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Cheap Flights from Melbourne to Cairns

Compare Melbourne to Cairns flight deals

Find the cheapest month or even day of the year to fly to Cairns

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Flight deals from Melbourne to Cairns

Looking for a cheap last-minute deal or the best return flight from Melbourne to Cairns? Find the lowest prices on one-way and return tickets right here.
Cairns.$183 per passenger.Departing Sat, 24 May, returning Sun, 1 Jun.Return flight with Jetstar.Outbound direct flight with Jetstar departs from Melbourne Tullamarine on Sat, 24 May, arriving in Cairns.Inbound direct flight with Jetstar departs from Cairns on Sun, 1 Jun, arriving in Melbourne Tullamarine.Price includes taxes and charges.From $183, select.
Cairns.$184 per passenger.Departing Sat, 24 May, returning Wed, 28 May.Return flight with Jetstar.Outbound direct flight with Jetstar departs from Melbourne Tullamarine on Sat, 24 May, arriving in Cairns.Inbound direct flight with Jetstar departs from Cairns on Wed, 28 May, arriving in Melbourne Tullamarine.Price includes taxes and charges.From $184, select.
Cairns.$186 per passenger.Departing Tue, 10 Jun, returning Sun, 15 Jun.Return flight with Jetstar.Outbound direct flight with Jetstar departs from Melbourne Tullamarine on Tue, 10 Jun, arriving in Cairns.Inbound direct flight with Jetstar departs from Cairns on Sun, 15 Jun, arriving in Melbourne Tullamarine.Price includes taxes and charges.From $186, select.
Cairns.$192 per passenger.Departing Sun, 27 Apr, returning Mon, 5 May.Return flight with Jetstar.Outbound direct flight with Jetstar departs from Melbourne Tullamarine on Sun, 27 Apr, arriving in Cairns.Inbound direct flight with Jetstar departs from Cairns on Mon, 5 May, arriving in Melbourne Tullamarine.Price includes taxes and charges.From $192, select.
Cairns.$195 per passenger.Departing Tue, 29 Apr, returning Tue, 10 Jun.Return flight with Jetstar.Outbound direct flight with Jetstar departs from Melbourne Tullamarine on Tue, 29 Apr, arriving in Cairns.Inbound direct flight with Jetstar departs from Cairns on Tue, 10 Jun, arriving in Melbourne Tullamarine.Price includes taxes and charges.From $195, select.
Cairns.$216 per passenger.Departing Wed, 14 May, returning Mon, 21 Jul.Return flight with Jetstar.Outbound direct flight with Jetstar departs from Melbourne Tullamarine on Wed, 14 May, arriving in Cairns.Inbound direct flight with Jetstar departs from Cairns on Mon, 21 Jul, arriving in Melbourne Tullamarine.Price includes taxes and charges.From $216, select.
Cairns.$219 per passenger.Departing Wed, 11 Jun, returning Thu, 3 Jul.Return flight with Jetstar.Outbound direct flight with Jetstar departs from Melbourne Tullamarine on Wed, 11 Jun, arriving in Cairns.Inbound direct flight with Jetstar departs from Cairns on Thu, 3 Jul, arriving in Melbourne Tullamarine.Price includes taxes and charges.From $219, select.
Cairns.$229 per passenger.Departing Tue, 29 Apr, returning Wed, 30 Apr.Return flight with Jetstar.Outbound direct flight with Jetstar departs from Melbourne Tullamarine on Tue, 29 Apr, arriving in Cairns.Inbound direct flight with Jetstar departs from Cairns on Wed, 30 Apr, arriving in Melbourne Tullamarine.Price includes taxes and charges.From $229, select.

Find the cheapest month to fly from Melbourne to Cairns

We’re always keeping an eye on fares, so you can find the best one in seconds. It looks like Melbourne to Cairns flights are currently cheapest in May.
Apr
from $229
May
from $184
Jun
from $186
Jul
from $231
Aug
from $231
Sep
from $233
Oct
from $233
Nov
from $234
Dec
from $243
Jan
from $301
Feb
from $273
Mar
from $251

Direct flights from Melbourne to Cairns

Melbourne to Cairns: Alternative routes

Compare routes from Melbourne to Cairns below. You may find an airport to fly into that's cheaper, faster, or easier than Cairns.

