Thunder and lightening herald the Gadja, a Dreamtime spirit in glowing, UV fibre-optic costume. A good spirit, he tells of the past. Suddenly, his opposite appears from nowhere - the Quinkan towers 6 metres above the audience, bidding them to enter the past.

After, the audience is handed tapsticks and asked to join the Tjapukai lakeside, where they become part of an ancient corroboree ritual which climaxes in the ceremonial making of a fire.

The Tjapukai hurl the fire spear across the lake where it contacts with the ancient tribal lands to become a mushrooming fireball, illuminating the lakeside and the audience.

A canoe appears, guided by Tjapukai carrying flaming torches. The dancers from the corroboree guide the canoe and its people to the shore. Here, they bid the audience to follow their light, as their flame torches magically create a pathway from the darkness up into the glowing restaurant overlooking the Caravonica Lakes.

Here, guests dine at a beautifully presented buffet which uses the best of the region's fare, and enjoy great Australian wines. Afterwards, the lights dim, heralding the finale of the night.

The Tjapukai claim the stage, presenting their culture with their inimitable blend of theatre and humour. The tribe's hunters conduct a witty, unsuccessful kangaroo hunt and then must sing for their supper.

As they break into 'The No Food Blues' with a routine straight off Broadway, the audience breaks up with them, connecting with their love of fun and revelling the moment where there are no cultural barriers, only joy and laughter.

Tjapukai by Night includes optional evening transfers to and from accommodation. There are photo opportunities with the Tjapukai dancers and free time to browse for quality gifts in the multi-award winning Tjapukai gallery before guests depart.

The show starts promptly at 7.30pm, seven nights a week, with transfers departing Cairns accommodation at 6.40pm.