The balmy, tropical weather is what attracts many visitors to the Top End capital of Darwin. And it’s no surprise that cooling off with a drink at a pub or bar is a popular past time! See our top picks below for the best places to enjoy a beverage or two around town.

There’s a cracking pub located right next to the Wave Lagoon at the Darwin Waterfront. The Precinct Tavern is home to three bars, outdoor screens, live weekend entertainment and the menu is set to satisfy with generous portions of everything from tacos to your favourite chicken parma and quality steak.

While you can always find a lively pub atmosphere in the Territory, there’s also a number of new boutique wine and gin bars popping up around the place. Charlie’s of Darwin has both a restaurant and large lantern-filled deck area serving up the best gins in town! You can find Charlies tucked away in the graffiti-dotted side street of Austin Lane.

You’ll find Lola’s Pergola perched over the water at Cullen Bay. Its circus-themed vibes create a fun atmosphere that's enjoyed by both kids and big kids alike. The bar has a wide range of beers with all the usual suspects to quench your thirst and more! Try a serving of the marinated mixed olives to accompany your drinks on the deck.

Trader Bar is your sanctuary on the outskirts on the city; home to a swanky modern interior and outdoor garden scattered with day beds and cushions. The wine list will impress, along with the cocktails. The low key vibes at Trader Bar get turned up a notch on weekends when the DJ starts up with tunes that are sure to carry you from the afternoon to evening.

For those who want the ultimate chill out zone, Mindil Beach Resort has you covered! The Sandbar overlooks the Arafura Sea and is the ideal location to watch the setting sun while sipping a lychee martini made by one of the resident mixologists. Or, for the ultimate watering hole within a watering hole, check out Infinity – the pool and bar area that’s exactly what its name suggests – with views straight onto the palm-dotted Mindil Beach.

For those in search of a sizzling Sunday session, The Deck Bar is the place to hang. Considered one of Darwin’s premier outdoor party and dining venues, you won’t have to work hard for a cool brew at this Mitchell Street establishment. If you're visiting Darwin between March to October, the venue hosts Drag Queen Bingo on Tuesdays – loads of fun!

But what of local beer? There’s been plenty of debate recently about what constitutes a truly local ale but thankfully, the Territory now has One Mile Brewing Company – producing five types of beer that you’ll find on tap in some of the pubs around town.

Yes, we’ve got plenty of watering holes in Darwin. Bring a mate for the next shout!