That's ski as in waterski. Darwin Ski Club is a friendly beachside society close to the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory. Wreathed with lights hanging from the palms, this wonderful beachside spot has good food and drink, plus great sunset-watching potential. Tourists are welcome, but need to sign in.

One for those drinkers who just can't make up their mind. The Precinct has 44 beers on tap, the bulk of them Australian. "Tasting trays" of four different beers are also available, alongside a decent selection of ciders, wines and spirits. It has a great location too, with wonderful views of the Darwin Waterfront.

It's all about the outdoors at The Tap On Mitchell. Set beneath a huge melaleuca tree, the tastefully landscaped alfresco beer garden is ideal for lazy drinks in the cool. Grab a spot under the big sail-shaded area or find a table with an umbrella and some brightly colourful stools.

For late night debauchery and streams of neon lasers, look no further than the gargantuan Discovery Nightclub, featuring three separate floors and seven bars – all heaving come Saturday night. Expect a gamut of huge name DJs, pumping music, cocktails, onsite karaoke and an in-house silent disco. All until late too.

Darwin's newest nightclub hosts big name Australian DJs, international live acts and some dubious celebrities for its Selebrity Saturdays series. This sweaty hotbox doesn't look like much, but when the tunes get pumping the crowd really gets going, expect to stay until very late indeed.

Throb may be Darwin's only gay and lesbian venue, but that doesn't mean it rests of its laurels. Popular with just about everyone, it draws up-for-it crowds with DJs, live acts and some hilarious drag shows. Expect plenty of flesh, late night drink deals and regular themed nights.

This large, centrally situated events centre offers a full programme of cultural events, including musicals, comedy, theatre and more. It's the big musical acts that grab the headlines here though. Expect to see anyone who's touring the country from Don McLean to The Wailers. Check the website for listings.

With a vodka bar and a sunken VIP lounge area, this popular watering hole in the heart of Darwin's bustling bar stretch, Mitchell Street, really stands out. The Ducks Nuts also has a live covers band every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night until midnight. It's also a decent place for food and coffee.

Possibly the weirdest venue in Australia, Happy Yess is a ragtag, artist-run boozer that promotes the good, rad and ugly of the Darwin music scene. Expect everything from heavy reggae sound systems to grungy psych-pop and anything that plugs the holes in between, including comedy, lectures, book clubs and open mic nights.