5 Best Nightlife Experiences in Darwin
- By Ken Teo at Ausinet – 22 October 2020 – Australian Institute of Electrotechnology
It is getting hot and humid up in the Territory, regardless of what day it is, odds are you and your mates are going to find yourselves going at some stage for a night out in Darwin. If you are wondering what to do in Darwin when the sun goes down, we have put together our top picks of some of the best bars, clubs and attractions in this city.

Darwin Ski Club
Darwin Ski Club is a friendly beachside bar. Wreathed with lights hanging from the palms, great food and drink, plus great sunset-watching spot, there is no better place in Darwin for a sundowner than this laid-back beach bar. Despite its million-dollar sunset views, it has little more than some plastic chairs and tables dotted among the palm trees, which is why locals like this place.
The real magic happens as soon as the sun goes down, do not leave, grab another cold beer and watch the changes on the horizon. There is live music on Friday and Sunday afternoons and standard pub grub, including the terrifyingly tall Bad Boy Burger stuffed with beef, chicken, bacon and egg.

Image Courtesy from Darwin Ski Club NTWSA Facebook
Address: 20 Conacher St, Fannie Bay NT 0820
Contact: (08) 8981 6630; darwinskiclub.com.au
Opening hours: Mon-Thu: 12-10pm, Fri-Sun: 12pm-11pm
Deckchair Cinema
Deckchair Cinema is an awesome venue to go to if you want to watch a movie outside. Operating seven nights a week from April to November, this pop-up outdoor cinema shows an eclectic range of films from family favourites, cult classics and the latest blockbusters.
The Deckchair Cinema is set up in a very picturesque location in between the sea and lush greenery. People can come for dinner before the movie and watch the sunset. So why not make an evening of it, order some dinner, and watch an amazing movie with the stars as a great backdrop for the screen?

Image Courtesy from Deckchair Cinema Facebook
Address: Jervois Rd, Darwin City NT 0800
Contact: (08) 8981 0700; deckchaircinema.com
Opening hours: Depend on the movie time
Lola's Pergola
If you are looking for an eccentric bar that is suitable for all ages, Lola’s Pergola is your best bet! It is nicely decorated with carnival-themed items all around the venue. Lola’s started as a pop-up bar at Adelaide Festival, and after a huge success, they opened this great permanent location in 2015. Now it is a local favourite bar decked out with life-size mannequins and carousel horses.
If you are after a nice drink on the water at a place where you can mingle with locals you should definitely head to Lola’s. They also offer various food options to choose from when you get hungry. From time to time, there will be some bawdy circus shows. It is also unquestionably a fantastic venue to host your birthday, festival celebration and any kind of family or friends gathering.

Image Courtesy from Lola’s Pergola Darwin Facebook
Address: 48 Marina Blvd, Larrakeyah NT 0820
Contact: (08) 7913 7809; facebook.com/lolaspergola
Opening hours: Wed-Thu: 2pm-12am, Fri-Sun: 11am-2am
Darwin Entertainment Centre
For concerts, theatre or musical performances you can go to the Darwin Entertainment Centre. The centre is located in the Heart of Darwin central business district.
This large, centrally situated event centre offers a full programme of cultural events, including musicals, comedy, theatre and more. The Darwin Symphony Orchestra regularly plays there. Expect to see anyone who is touring the country from Don McLean to The Wailers.

Image Courtesy from Darwin Entertainment Centre Facebook
Address: 93 Mitchell St, Darwin City NT 0800
Contact: (08) 8980 3333; yourcentre.com.au
Opening hours: Depends upon the type of event
The Precinct
The Precinct, a local tavern at the Darwin Waterfront, is undeniably one of the best pubs in Darwin. For those drinkers who just cannot make up their mind, the Precinct has 46 taps of craft beers and cider to choose from. “Tasting trays” of four different beers are also available, alongside with a decent selection of wines, spirits, cider and modern pub food.
If you are craving seafood, every Friday they do a delicious mussel night guaranteed to delight your taste buds. This is the place to go when you are in the mood for a fuss-free night of fun with spectacular views of the Darwin Waterfront as your backdrop.

Image Courtesy from The Precinct Facebook
Address: 7 Kitchener Dr, Darwin City NT 0800
Contact: (08) 8941 9000; theprecincttavern.com.au
Opening hours: 10-2am
Explore Darwin at night, by checking out our list of all the best places we have listed for you! And once you are done exploring the nightlife, why not check out our 10 Incredible Darwin Weekend Getaway Destinations to find out your next destination.
Recent Posts
How is Darwin for International students?
Darwin Is a great place for International Students. There are lots of educational institutions & courses to choose from. Also lots of cultural events take place every year so you can network with fellow students and businesses.
Awesome
Darwin Nightlife♥
Nightlife in Darwin is awesome
We have celebrated birthdays at “Lola’s Pergola”
I love beach!
I love Darwin Ski Club
That is a good tip particularly to those fresh to the blogosphere.
Brief but very precise information? Appreciate your sharing this one.
A must read post!