Entertainment in Darwin
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A
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 real comfort. There’s a licensed bar serving food or you can bring your own picnic (no BYO alcohol). There’s usually a double feature on Friday and Saturday (adult/child $20/9). If you’re walking, the best way to get here is via the Damoe Ra walkway at the southern end of Bicentennial Park – follow the signs.
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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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Victoria Hotel
The Vic has bags of history – the stone building on the Mall 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 in to the upstairs Banjos Bar, and they stay for the pool tables, DJs and dance floor. Downstairs is a happening bar with a pub quiz on Monday, table dancing, live bands and DJs.
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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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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 nightclub and dance venue with three levels playing techno, hip hop and R&B tunes. Lost Arc is the neon-lit chill-out bar opening on to Mitchell St, but it starts to rock after 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 of the terrace bars, the Tap is always buzzing and there are inexpensive meals of nachos, burgers and calamari to complement a good range of wine and beers.
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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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Wisdom Bar & Grill
This intimate bar has bright blue walls, velour couches and a nice terrace with a tree growing out of it. There’s an extensive menu of bar food.
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Brown’s Mart
This historic venue features live theatre performances, music and short films. An arty crowd congregates here for Bamboo Lounge.
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Shenannigans
Darwin has a few Irish-theme pubs, but Shenannigans mixes it up with a big Mitchell St terrace, good food and big party nights.
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