It gets hot up in the Northern Territory - so beers go down very easily indeed. In a drinking culture, it's not hard to find watering holes, and many of them are spread out along Mitchell Street in the city centre. As for the best nightclubs, don't expect to get in dressed in the typical Northern Territory dress of thongs (flip-flops), stubbies (shorts), and a singlet (vest). For more information on pubs, bars, nightclubs and music gigs, look up www.whatsondarwin.com.

It's all outdoors at The Tap on Mitchell, 58 Mitchell Street (www.thetap.com.au), and there's a sweet spot under an old melaleuca tree. Plenty of beers are on tap too, as the name suggests. Wisdom Bar & Café, 48 Mitchell Street (www.wisdombar.com.au), is another good-looking venue getting attention on a maturing Mitchell Street. 

The Cavenagh bar, 12 Cavenagh Street (www.thecavenagh.com), neighbours backpacker accommodation and has a popular misty-fan outdoor area (the water cools you down).

Darwin's best-known dance spot, voted Australia's best nightclub three years in a row (and then entering the hall of fame), is Discovery Nightclub, 89 Mitchell Street (www.discoverynightclub.com.au). As well as late-night/early-morning dance sounds, it regularly features live bands. Every night's a backpacker night at The Vic, Victoria Hotel, 27 Smith Street, The Mall (www.thevichotel.com), which has two bars and attracts bands as well as some cool DJs.

Irish bars are everywhere and Australia's most northern state capital is no exception. There are resident Irish folk pouring the beers at Shenannigans Irish Pub, 69 Mitchell Street (www.shenannigans.com.au), and Kitty O'Shea's Irish Bar & Café, Herbert Street, corner of Mitchell Street(www.kittyosheas.com). Both have a good atmosphere and offer bands several times a week.