Cairns, the gateway to the Daintree and Cape York, right up the top of Australia where crocodiles could be hiding in the waterways, just metres from the road waiting for truck drivers to throw their KFC chicken wing bones out the window.

We only had four days in Tropical North Queensland, and really used our time in Cairns wisely.

Everything in Cairns CBD is pretty close. Walking from your accommodation to dinner at the pub won’t take long – a real treat considering it’s always hot up there.

Here are some of our top tips to make the most of your short (and possibly sweaty) time in Cairns a bloody good one.

1. Hire a car

Having your own wheels to explore Australia is essential to a good time. This is especially so in Cairns, where quiet swimming holes and hiking trails are a little out of the way from public transport routes.

2. Drive to Kuranda

3. Visit Barron Falls

4. Take a walk at Stoney Creek Falls

We hiked to the top in thongs while it was pouring with rain.

5. Have dinner at the Trinity Beach Pub

Sit on the beach and watch the sunset before you grab a delicious pizza from this seaside pub.

6. Grab a bite to eat at Holloways Beach

7. Swing in a hammock at Palm Cove

8. Get coffee in town

We went to Caffeined. The Chili Eggs are a good choice, and the coffee is great.

9. Take a walk along the Esplanade in the evening to watch the sunset

But don’t even think about going for a dip in the water. Always read the warning signs, and don’t show off by going for a swim to impress the tourists. Crocodiles win. Every time.