Darwin's got a reputation for being hot, boozy and informal, and those are reasons why it's so much fun. Darwin Airport is 12 km northeast of the CBD - $25 taxi or $11 by Airport Shuttle. 2 km from the centre are the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens. Buses interchange is at Smith Street; route 4 goes north to Mindil Beach. A little further is Casuarina Beach, where you'll have to get your clobber off if you want to fit in.