The Best Pubs in Darwin: Where to Drink Across the City
Darwin's pub scene offers something for everyone, from neighbourhood locals to waterfront spots and craft breweries. Whether you're after a cold drink in the CBD, a suburban hangout, or a place that brews its own beer, here are the pubs worth visiting across Darwin and surrounds.
1Pubs Parap1. Parap Tavern
A solid choice in the Parap neighbourhood if you want a reliable local pub without the CBD crowds.
View venue4.4(1,333)· Google$$$$63Spot ScoreWorth a Look
2Pubs Darwin CBD2. Shenannigans
Located in Darwin CBD, it's well-positioned if you're looking for a central pub for a drink or a night out.
View venue4.3(1,792)· Google$$$$63Spot ScoreWorth a Look
3Pubs Darwin CBD3. One Mile Brewery (NT)
If you enjoy craft beer, this CBD venue doubles as a brewery and pub, giving you house-made options alongside the standard tap selection.
View venue4.7(231)· Google$$$$62Spot ScoreWorth a Look
4Pubs Nightcliff4. Beachfront Hotel
Situated in Nightcliff, this pub offers proximity to the beach and waterfront, making it a good option if you want a seaside atmosphere.
View venue4.2(1,793)· Google$$$$61Spot ScoreWorth a Look
5Pubs Darwin CBD5. The Cavenagh Hotel
A CBD pub worth checking out when you're in the city centre and after a classic hotel pub experience.
View venue4.2(1,460)· Google$$$$61Spot ScoreWorth a Look
6Pubs Fannie Bay6. Airport Tavern
Located in Fannie Bay near the airport, it's a convenient stop if you're travelling or in that part of town.
View venue4.3(1,062)· Google$$$$61Spot ScoreWorth a Look
7Pubs Casuarina7. Darwin River Tavern
Based in Casuarina, it serves the northern suburbs crowd looking for a local gathering spot.
View venue4.3(587)· Google$$$$60Spot ScoreWorth a Look
8Pubs Casuarina8. Beaver Brewery
Another craft brewery option, this one in Casuarina, if you want locally brewed beer in the outer suburbs.
View venue4.6(172)· Google$$$$60Spot ScoreWorth a Look
9Pubs Palmerston9. Palmerston Tavern
Offers a pub option further south in Palmerston for those in or visiting that area.
View venue4.2(828)· Google$$$$59Spot ScoreWorth a Look
10Pubs Waterfront10. The Precinct
Positioned at the Waterfront, it's handy if you're exploring that precinct and want a drink nearby.
View venue4.0(1,467)· Google$$$$58Spot ScoreWorth a Look
11Pubs Casuarina11. Hibiscus Tavern
Another Casuarina pub for those seeking neighbourhood options in the northern suburbs.
View venue4.1(279)· Google$$$$55Spot ScoreWorth a Look
12Pubs Waterfront12. Fiddlers Irish Pub
An Irish-themed pub at Waterfront, offering a different vibe if you're looking for that particular style.
View venue3.9(707)· Google$$$$55Spot ScoreWorth a Look
At a glance
| Venue | Spot Score | Price | Suburb | Top feature | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parap Tavern | 63/100 | 4.4(1,333) | $$ | Parap | — |
| Shenannigans | 63/100 | 4.3(1,792) | $$ | Darwin CBD | — |
| One Mile Brewery (NT) | 62/100 | 4.7(231) | $ | Darwin CBD | — |
| Beachfront Hotel | 61/100 | 4.2(1,793) | $$ | Nightcliff | — |
| The Cavenagh Hotel | 61/100 | 4.2(1,460) | $$ | Darwin CBD | — |
| Airport Tavern | 61/100 | 4.3(1,062) | $$ | Fannie Bay | — |
| Darwin River Tavern | 60/100 | 4.3(587) | $$ | Casuarina | — |
| Beaver Brewery | 60/100 | 4.6(172) | $$ | Casuarina | — |
| Palmerston Tavern | 59/100 | 4.2(828) | $$ | Palmerston | — |
| The Precinct | 58/100 | 4.0(1,467) | $$ | Waterfront | — |
| Hibiscus Tavern | 55/100 | 4.1(279) | $$ | Casuarina | — |
| Fiddlers Irish Pub | 55/100 | 3.9(707) | $$ | Waterfront | — |
Frequently asked questions
Which Darwin pubs are in the CBD?+
Shenannigans, One Mile Brewery (NT), and The Cavenagh Hotel are all located in Darwin CBD, making them convenient if you're in the city centre.
Are there pubs with craft beer in Darwin?+
Yes. One Mile Brewery (NT) in Darwin CBD and Beaver Brewery in Casuarina both brew their own beer and operate as pubs, so you can try house-made options.
Which pubs are near the waterfront?+
The Precinct and Fiddlers Irish Pub are both located at Waterfront, so they're good options if you want a drink with waterfront proximity.
Are there pubs outside the city centre?+
Yes, plenty. Parap Tavern (Parap), Beachfront Hotel (Nightcliff), Darwin River Tavern (Casuarina), Beaver Brewery (Casuarina), Hibiscus Tavern (Casuarina), Airport Tavern (Fannie Bay), and Palmerston Tavern (Palmerston) all serve their local areas.
Keep exploring
Darwin guides
roundupDarwin Nightlife: The Best Bars & Live Music
From Mitchell Street cocktails to Cullen Bay sunsets, here’s how to choose Darwin bars for a relaxed, social night out.
Read guide →roundupFree Things to Do in Darwin
From tropical gardens and harbourfront walks to natural swimming holes and a free family water park, Darwin offers plenty of ways to spend a day outdoors.
Read guide →roundupDarwin With Kids: Family-Friendly Things to Do
From wave pools and free splash parks to spring-fed swimming holes, wildlife and shady coastal reserves, these are Darwin’s best family-friendly outings.
Read guide →The best of Darwin, in your inbox
New openings, hidden gems and weekend ideas. One thoughtful email a week. No spam.