THE SOCIAL SANCTUARY
Over the last two-and-a-bit years, Bustard Town has earned its stripes to become a Darwin Town hot spot for tunes, tucker, and good, good times.
WORDS TIERNEY WHITE
IN 2023, JUSTIN Schmidt set out to create a venue in Darwin’s CBD that had it all. Music. Food. Drinks. Atmosphere. Artist experimentation. And they’ve nailed the brief. On their website, they’ve coined it The Social Sanctuary, which is pretty on the mark.
Each weekend, you’ll find some kind of music gig, be that local or visiting DJs spinning tunes, live music in the al fresco area, or bands in the Band Shed – a renovated Sidney Williams hut that lay dormant for years. They’ve even enticed famous American rapper Chali 2na of Jurassic 5 fame to bust a few rhymes.
The whole site, with its enticing tropical garden, bar, and cafe, is – in this masthead editor’s humble opinion – one of the best places to unwind and spend time with mates. With a regular events program, it’s become an important hub for local creatives to cut their teeth and experiment with varied art forms.
“We’re not bound by anything, we’re just keen to facilitate humans expressing themselves,” Schmidt said back in 2023.
Looking back over the years, although it’s taken a lot of work and determination, Schmidt says he’s happy with how things have panned out.
“I am incredibly proud and, you know, when you look year on year there are improvements – I’ve decided I’m an incrementalist," Schmidt says.
“Day to day, it's just a grind, to be honest – it's really hard work, maintaining all the balls in the air. But every now and again, I sit back … or dance back and enjoy it. I’m appreciative that we’ve had the opportunity to stick to the main vision. We're still on the rudder, steering the ship towards that.”
Local electronic music events biz Croc Records was established at the start of 2024 and held their first party at Bustard Town. Saurabh Darpe – aka Zorro – is the mastermind behind it, and says Bustard Town offers something special.
“I mean, it's like, a safe space for everyone – everyone's kind of welcome. And people come there for music. It's not commercial, it’s very underground, so people appreciate the music that's getting played – they’re not just there to have a party, kind of thing – people are there for music as well. And the venue, the staff, are very nice, and Justin is nice. The communication is really easy,” he says.
In January, Croc Records returns to where it all began to celebrate their second anniversary with a huge night of house music, including special guest, DJ and producer Aldonna from Naarm/ Melbourne. Darpe reckons party seekers are in for a treat.
“Ah, [it’ll be] so much fun. The best music … if you like underground house music, techno. You’ll probably have the best time, and the vibes are always high and great!”
The underground music scene is something they’re keen to facilitate, but also, Schmidt says anything could happen within the confines of Bustard Town.
“We want to be a little bit selective about what we're doing, because putting on events is quite arduous and a lot of hard work – and sometimes loss making – so, it's often a labour of love. We’re just trying to build a special adaptable place where people feel comfortable, it’s not all just one familiar, it’s many things, and the unexpected can be witnessed or happen,” he says.
“We try not to play too loud as well. On the dance floor, we want people to be able to talk to each other – because everyone can eat, drink, and listen to music at home – but here, you can come to do it with others … have a collective social experience. And so, we try to make it an interesting creative space to facilitate that.”
It’s not just the weekends that you can enjoy a good Bustard Town hang. The cafe is open weekdays for your coffee and pastry fix, and their chefs dish out some of the tastiest wood-fired pizzas you’ll find. Add to this the Troppo Cocktail Bar, and you have every reason to pop by.
Brielle's on deck as valued Bustard Town team member and wears many hats, including Events Coordinator. She says anyone can come in at any time, feel welcome, and make new mates.
“There was a very special vibe in the Darwin party scene over the last few years … But you definitely get to feel that here at Bustard Town. You can come alone because you'll find your friends, but you'll also make friends … It's like a drop in house, you know what I mean?”
Bustard Town closes for about a month over the Wet season to give the team a chance to rest and recuperate before the events calendar kicks into full swing in the new year, which is fair given they ran a huge 150 events throughout the year. But not before a few more DJ nights and live gigs, including local band Koh, to see out the 2025 season.
Schmidt reckons, if you haven’t been yet, then come on in.
“We've got a beautiful tropical garden, and we invite everyone to come in, have a look, and see where the night takes you. We hope people enjoy themselves and each other’s company.”
What's Goin' Down at Bustard Town
Café
WHEN WEEKDAYS | 7AM-1PM
Pizza Nights
WHEN WED – SAT | 4PM-LATE
House Fridays
WHEN FRI 5, 12 & 19 DEC | 10PM
COST FREE
maNTra Xmas Edition
WHEN SAT 13 DEC | 9PM
COST FREE
Koh – He Ain’t Dead Farewell Gig
WHEN SAT 20 DEC | 6PM
DOORS COST $15
Bustard Town Shutdown
WHEN SUN 21 DEC – TUE 20 JAN
Croc Records’ Second Anniversary
WHEN SAT 31 JAN | 8PM-2AM
COST $15-$40
Vasta Ruina + Fuxache + Friends
WHEN FRI 30 JAN | 7PM
COST $25
AT 15 KNUCKEY ST
INFO bustardtown.com
facebook.com/bustardtown
