Entertainment in Darwin
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Darwin Ski Club
Leave Mitchell St behind and head for a sublime sunset at this laid-back waterski club on Vestey’s Beach. The view through the palm trees from the beer garden is sublime and there are often live bands.
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Deckchair Cinema
During the Dry, the Darwin Film Society runs this fabulous outdoor cinema below the southern end of the Esplanade. Watch a movie under the stars while reclining in a deckchair − bring a cushion for extra comfort. There's a licensed bar serving food (teriyaki noodles, pasta bolognese etc) or you can bring a picnic (no BYO alcohol). There are usually double features on Friday and Saturday nights (adult/child $20/9).
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Skycity Darwin
On Mindil Beach, this is Darwin’s flashy casino complex, with accommodation and three restaurants and all the card tables, roulette wheels and pokie machines you need – all the tools to help you lose your shirt (or win your fortune). To ensure you have a shirt to lose there’s a dress code, which means no singlets, thongs or scruffy clothing.
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Deck Bar
Wash down delicious Asian, Moroccan and European offerings with a selection from the excellent range of wines, many available by the glass, or the 20-odd ales on tap. The lubricated chatter out on the expansive wooden deck is about the latest mobile phones, the boss, the property market or the Deck's first-rate coffee.
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Wisdom Bar & Grill
Bright blue walls, velour couches and a streetside terrace with a tree growing out of it add up to a more intimate version of the Tap. A good thing too, as most of the drinkers here are looking for intimacy, a search conducted seemingly without much wisdom.
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Nirvana
Behind an imposing dungeonlike doorway, this cosy restaurant-bar has live jazz/blues every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night and an open-mic jam session every Tuesday. And the Thai/Indian/Malaysian food here is magic.
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Victoria Hotel
The Vic has bags of history − the stone building dates from 1890 − but it's hard to see it these days. This is Darwin's favourite backpacker pub and goes off every night of the week. Dirt-cheap meals draw the travellers to the upstairs bar, and they stay for the pool tables, DJs and dance floor. Downstairs has a pub quiz on Monday, table dancing, live bands and DJs.
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Top End Hotel
Popular with locals, this busy little entertainment enclave has several clubs and bars, including Lizards Outdoor Bar & Grill, with its lush tropical beer garden; the Rock ’n’ Country Bar, with pool tables on the deck and Elvis posters and guitars stuck to the roof (Darwin’s version of the Hard Rock Cafe!); and the Beehive Nightclub.
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Wisdom
One of the new breed of bars emerging along the main drag, this sparkling place has street-side seating (more outside than in), and offers all-day meals. The kitchen fires up early for breakfast, and continues through to lunch and dinner. On the site of former dentists' rooms (hence the name), remember to brush after your meal.
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Fox'n'Fiddle
Hands up those who think shouting at a shellfish counts as entertainment? Then hurry on down for the 18:00 hermit-crab races, which are usually followed by bands most nights, bingo at 'lucky seven' o'clock on Tuesday, or come on Monday for something even more trivial: quiz night.
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Discovery & Lost Arc
Discovery is Darwin's biggest, tackiest nightclub and dance venue with three levels playing techno, hip hop and R&B. Lost Arc is the neon-lit chill-out bar opening on to Mitchell St, which starts to thaw after about 10pm.
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Throb
Darwin's premier gay- and lesbian-friendly nightclub and cocktail bar, Throb attracts party-goers of all genders and persuasions for its hot DJs and cool atmosphere. Hosts drag shows and touring live acts.
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Darwin Entertainment Centre
Darwin's main community arts venue houses the Playhouse and Studio Theatres, and hosts events from fashion-award nights to plays, rock operas, comedies and concerts. Check the website for upcoming shows.
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Tap on Mitchell
One of the busiest (and least moron-prone) of the Mitchell St terrace bars, the Tap is always buzzing and there are inexpensive meals (nachos, burgers, calamari) to complement a good range of wine and beers. Angry Anderson drinks here.
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Darwin City Cinemas
This is the city’s large cinema complex, screening latest-release films across five theatres. Head down on Tropical Tuesday for $9 entry (all day).
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Brown's Mart
This historic venue (a former mining exchange) features live theatre performances, music and short films.
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Shenannigans
It's a long way from Cork, but Darwin has a few Irish-theme pubs. Shenannigans mixes it up with a big Mitchell St terrace, hearty food and big party nights. Guinness aplenty, live music and rugby on the TV.
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Darwin Community Arts
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Victoria Hotel
The old Vic is a good place for a drink but these days it's more of an all-round backpacker entertainment venue.
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Ducks Nuts Bar & Grill
A big backlit cocktail bar, regular live music and the swanky vodka bar give the Ducks Nuts plenty of cred.
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Deck Bar
At the nonpartying parliamentary end of Mitchell St, the Deck Bar still manages to get lively with happy hours, pub trivia and regular live music. Blurring the line between indoors and outdoors brilliantly, the namesake deck is perfect for people-watching.
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Darwin Ski Club
Leave Mitchell St behind and head for a sublime sunset at this laid-back (and refreshingly run-down) water-ski club on Vestey's Beach. The view through the palm trees from the beer garden is a winner, and there are often live bands.
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Darwin Sailing Club
More upmarket than the ski club, the sailing club is always filled with yachties enjoying a sunset beer overlooking the Timor Sea. Tunes on the sound system are surprisingly un-yacht club (no Christopher Cross or Rod Stewart), and it's a great place for dinner too (mains $12 to $32). Sign in as a visitor at the door (bring some ID).
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Cavenagh
Popular backpackers and sports bar, the Cav also serves up good food.
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Birch Carroll & Coyle
Darwin's mainstream cinema complex, screening latest-release films across five theatres. Head down on Tropical Tuesday for $10 entry (all day).
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