Flights from Melbourne (MEL) to Cairns (CNS) from AU$185

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Cheapest Flights from Melbourne (MEL) to Cairns (CNS)

Airfares from Tullamarine to Cairns Intl. for one-way flights were as low as AU$185 and round trip flights were AU$259 within the past 7 days, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Jetstar
Tue., 16 Apr. - Thu., 18 Apr.
MEL
Tullamarine
CNS
Cairns Intl.
AU$259 Return, found 1 day ago
AU$259
Return
found 1 day ago
Select Jetstar flight, departing Tue., 16 Apr. from Tullamarine to Cairns Intl., returning Thu., 18 Apr., priced at AU$259 found 1 day ago
Jetstar
Tue., 23 Apr. - Thu., 25 Apr.
MEL
Tullamarine
CNS
Cairns Intl.
AU$268 Return, found 1 day ago
AU$268
Return
found 1 day ago
Select Jetstar flight, departing Tue., 23 Apr. from Tullamarine to Cairns Intl., returning Thu., 25 Apr., priced at AU$268 found 1 day ago
Jetstar
Sun., 14 Apr. - Tue., 16 Apr.
MEL
Tullamarine
CNS
Cairns Intl.
AU$271 Return, found 1 day ago
AU$271
Return
found 1 day ago
Select Jetstar flight, departing Sun., 14 Apr. from Tullamarine to Cairns Intl., returning Tue., 16 Apr., priced at AU$271 found 1 day ago
Jetstar
Tue., 23 Apr. - Thu., 25 Apr.
MEL
Tullamarine
CNS
Cairns Intl.
AU$280 Return, found 1 day ago
AU$280
Return
found 1 day ago
Select Jetstar flight, departing Tue., 23 Apr. from Tullamarine to Cairns Intl., returning Thu., 25 Apr., priced at AU$280 found 1 day ago
Jetstar
Thu., 25 Apr. - Sat., 27 Apr.
MEL
Tullamarine
CNS
Cairns Intl.
AU$289 Return, found 1 day ago
AU$289
Return
found 1 day ago
Select Jetstar flight, departing Thu., 25 Apr. from Tullamarine to Cairns Intl., returning Sat., 27 Apr., priced at AU$289 found 1 day ago

Best Day to Book Flight from Melbourne (MEL) to Cairns (CNS)

Melbourne to Cairns Flight Information

Find the Cheapest Flights from Melbourne (MEL) to Cairns (CNS)

Work hard, travel harder! Wotif brings you the cheapest Melbourne to Cairns flights, making it possible to have a five star holiday without that five star price tag. Browse and compare our top MEL to CNS routes and airport options. So, go ahead and treat yourself, your sweetheart, or the kids to an unforgettable holiday this year.

Melbourne to Cairns Information

Traveling From
Tullamarine
Origin Airport
Melbourne
Origin Airport IATA Code
MEL
Traveling To
Cairns Intl.
Destination Airport
Cairns
Destination Airport IATA Code
CNS
Number of Airlines Serving
12
Average Flight Time
3 hours 21 mins
Direct Flight Time
3 hours 15 mins
Flight Price
AU$259

Frequently asked questions

How long is the flight from MEL to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS)?
So, you’re flying from Melbourne to Cairns? Then you’ll have roughly 3 hours and 21 minutes to while away. Stuff your carry-on with plenty of entertainment, as well as your trusty neck pillow, and time will zoom by.
What airlines fly direct from MEL to CNS?
The only thing standing between you and Cairns is just one, seamless flight (and maybe a few cold ones from the drinks cart). You can fly directly from MEL to CNS with a range of airlines, including Jetstar and Virgin Australia.
How many flights are there from Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to Cairns Airport?
If you have to head to Cairns on the double, you just got lucky. All you need to do is choose one of the 8 flights that operate between MEL and CNS every day.
What are the cheapest days to fly?
Here’s an insider tip: Monday is typically the cheapest day to fly! Looking at flight demand on Wotif in 2021, we found that flights departing on a Monday generally had the lowest average price, closely followed by flights on a Saturday. You might want to think twice about flying on a Thursday though; generally, our data showed that it had the highest average ticket price.
What is the best day to buy a plane ticket?
Guess what? It turns out that early in the week is the best time to score the cheapest plane tickets. Looking at flight demand on Wotif in 2021, we found that flights purchased on a Monday had the lowest airfares on average. Booking your plane ticket on the weekend also seems to score pretty good deals. However, airfares purchased on a Friday generally have a higher than average ticket value, so you might want to prepare your budget if you’re booking on that day.
What is the cheapest month to fly?
When comparing airfares booked through Wotif in 2021, our data shows February is one of the cheapest months to fly. On the other hand, the month of December can be one of the most expensive times to travel, with the highest average ticket price, so it’s best to get in early if December is your preferred travel month.
How far in advance can you book a flight?
Trying to figure out how early you should book your flight? It’s possible to start comparing international airfares on Wotif up to 12 months in advance. However, it does depend on the carrier as not all airlines release their prices that far out. According to Wotif’s 2021 flight demand trends, you can bag a bargain with some of the cheapest airfares appearing just 1 week prior to travel.*According to flight demand on Wotif.com from January to December 2021. Savings are subject to change and may vary depending on selections made.
Address:
Cairns QLD,
Australia
IATA code:
CNS
Longitude:
145.754041
Latitude:
-16.876538
Time zone:
Australia/Brisbane
Address:
Melbourne VIC,
Australia
IATA code:
MEL
Longitude:
144.843013
Latitude:
-37.673295
Time zone:
Australia/Sydney

