Kate Dinning

When you think about grabbing a drink in Darwin, you likely think ‘outback pub’ – but the Top End of Australia has far more going on. From relaxed breweries pouring local beers to tropical cocktail bars and hidden distilleries, the Darwin nightlife scene is packed with surprises. One thing is for certain: it’s always nice weather for a drink, and no one knows that more than our local expert writers who have given the seal of approval to all of the best bars in Darwin. So, turn your clocks to island time and get ready to waste away again in Maragritaville (that's Darwin in our books). Here are the best bars in Darwin right now. Editor's favourite bars in Darwin: 🍹 Best for drinks and snacks: Charlie's of Darwin 🌅 Best rooftop bar: Zen Rooftop Lounge 🎶 Best for live music: Sweethearts For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial guidelines. 🍺 The best pubs in Darwin🍔 The best burgers in Darwin

There’s always time for a tipple when you’re travelling around Australia. Our thirsty country is swimming in stellar watering holes, from world-class cocktail bars and stylish rooftop lounges to cosy neighbourhood wine bars. We’ve even got a handful of contenders on the prestigious World’s 50 Best Bars list to back us up. Our local Time Out editors have rounded up the best bars in Australia right now for all your drinking pleasure. Of course, past Bar of the Year winners from Time Out's Food & Drink Awards feature on the list, alongside beloved institutions and hidden gems recommended by locals. So hit up one of Australia's best bars and see where the night takes you. Editor's favourite bars in Australia: 🏆 Best award-winning bar: Caretaker's Cottage, Melbourne 🤫 Best hidden gem bar: Cantina OK!, Sydney 🍽️ Best bars with snacks worth staying for: Bar Rochford, Canberra 🍽️ The best restaurants in Australia🍷 The best wineries in Australia

In an inconspicuous shed in Winnellie, Darwin’s industrial area, you’ll find one of the Top End’s coolest breweries. One Mile wouldn’t be out of place in Melbourne with its industrial graffiti feel, but the brews are very Darwin. Try a paddle featuring beers with names like the ‘RDO’ and ‘4:21’ (which is actually the real-time that government workers clock off in the NT), or get a refreshing cider in a slushie. For the non-beer drinkers, they even have alcoholic pink lemonade and a recently released vodka range. The Brewery is open Thursday and Friday nights and all day Saturday, and they have a pizza truck on-site during opening hours.

Willing Distillery caters to the everlasting thirst for refreshment in the tropics – with a gin distillery and cellar door out the back and an air-conditioned cocktail bar in the front for those high-humidity nights. The motto adorning their bar mats is “We’re willing, you’re welcome” and if you try their Rosella Gin, you will understand. It’s truly delicious, as is their cocktail menu with alterations to old favourites, like the Darwin Sling and the Bush Negroni. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the centre of the CBD, a walk down Austin Lane will take you past an inconspicuous graffiti-covered door. If not for the light beaming onto the footpath, you’d never know about the delight that awaits you up the stairs. Inside the doors, the leather chesterfield lounges and dark wooden tables of Charlie’s will make you feel like you’ve stepped straight into another city – but it brings you straight back to Darwin with its signature gin: a crocodile on the label and Kakadu plum, water lily and native lemongrass infusions.