On International Women’s Day every year, the voices and stories of women across the world are celebrated, as we address the issues that cause gender inequality and diversity. But despite these issues remaining, such voices and stories take a backseat once the day is done.
We think it’s worth doing the opposite and actively challenging the issues that create these gaps in our industry. So, we’ve launched this weekly series, Wednesday Women, where we’ll profile the stories of the inspiring women in this great and wide industry.
Today we speak with Bec Bullen, Founder of Darwin Distilling Co., Top End Gin Fest and hospitality venues Stone House Wine Bar and Charlie’s of Darwin.
Running a bar in Darwin presents a unique mix of opportunities and challenges, and when she came to Darwin, Bullen saw a golden opportunity to create something unique in a place that she says was crying out for more premium, boutique experiences.
“Darwin has this incredible energy; it’s tropical, it’s raw, and there’s this real sense of community, which I believe stems from a healthy work-life balance. People are up for anything, and they’re always looking for something a little different,” she told The Shout.
Leaning into this freedom, Bullen launched Stone House Wine Bar & Kitchen in 2016, and restaurant and bar Charlie’s of Darwin in 2020, which now houses Darwin Distilling Co.
“I think I’ve helped shape the scene by creating venues that don’t just serve drinks – they tell a story. Stone House brought a curated wine experience to Darwin, and Charlie’s introduced the city’s first working gin distillery right in the heart of the action. Both spaces offer something elevated without losing that laid-back Darwin charm.”
Top End hospitality
While there are an abundance of unique opportunities in Darwin’s bar scene, operating a business in the Top End has its own challenges – from seasonal tourism cycles to logistic hurdles, says Bullen.
“Getting experienced staff is a constant challenge as we have a transient workforce, so training is a constant – often relying on interstate providers to fill gaps. Then there’s the heat! It affects everything from how you store ingredients to how you design your venue,” she explains.
“But the flip side is that Darwin has this incredibly supportive community and a lifestyle that values social connection. I’ve found that leaning into what makes this place special, like local ingredients and outdoor living, is the best way forward. The industry here is still growing, and I believe collaboration, innovation, and investing in our local talent will keep pushing it in the right direction.”
As the founder of two of Darwin’s most celebrated venues, Bullen says the key to their success has been creating a uniquely Territorian experience.
“Both Stone House and Charlie’s of Darwin were designed to bring something new to Darwin’s social scene – venues that feel intimate, thoughtful, and full of personality. I’ve focused on quality, atmosphere, and hospitality – from the curation of wine at Stone House to the immersive cocktail and distillery experience at Charlie’s.
“I also think the secret is staying close to the community – whether that is sourcing local botanicals, collaborating with other businesses, or creating events like the Top End Gin Fest that bring people together in celebration of flavour and fun.”
Spirits made from the Territory, for the Territory
As much as Bullen is a trailblazer in Darwin’s bar scene, she’s also rewriting the rules of distilling – and making history while she’s at it. Having launched Darwin Distilling Co. in 2020, Bullen is Darwin’s first female distiller and a driving force behind the city’s emerging spirits scene.
With an unwavering passion for fine spirits, she says her focus has been on the quality and her connection with her products since the very start.
“Everything we create at Darwin Distilling Co. is rooted in the Territory, its landscapes, its people, and its flavours. I forage for a lot of our botanicals myself, and we work closely with Indigenous wild harvesters and local growers.
“I think people have responded to the fact that our gins are uniquely Territorian, crafted with care, community, and a sense of adventure. I’ve always been passionate about flavour, botanicals, and creating things with a real sense of place. Distilling felt like a natural next step since I am too clumsy to be a chef and have the scars to prove it,” says Bullen.
Darwin might not be one of the world’s more traditional distilling capitals, but Bullen still sees more untapped potential in the city.
“We’ve barely scratched the surface of what’s possible using native botanicals and local storytelling. I’m excited about pushing boundaries, whether it’s through heli-foraging, experimenting with new flavours, or taking our products to international markets. The Top End is wild and bold, and I want our spirits to reflect that.”
Launching the Top End Gin Fest
Bullen is a true advocate for the Top End, but her work is about much more than bars or distilling – it’s about culture, connection and community. She’s just getting started carving out a distilling community in the Northern Territory, and the Top End Gin Fest, launched at Charlie’s of Darwin back in 2020, plays a big part in that.
“The Top End Gin Fest was born from a simple idea: to create an event that celebrates gin, Darwin-style,” Bullen explains.
“Alongside SRO Events and the Darwin Ski Club I had this vision to showcase not only our own gins, but also amazing distillers from across Australia. I wanted to bring the kind of festival I’d seen in Melbourne or overseas to the Northern Territory, but with palm trees, sunsets, and a whole lot of Territory spirit.
“Every year since, it has grown, and I’m so proud of what it’s become – from intimate rooftop tastings to headliners like The Temper Trap playing as the sun sets over the bay in Darwin this coming May. The ambition is to keep growing it as a true destination festival – putting Darwin on the map as not just a place that makes incredible gin, but one that knows how to celebrate it in style. A festival of the truest sense. So, a shout out to any women distillers who want to enjoy this vibe – please reach out,” she concluded.