Best Bars in Darwin: Your Guide to Local Drinking Spots
Darwin's bar scene spans everything from neighbourhood pubs to rooftop lounges, with venues scattered across the CBD, Cullen Bay, Palmerston, and beyond. Whether you're after a casual drink or a night out, here are the standout bars worth visiting.
1Bars Darwin CBD1. Hotel Darwin
A CBD classic, Hotel Darwin offers the traditional pub experience in the heart of the city, ideal if you want to be central.
Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen SundaysView venue4.3(1,206)· Google$$$$62Spot ScoreWorth a Look
2Bars Darwin CBD2. Charlie's of Darwin
Located in Darwin CBD, Charlie's is a straightforward choice if you're already exploring the city centre and want a nearby bar.
Open late (after 10pm)Open SundaysView venue4.5(378)· Google$$$$61Spot ScoreWorth a Look
3Bars Darwin CBD3. Hanky Panky Lounge
A CBD lounge option for those after a slightly more dressed-up night out without leaving the city centre.
Open late (after 10pm)Open SundaysView venue4.7(172)· Google61Spot ScoreWorth a Look
4Bars Cullen Bay4. Lola's Pergola Darwin
Positioned in Cullen Bay, this venue gives you a waterfront setting if you're after a different neighbourhood vibe.
Open late (after 10pm)Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen SundaysView venue4.3(1,056)· Google$$$$61Spot ScoreWorth a Look
5Bars Darwin CBD5. The Trader Bar
Another CBD option, The Trader Bar keeps things simple and accessible for city-based drinks.
Open late (after 10pm)Open SundaysView venue4.5(220)· Google$$$$60Spot ScoreWorth a Look
6Bars Parap6. Darwin Railway Club
Based in Parap, this venue offers a local alternative to the CBD cluster if you're exploring suburbs with character.
Open late (after 10pm)Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen SundaysView venue4.5(250)· Google$$$$60Spot ScoreWorth a Look
7Bars Nightcliff7. Rust Bar & Lounge
Located in Nightcliff, Rust provides a change of pace if you want to venture to a beachside suburb.
Open late (after 10pm)Open SundaysView venue4.7(132)· Google60Spot ScoreWorth a Look
8Bars Darwin CBD8. Zen Rooftop Bar
A CBD rooftop option for those wanting views and height with their drinks.
Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen SundaysView venue4.5(244)· Google$$$$60Spot ScoreWorth a Look
9Bars Darwin CBD9. Monsoons Darwin
A CBD venue that's useful if you're after more choices within walking distance of the city's main precinct.
Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen SundaysView venue4.1(1,683)· Google$$$$60Spot ScoreWorth a Look
10Bars Darwin CBD10. Babylon Bar Darwin
Another CBD bar for those with a preference for this central location and want multiple options to choose from.
Open late (after 10pm)View venue4.6(125)· Google59Spot ScoreWorth a Look
11Bars Darwin CBD11. Bar Kokomo
Round out your CBD options with this bar, useful if other spots are busy or if this one suits your mood.
Open late (after 10pm)View venue4.7(71)· Google58Spot ScoreWorth a Look
At a glance
| Venue | Spot Score | Price | Suburb | Top feature | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel Darwin | 62/100 | 4.3(1,206) | $$ | Darwin CBD | Open 7 days |
| Charlie's of Darwin | 61/100 | 4.5(378) | $$ | Darwin CBD | Open late (after 10pm) |
| Hanky Panky Lounge | 61/100 | 4.7(172) | — | Darwin CBD | Open late (after 10pm) |
| Lola's Pergola Darwin | 61/100 | 4.3(1,056) | $$ | Cullen Bay | Open late (after 10pm) |
| The Trader Bar | 60/100 | 4.5(220) | $$ | Darwin CBD | Open late (after 10pm) |
| Darwin Railway Club | 60/100 | 4.5(250) | $$ | Parap | Open late (after 10pm) |
| Rust Bar & Lounge | 60/100 | 4.7(132) | — | Nightcliff | Open late (after 10pm) |
| Zen Rooftop Bar | 60/100 | 4.5(244) | $$ | Darwin CBD | Open 7 days |
| Monsoons Darwin | 60/100 | 4.1(1,683) | $$ | Darwin CBD | Open 7 days |
| Babylon Bar Darwin | 59/100 | 4.6(125) | — | Darwin CBD | Open late (after 10pm) |
| Bar Kokomo | 58/100 | 4.7(71) | — | Darwin CBD | Open late (after 10pm) |
Frequently asked questions
Are there bars outside the Darwin CBD?+
Yes. Brew Union Brewing Co is in Palmerston, Lola's Pergola is in Cullen Bay, Darwin Railway Club is in Parap, and Rust Bar & Lounge is in Nightcliff. Most venues are still in the CBD, however.
Which bar also serves food?+
Brew Union Brewing Co is tagged as both a restaurant and bar, so it's set up for dining and drinking.
Is there a rooftop bar in Darwin?+
Yes, Zen Rooftop Bar is located in Darwin CBD.
Where is the best location for a bar night out in Darwin?+
The Darwin CBD has the most bars in one area, giving you walking distance between multiple venues. Cullen Bay and other suburbs offer different atmospheres if you prefer to venture further.
Keep exploring
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