One of the most picturesque walking and cycling paths in the tropical north will be fast-tracked with a $2.5 million grant from the State Government.

Construction on the $5 million, 5km cycleway linking Trinity Beach and Palm Cove wasn't scheduled to begin until the 2017-18 financial year.

But Mayor Bob Manning said the council would finalise the design and specific route of the 5km cycleway over coming months with the build expected to commence early next year.

Council will match the $2.5 million grant awarded by Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey as part of the government's 2016-17 Cycle Network Local Government Grants Program.

The cycleway is part of a broader strategy to elevate Cairns as a cycling mecca, with trail design legend Glen Jacobs championing a longer track that would run from Cairns to Port Douglas.

It also follows the completion of an Australia-first BMX track at Edmonton.

Cr Manning said the Trinity to Palm Cove path had the potential to be an "iconic piece of infrastructure for Cairns".

"We expect this cycleway will appeal to both residents and tourists, taking in sections of our spectacular coastline,” he said.

“Through this infrastructure, we hope to encourage more people to engage in active travel, particularly around the tourist strip of Palm Cove.

"It will provide a direct link between beachside communities that will be particularly useful for children travelling to school.

"The cycleway will ultimately be part of the Northern Beaches Leisure Trail, which will extend from the CBD to Palm Cove to offer cyclists a safer alternative to the Captain Cook Highway. It will also link with the future Wangetti trail."