, stunning views. It’s the perfect place for a wander and to soak up Darwin at night.
Walk around the Precinct
One of our fav things to do in Darwin at night is head to the waterfront precinct. There’s palm-lined pathways, incredible public art, green spaces and the most amazing water views. People like to rock up with a picnic and enjoy the atmosphere, or have a stroll around to find a great spot to eat.
Trampoline Gelato
What’s the vibe?
Sometimes the best nights end with some ice cream. Trampoline Gelato is a local hotspot serving daily fresh gelato, sorbets and milkshakes with the italian touch. It’s the perfect place to stop for something sweet while exploring the waterfront.
Need to know
- Wide range of flavours
- Dairy-free and vegan options available
- Popular post-dinner stop
- Waterfront location
Opening & Closing Times
Weekdays: 11:00am – 9:00pm
Friday-Sunday: 11:00am – 10pm
Address
19 Kitchener Drive, Darwin City NT 0800
Oyster Bar
What’s the vibe?
If you’re looking for a waterfront drink with a view, check out Oyster Bar. You’ll get harbour views and a lit but relaxed atmosphere. Grab a seat outside, order a cocktail and watch the sun disappear over the water.
Need to know
- Popular happy hour specials
- Cocktails, wine and local beers
- Waterfront seating available
- Perfect sunset location
Opening & Closing Times
Daily: 12:00pm – Late
Address
19 Kitchener Drive, Darwin Waterfront Precinct, Darwin City NT 0800
The Precinct
What’s the vibe?
The Precinct Tavern is one of the waterfront’s most popular spots. It’s got a cool pub vibe with craft beers, live sport and outdoor seating, so it’s an easy choice for a casual night out.
Need to know
- Big drinks selection
- Craft beers on tap
- Happy hour specials
- Sports shown regularly
- Family-friendly (during the day)
Opening & Closing Times
Daily: 11:00am - Late
Address
7 Kitchener Drive, Darwin Waterfront Precinct, Darwin City NT 0800
CBD & Surroundings
If you’ve only got a day in Darwin or are here for a short city break, then staying a little more centrally makes sense to enjoy Darwin clubs and bars and make the most of the nightlife. We’ve got the perfect stay for you at Oaks Darwin Elan Hotel, which is really close to both Mitchell Street and the Darwin Waterfront. You won’t have to go far to see what Darwin’s like at night.
Walk around Smith Street Mall
Get halfway down The Mall and you’ll find one of Darwin’s oldest pubs, the former Victoria Hotel. It’s not only a landmark, but a heritage building. We reckon it’s a must during your trip. And then right opposite, you’ll find the Star Village Arcade, which used to be the home of the old open-air Star Theatre.
There’s a lot of great shopping here, so it’s pretty busy during the day. But at night, you’ll get to enjoy seeing some of historical Darwin.
Deckchair Cinema
If you want something a little different, go to Deckchair Cinema. The clue is in the title. This is an outdoor cinema that overlooks Darwin Harbour, so you can enjoy watching films under the stars. Grab a drink, settle in your deckchair for an experience you won’t forget. It’s the perfect night if you’ve had enough of more traditional nightlife in Darwin.
Charlie's of Darwin
What’s the vibe?
Charlie’s of Darwin is a swish cocktail bar that’s also a lot of fun. Get your fave cocktail made by the experts, or ask for a recommendation. It’s welcoming, warm and a great place for a night out with your mates.
Need to know
- Signature cocktails
- Modern setting
- Popular with locals
- Ideal for couples and small groups
Opening & Closing Times
Tuesday to Saturday: 4:00pm – Late
Address
Knuckey Street, Darwin City NT 0800
Markets & Festivals
So far, we’ve covered a lot of pubs and bars. But that’s not all there is to the city. At night, there are some amazing festivals and the night markets in Darwin are famous. You can’t say that there’s not enough variety in Darwin!
Mindil Beach Sunset Market
If there’s one you don’t want to miss, it’s the Mindil Beach Sunset Market. After dark, tonnes of visitors gather to check out the stalls, try the street food and soak up the live entertainment. There’s no better place to enjoy one of the best sunset views in Australia.
Darwin Festival
Besides the night markets in Darwin, you’ve got festivals. And we reckon the best one (and the biggest) is the Darwin Festival, which happens every August. There’s music, comedy, theatre, enough to keep you entertained for days. It takes over the city, so the atmosphere in the CBD during this time is unreal.
To wrap it up!
With so many lively pubs, bars and clubs in Darwin, the nightlife here hits different. From fun nights out on Mitchell Street, to chill evenings overlooking the harbor, you can experience all the best of Darwin’s nightlife, and do it all again the next day. And if you’ve only got one day in Darwin, you can get a pretty good taste of what it’s like at night.
Staying at Oaks Darwin Elan Hotel puts you close to many of Darwin’s top nightlife spots, so it’s easy to make the most of your nights in this amazing part of Australia. And pssst! You’ll be near Darwin Airport and Mindil Beach. Add an outdoor pool and onsite leisure facilities, and you’re all set.
