Bustard Town nurtures content that is conceptually unique, fun and engaging for an inclusive and diverse audience.

Darwin’s award-winning live music venue, with a 450pax venue capacity, combines a distinctive atmosphere with excellent amenities to create memorable live music experiences.

1000sqm venue set in the heart of Darwin with tropical al fresco bar and garden.

Our renowned Bandroom is a 250 pax capacity refurbished wartime hut.

Independently-owned and locally-operated by industry veterans that love music. 

Not bound by genre - we’re known to work with a ‘broad church’ of styles and artists.

Considered and adaptable food offer based around fire cooking.

• Band Room

• • Features a distinctive river bar, adding a touch of tropical frisson!
  • Capacity 250
  • Green room
  • Air Conditioning: efficient system ensures pleasant and comfortable environment for patrons even during the hottest days in Darwin. 
• Al Fresco stage
  • Tropical outdoor environment
  • Capacity 150 people
  • Standing and smoking areas
  • Seated restaurant area 
• Back Bar
  • Intimate space
  • Capacity 70 people
  • Popular with singer songwriters, spoken word, vinyl selectors/ DJs
  • Capable aircon

Air Conditioning: Equipped with efficient and capable air conditioning, ensuring a pleasant and comfortable environment for artists and patrons even during the hottest days in Darwin.

Unique Bar: Live Music Room features a distinctive river bar, adding a touch of the tropics to your musical experience. Bustard Town's extensive drink menu ensures there's something for everyone to lubricate and immerse themselves in the live music experience.

Lounges: Comfortable lounges are strategically placed throughout the venue, providing punters cozy seating options to enjoy the performances.

Food: Culinary offerings include delicious wood-fired pizzas and open-flame Argentinean barbecue; a gastronomic experience that complements the vibrant atmosphere of the Live Music Room.

Beer Garden: a unique al fresco tropical garden with bar, stage and restaurant.

Stage

Sound

Equipment

Lighting

Video

Backline (by request)

Staff / Crew

Social media

Bustard Town promotes each gig across multiple platforms including street press, social media, posters and radio and requires the following materials from artists:

• Social media tiles:
  • Facebook Image Size: 1200 x 628 pixels
  • Instagram Size: 1080 x 1080 pixels

• Bio - Under 100 words

• Links to media content (Soundcloud, Spotify etc)

Bustard Town expects Artists to promote gigs through their own social media platforms.

Ticketing

Bustard Town ticketing is commission free providing punters and artists with better value for money.

Posters

We encourage bands/artists to provide us with printed posters (A4 or A3. We have over 3000 customers come through the venue each week and posters are an effective way to promote your gig.

Media

We have strong connections with the local media landscape and expect artists to be available for media interviews to promote their shows.

Artist Fees

Bustard Town is flexible with the venue deal, we aim for fair

Option 1: Just roll up and play: We can do ticketing, provide stage tech, back line, sound person door, security and help with promo. 75/25 door split

Option 2: DJs/ bands you take door: We provide the space, you manage door you pay for sound, additional lighting. We require a minimum bar spend, we may require a deposit to cover security and staffing

Option 3: Outright fee: We negotiate a fee and we take 100% of the risk

Flights and accommodation packages are available

We are passionate about live music in our venue and will help produce, promote and make all performances in our venue the best they can be

Bookings: Justin Schmidt 

Creative Director and gardener

justin.bustardtown@gmail.com

NTmusic live music venue of the year award 2024

Jessica Mauboy

Ms Kaninna

Jay Milla | Yung Milla

Juran

Neil Murray

Baarka

Koby Dee

Lung Buster

SuMing Rupi (Taiwan)

Ripple Effect Band

Nookie

Zorro versus Pastor Croc Records

Junk Time

Larry Guruwiwi Malawurr

Stellar Sea (Alice springs)

Yolk 

Scrub Fowl

Ask the Axis

Fuxache

Indestructible Horse

Pit Thing

Planet Dale / Zac E Tea

Brazos Grandes

Emlyn Johnstone

Jimmy Bay

Alice Cotton

The Changes

Leah Potter

Adam Groove

Jigsaw Collective

ZaZaZoo

Ovulators

Drifting Clouds

Zilwa

The Nerve

Ray Dimakari Dixon

Crystal Robbins

The Sheikhs

Bertie Carabiner 

Mista Monk / Zinzan 

Cackalackies

Nightcliff Hill People

Juke Joint

Gleny Rae Virus (Alice Springs)

Steve Sedergreen (Melbourne)

Ultramarine

Pete Stone

Home on Stilts

Tang Band

Sally Ballfour

Felicity Urquart Josh Cunningham

Emily Wurramurra

Two Last Names

Diola (Sydney) / Demirep

Tiger Pigeon (Melbourne)

Saltwater Band

Miss Possum Jem Mista Monk (Black Jesus Experience)

Archer (Melbourne)

AfroMoses Allen Murphy

Double Dinghy

Jarquarvis

Karise Eden

Eastern Arrente Band

Yellow Nation Band

Malcura

Goldgingers

Chali2na (Jurassic 5)