Far North Queenand’s vibrant capital is a kaleidoscope of tropical colour, with the Great Barrier Reef on its doorstep.

Here is the rough itinerary of what to do in Cairns from dusk to dawn if you only have one day in this city.

7am: Get an early start from your hotel and take a leisurely stroll among the yachts and cruise boats moored along the nearby waterfront marina.

8am: Follow your nose towards the tantalising aromas of freshly brewed coffee and scrumptious breakfast delicacies wafting from the Boardwalk Cafe (Shop 1B Pier Marketplace).

9am: Take a half-day, high-speed Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruise (Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence Street) for two hours of beachcombing or snorkelling among the marine life in the waters of this glorious tropical city. Only 45 minutes from Cairns, this tropical Island is a beautiful coral cay on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef with unique island rainforests, surrounded by white sandy beaches & magnificent coral reefs and abundant marine life.

1pm: Back on the mainland and famished? Head for the famous Rusty’s Market (CBD between Grafton and Sheridan Sts) for a feast of fresh tropical fruits and exotic dishes. This once-humble venue is now bursting at its seams with 180 overflowing stalls that create a carnival atmosphere. This eclectic Cairns icon that is frequented every Friday, Saturday and Sunday by locals and tourists in search of the freshest locally grown and harvested seasonal produce.

2pm: Take a 7.5km gondola ride above the tree canopy on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway (cnr Captain Cook Hwy and Cairns Western Arterial Rd) to the charming Kuranda Village. A must-see here is the Australian butterfly sanctuary, home to majestic species like the electric blue Ulysses Butterfly.

3.30pm: Ride back to Cairns on the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway (Bunda St Cairns), travelling over bridges and through tunnels past the rainforests and waterfalls of Barron Gorge. In the rugged Barron Gorge National Park, the imposing Barron Falls tumble over craggy rocks into the Barron River. The Cairns-Kuranda Railway was constructed between 1882 and 1891 and even today is considered an engineering feat of tremendous magnitude.

4pm: Spend a couple of hours at the Cairns lagoon – 4,800 sq m of spectacular saltwater swimming space, boardwalks and sandy foreshores across from the Esplanade. A short walk north along the beachfront boardwalk you will discover a world of fun for families at Muddy’s Playground, along with a Skatepark, Beach Volleyball, Healing Garden playground and at the northern end the Funship Playground.

8pm: For a succulent steak and a night of roaring entertainment, grab a table and let your hair down at the Woolshed Char Grill and Bar (24 Shields St). This place is an institution in Cairns and is known by backpackers the world over for its cheap eats, drinks and dancing on the tables. What an exciting way to end off a jam-packed day in Cairns!