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

To feel like a ‘true-blue' Aussie head to the Blue Heeler Bar, Herbert Street (corner of Mitchell Street), an Australian theme pub plastered with memorabilia on the walls and ceiling. Escape the clutter in the beer garden. A slicker establishment (despite its 1970s retro look) is The Cavenagh, 12 Cavenagh Street. The bar is a relatively new addition to the Darwin scene and comes with lounge chairs and an outdoor patio. For a bar with a view of the sea and the sunset, try the casual Darwin Sailing Club, Atkins Drive on Fannie Bay. There's a nice restaurant here too, frequented by a family of goannas (monitor lizards).

Darwin's best-known dance spot, voted Australia's best nightclub three years in a row, is Discovery Nightclub, 89 Mitchell Street (website: www.discoverynightclub.com). As well as late-night/early morning dance sounds, it regularly features live bands. A backpacker haunt is the more casual Victoria Hotel, 27 Smith Street, The Mall, 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. The two representatives of the shamrock in town are Shenannigans Irish Pub, 69 Mitchell Street, and Kitty O'Sheas Irish Bar & Café, Herbert Street (corner of Mitchell Street). Both have a good atmosphere and offer bands several times a week.