It was a steep learning curve for the organisers of the inaugural Challenge Cairns, but a new name and new approach is helping to smooth the way for a successful Ironman Cairns this Sunday.

Road closures were a hot topic in 2011 with many Port Douglas businesses criticising organisers of the event saying the town was effectively blocked off to traffic making trading conditions difficult.

For the last two weeks, organisers have posted signs throughout the town notifying residents and visitors of the changes to traffic conditions in the lead up to the 2012 event.

This year traffic will be able to make it in to town, via diversion routes, to gain the best vantage points to see the riders at the turnaround point in Macrossan Street near the Central Hotel.

Click here to see maps and information on Sunday's changed road conditions.

USM EVENTS' Geoff Meyer said the organisers have had more time to plan this year's event, and are looking forward to a lively town centre in Port Douglas with entertainment a focus on the day.

"Last year we had six months to pull the entire event together so the communication strategy was always going to be very last minute," Mr Meyer said.

"Like last weekend with the Coral Coast Triathlon we've got diversions, it's not roads closed as such so you can still get down to the markets and the other end of Macrossan Street.

"We've got the big screen in place this year, we've got commentators in place.

"We really want the Port Douglas community to embrace this and make it their own."

Port Douglas Chamber of Commerce president Ken Dobbs said the organisation, which represents its members consisting of local businesses, supports the Ironman Cairns event.

"It's good for business. It has some issues which causes some issues for one day, but the overall balance is significantly in favour of growing business for the town.

"I know there are some issues with the road closure (of the Captain Cook Highway), but without a little pain there's never any gain," he said.

Quicksilver will once again operate a vessel between Port Douglas and Cairns on Sunday 3 June 2012 to accommodate those travelers affected by the closure of the Captain Cook Highway.

Feedback from the athletes was positive after cycling to and from Port Douglas twice along the (literally) breathtaking Captain Cook Highway.

Get sports news first on The Newsport Sport page.