Melbourne to Cairns: Flight information

The things to know before you go.
Cheapest flight found$183
Cheapest month to flyMay
Average flight time3 hrs, 24 mins
Most popular airlineQantas
Average flights per week162

Finding cheap flights from Melbourne to Cairns: Frequently asked questions

The best price we found for a return flight from Melbourne to Cairns is $183. This is an estimate based on information collected from different airlines and travel providers over the last 4 days and is subject to change and availability.
3 hours and 24 minutes is the average flight time from Melbourne to Cairns.
Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia fly direct from Melbourne to Cairns.
As of April 2025, there are 324 flights per week flying from Melbourne to Cairns.
The cheapest month to fly from Melbourne to Cairns is usually April 2025.
After crunching the numbers on our flight calendar, we found that it is currently cheapest to fly from Melbourne to Cairns Airport on Saturday, 24 May 2025.
Yes – the average flight time is 3 hours and 24 minutes.
We show every price from over 1,200 airlines and travel agents, comparing them all so you don’t have to. If you know you want to fly to Cairns but you’re not ready to book, set up a Price Alert. We’ll track prices for you, and let you know when they rise or fall.
We crunched all the numbers in our flight calendar and it looks like the cheapest time to book a flight to Cairns is around 40 days in advance, so don’t leave your flight to the last minute.
The cheapest airline that flies to Cairns is Jetstar .

Top tips for finding a cheap flight from Melbourne to Cairns

Maximise savings on your trip from Melbourne to Cairns by searching across the Whole Month on Skyscanner. This feature helps pinpoint the cheapest day to book your flight by comparing a broad date range.

To keep an eye on fluctuating fares, set up a Price Alert. You'll be the first to know when prices drop, ensuring you secure your tickets at the best possible rate.

Travellers who prioritise efficiency can exclusively filter results for Direct Flights to avoid any stopovers.

Cheap tickets from Melbourne to Cairns are typically found in October. Taking a moment to explore options during this month might lead to considerable cost savings.

Handy information about Melbourne airport

Three airports serve Melbourne. Avalon Airport is a single-terminal facility connecting passengers on domestic routes and offering transport options such as car rentals, taxis, rideshare, and dedicated bus services.

Essendon Airport, similarly, has one terminal focusing on domestic flights, with ground transport including car rentals, taxis, rideshare, and public bus services.

Meanwhile, Melbourne Airport, known as Tullamarine Airport, is the primary international gateway and boasts four terminals. Terminal 1 is the hub for major airlines operating international routes, while Terminal 2 caters to budget carriers and some domestic flights. Terminals 3 and 4 are dedicated to domestic flights, with Terminal 4 mainly servicing interstate travel. Passengers have a range of transport options to and from Melbourne Airport, including car, taxi, rideshare services, and an airport shuttle bus, making connectivity to the city centre and beyond convenient for travellers.

Cairns airport: good to know

Cairns Airport, serving as a gateway to Queensland's tropical north, comprises two terminals. Terminal 1 caters to passengers on both domestic and international flights and offers various ground transportation options – including taxis, ride-sharing services, shuttle buses, and car rentals – to ensure travellers can easily connect to the city centre. Alongside practical services, passengers can find duty-free shops, retail offerings, and dining options to refresh and engage during their travel intermissions. Terminal 2 primarily accommodates low-cost carriers for both domestic and international routes. Similar to Terminal 1, it provides an array of ground transport facilities and amenities like retail outlets and eateries that serve the needs of budget-conscious travellers looking for accessibility and convenience. For a stress-free start to your trip when flying from Melbourne to Cairns, find out what the airports have to offer before you arrive.

Best time to fly from Melbourne to Cairns

The best time to fly from Melbourne to Cairns is during the dry season, between May and November. This period features sunny and temperate weather, ideal for outdoor activities like snorkelling and diving in the Great Barrier Reef. Visitors can enjoy the tropical environment comfortably, With temperatures between 17°C and 26°C. August is the driest month, ensuring minimal interruption to your plans from rainfall. Expect a warm welcome in Cairns, as the mild winter climate provides an excellent escape from colder regions.

Reasons to visit Cairns

When travelling to Cairns, consider immersing yourself in cultural wonders at the Indigenous Art Fair, celebrating local communities' rich heritage and contemporary creativity. Dive into adventure at the Great Barrier Reef, the planet's largest coral reef ecosystem, offering unparalleled underwater exploration. Step into ancient natural beauty at the Daintree Rainforest, a World Heritage site and a haven for diverse flora and fauna. Experience a unique journey on the Kuranda Scenic Railway, where you can witness breathtaking views as you travel through tropical mountain terrain.

Add hotel bookings and car hire to your Melbourne to Cairns flight

Planning your trip to Cairns is easy and convenient with Skyscanner. You can access trusted car hire brands such as Sixt, Jucy, and East Coast for smooth travel in and around the city. For accommodation, consider the luxurious comfort of Shangri-La The Marina, the exquisite waterfront experience at Hilton Cairns, or the Pullman Reef Hotel Casino for its proximity to entertainment. Skyscanner connects you to these options, ensuring you find the right fit for your journey.


Plan the rest of your trip from Melbourne to Cairns

Prices shown on this page are estimated lowest prices only. Found in the last 45 days.