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.
1
Restaurants Palmerston1. Brew Union Brewing Co
If you want to combine food and drinks in one spot, this Palmerston venue does both—it's tagged as a restaurant and bar, making it useful for a meal-and-drink outing.
View venue4.5(1,779)· Google$$$$65Spot ScoreWorth a Look2
Bars Darwin CBD2. Hotel Darwin
A CBD classic, Hotel Darwin offers the traditional pub experience in the heart of the city, ideal if you want to be central.
View venue4.3(1,206)· Google$$$$62Spot ScoreWorth a Look3
Bars Darwin CBD3. Charlie's of Darwin
Located in Darwin CBD, Charlie's is a straightforward choice if you're already exploring the city centre and want a nearby bar.
View venue4.5(378)· Google$$$$61Spot ScoreWorth a Look4
Bars Darwin CBD4. Hanky Panky Lounge
A CBD lounge option for those after a slightly more dressed-up night out without leaving the city centre.
View venue4.7(172)· Google61Spot ScoreWorth a Look5
Bars Cullen Bay5. Lola's Pergola Darwin
Positioned in Cullen Bay, this venue gives you a waterfront setting if you're after a different neighbourhood vibe.
View venue4.3(1,056)· Google$$$$61Spot ScoreWorth a Look6
Bars Darwin CBD6. The Trader Bar
Another CBD option, The Trader Bar keeps things simple and accessible for city-based drinks.
View venue4.5(220)· Google$$$$60Spot ScoreWorth a Look7
Bars Parap7. Darwin Railway Club
Based in Parap, this venue offers a local alternative to the CBD cluster if you're exploring suburbs with character.
View venue4.5(250)· Google$$$$60Spot ScoreWorth a Look8
Bars Nightcliff8. Rust Bar & Lounge
Located in Nightcliff, Rust provides a change of pace if you want to venture to a beachside suburb.
View venue4.7(132)· Google60Spot ScoreWorth a Look9
Bars Darwin CBD9. Zen Rooftop Bar
A CBD rooftop option for those wanting views and height with their drinks.
View venue4.5(244)· Google$$$$60Spot ScoreWorth a Look10
Bars Darwin CBD10. Monsoons Darwin
A CBD venue that's useful if you're after more choices within walking distance of the city's main precinct.
View venue4.1(1,683)· Google$$$$60Spot ScoreWorth a Look11
Bars Darwin CBD11. Babylon Bar Darwin
Another CBD bar for those with a preference for this central location and want multiple options to choose from.
View venue4.6(125)· Google59Spot ScoreWorth a Look12
Bars Darwin CBD12. Bar Kokomo
Round out your CBD options with this bar, useful if other spots are busy or if this one suits your mood.
View venue4.7(71)· Google58Spot ScoreWorth a Look
At a glance
| Venue | Spot Score | Price | Suburb | Top feature | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brew Union Brewing Co | 65/100 | 4.5(1,779) | $$ | Palmerston | — |
| Hotel Darwin | 62/100 | 4.3(1,206) | $$ | Darwin CBD | — |
| Charlie's of Darwin | 61/100 | 4.5(378) | $$ | Darwin CBD | — |
| Hanky Panky Lounge | 61/100 | 4.7(172) | — | Darwin CBD | — |
| Lola's Pergola Darwin | 61/100 | 4.3(1,056) | $$ | Cullen Bay | — |
| The Trader Bar | 60/100 | 4.5(220) | $$ | Darwin CBD | — |
| Darwin Railway Club | 60/100 | 4.5(250) | $$ | Parap | — |
| Rust Bar & Lounge | 60/100 | 4.7(132) | — | Nightcliff | — |
| Zen Rooftop Bar | 60/100 | 4.5(244) | $$ | Darwin CBD | — |
| Monsoons Darwin | 60/100 | 4.1(1,683) | $$ | Darwin CBD | — |
| Babylon Bar Darwin | 59/100 | 4.6(125) | — | Darwin CBD | — |
| Bar Kokomo | 58/100 | 4.7(71) | — | Darwin CBD | — |
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
The best of Darwin, in your inbox
New openings, hidden gems and weekend ideas. One thoughtful email a week. No spam.