Entertainment in Northern Territory
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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.
reviewed
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B
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).
reviewed
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C
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.
reviewed
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D
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.
reviewed
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E
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.
reviewed
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F
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.
reviewed
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G
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.
reviewed
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H
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.
reviewed
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I
Bojangles
Behind the swinging saloon doors is a 'Wild West meets Aussie Outback' theme complete with cowhide seats, stockman regalia and a live 3m-long carpet python behind the bar. Bo's is beloved of backpacker groups and station ringers and is jumping most nights of the week.
reviewed
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J
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.
reviewed
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K
Firkin & Hound
This low-lit, Brit tavern has snug booths, a large TV fixed on the sports channel and a dozen or so beers on tap. It’s a pleasant place to bend the elbow and fill up on hearty meals such as beef and Guinness pie for lunch or dinner (mains $12 to $25).
reviewed
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L
Araluen Arts Centre
The cultural heart of Alice, the 500-seat Araluen Theatre hosts a diverse range of performers, from dance troupes to comedians, while the Art House Cinema screens films every Sunday evening at 7pm (adult/child $14/12). The website has an events calendar.
reviewed
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M
Outback Pioneer BBQ Bar
Modelled on a big iron shed, this rowdy bar is lined with long benches, with plenty of chances to meet other travellers and locals. It has pool tables, live music nightly (usually a touch of twang) and minimal dress standards.
reviewed
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N
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.
reviewed
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O
Pioneer Barbecue Bar
Modelled on a big iron shed, this rowdy bar is lined with long benches, with plenty of chances to meet other travellers. It has pool tables, live music nightly (usually a touch of twang) and minimal dress standards.
reviewed
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P
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.
reviewed
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Q
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.
reviewed
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R
Lasseter's Hotel Casino
Along with the usual slot and table games, there's the classic Aussie two-up ring (from 9pm Friday and Saturday).
reviewed
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S
Sounds of Starlight Theatre
This atmospheric 1½-hour musical performance evoking the spirit of the outback with didgeridoo, drums and keyboards and wonderful photography and lighting is an Alice institution. Musician Andrew Langford also runs free didge lessons (10.30am and 2.30pm Monday to Friday).
reviewed
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T
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.
reviewed
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U
Tali Bar
The cocktails ($15 to $20) at this bar include locally inspired mixtures such as Desert Oasis. The piano gets a workout most nights from 8pm. Dress smart after sunset.
reviewed
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V
Story Wall
Park yourself on the grass outside Adelaide House and enjoy free films pertaining to central Australia’s heritage screened on an adjacent building’s wall.
reviewed
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W
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).
reviewed
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X
Todd Tavern
This enduring, classically Aussie pub has a lively bar, pokies, decent pub grub and occasional live music on weekends.
reviewed
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Y
Bunya Bar
This is a rather characterless hotel lobby bar, but it knows the importance of well-chilled beer, and the cocktails are several dollars cheaper than at Tali Bar.
reviewed