Melbourne to Cairns Flight Deals from AU$259

Considering a quick trip to Cairns, but not sure which is the best route for you? Well, you’re in luck! Wotif has done the hard work, so all you need to do is check out these flights from MEL to CNS. With heaps of cheap fares from Melbourne, we guarantee you’ll be arriving to your holiday destination in style without emptying your bank account in the process.

It’s easy to book flights to Cairns from Melbourne  

For a huge choice of flights, simply enter your travel dates and hit search and we’ll hunt out fantastic deals on one-way, return and multi-city airfares to Cairns from Melbourne from 10 different airlines. If you click the ‘direct flights’ box, you see flights that’ll get you to Cairns in just 3 hour(s) and 15 mins, too.   

Snap up great deals on flights to Cairns from Melbourne 

Choose from 19 flights a day on average, with prices starting at AU$259 and rising to AU$289 depending on the cabin class, travel dates, and airline carrier. And if you’re up for a last-minute getaway, you can get great deals on flights from Melbourne to Cairns today!  

Find cheap airfares to Cairns from Melbourne 

Here are our insider tips for bagging a flight bargain: 

  • Look for midweek flights and late night, early morning arrival and departure times
  • Check out other airports near Melbourne and Cairns
  • Avoid peak season (prices tend to be lower in April)
  • Be flexible with your travel dates and you can usually get cheaper options  

Reasons to book your flights to Cairns from Melbourne with Wotif

Wotif is a super-easy way to find the best flight for you to Cairns. Get more bang for your buck on flight and hotel or car rental combos and download the free Wotif app to tap into exclusive deals. Book now with Wotif and have a great flight!

 

Great places to stay after flight from Melbourne to Cairns

Cairns Colonial Club Resort
Cairns Colonial Club Resort
4 out of 5
18-26 Cannon Street, Manunda, QLD
The price is AU$123 per night from 19 Mar to 20 Mar
AU$123
per night
19 Mar - 20 Mar
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
7.6/10 Good! (997 reviews)
"Nice venue and room. But I actually put parking as one of my filters for accommodation. There was a map with accommodation marked within 20m, however it was too full and I had to park in another section and dragged my suitcase through gravel, in the rain(not their fault), for about 100m. Not a happy ..."

Reviewed on 7 Mar. 2024

Cairns Colonial Club Resort
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns
4.5 out of 5
121-123 The Esplanade & Florence St, Cairns, QLD
The price is AU$212 per night from 27 Mar to 28 Mar
AU$212
per night
27 Mar - 28 Mar
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Cairns. Enjoy 2 restaurants, breakfast, and a children's pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"First class all the way!"

Reviewed on 17 Feb. 2024

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
5 out of 5
Pierpoint Road, Cairns, QLD
The price is AU$275 per night from 9 Mar to 10 Mar
AU$275
per night
9 Mar - 10 Mar
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"If you are looking for a year place to stay on the Maria in Cairrns, you can't go wrong here."

Reviewed on 1 Mar. 2024

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
See all 1,230 properties in Cairns Intl.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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^Savings based on all package bookings made with Flight + Hotel on Wotif.com from , as compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings will vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and selected travel supplier(s). Savings not available on all packages.