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Cheap flights from Melbourne to Cairns from $111

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a Cheapflights user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight departing on 17/6. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel.
MEL — CNS
18 Jun — 25 Jun1
1 adult

Cheapflights Tip: The best prices from Melbourne to Cairns are usually found in March or February, booked 62 days in advance, depart on a Tuesday or Wednesday and return on a Thursday

Cheap flight deals from Melbourne to Cairns

Discover tips and strategies to find the most affordable flight options for your journey from Melbourne (ME1) to Cairns (CNS). Learn about various techniques such as flexible date searches, comparing prices across and setting up price alerts. Use these methods to find the cheapest flights available for your travel needs. Data last updated 13 June 2025.

Round-trip from

$227

One-way from

$117

Popular in

July

Cheapest in

March

Average price

$333
Jetstar
  • Jetstar
  • 29/7-31/7
  • Nonstop
  • 6h 45m total
  • Melbourne to Cairns
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Jetstar
  • Jetstar
  • 18/6
  • Nonstop
  • 3h 20m total
  • Melbourne to Cairns
Search Deals
Highest demand for flights based on searches. 10% potential increase in price ($65 potential increase over avg. return price).
Search Deals
Cheapest flight prices on average. 3% potential price decrease ($18 potential savings vs. average return price).
Search Deals
Average for round-trip flights in June 2025
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Find flight deals from Melbourne to Cairns

Cheapest flights from Melbourne to Cairns
Explore the most affordable flight options available from Melbourne to Cairns. Find the lowest fares from popular airlines and budget airlines, with prices last updated on 13 June 2025.

Mon 1/917:20MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 20mJetstar
Sun 7/921:30CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mJetstar
Deal found 11/6$227
Tue 24/619:45MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 20mMultiple Airlines
Sat 28/620:25CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 30mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 10/6$272
Wed 27/806:00AVV - CNS
1 stop12h 15mJetstar
Wed 3/905:45CNS - AVV
1 stop10h 20mJetstar
Deal found 10/6$355
Thu 19/610:00MEL - CNS
1 stop8h 35mVirgin Australia
Mon 23/620:25CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 30mVirgin Australia
Deal found 12/6$388
Thu 26/610:35AVV - CNS
1 stop8h 00mMultiple Airlines
Mon 30/616:10CNS - AVV
1 stop6h 40mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 12/6$447

Cheapflights Fare Finder

Customise your flight search to find flights from Melbourne to Cairns that fit within your specific budget. Explore options based on user searches and filter the results based on your desired price range. Find flights that match your budget for a cost-effective journey. Over the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made 647,157 searches. Data last updated 13 June 2025.
Use the filters below to find and compare flights from Melbourne to Cairns that are best for you.

Fly from

Melbourne

Fly to

Cairns

Route

Depart

Return

Price

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

Mon 1/9

17:20-20:40

Nonstop3h 20m

Cairns

Sun 7/9

21:30-00:55

Nonstop3h 25m

$227

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

Tue 24/6

19:45-23:05

Nonstop3h 20m

Cairns

Sat 28/6

20:25-23:55

Nonstop3h 30m

$272

MelbourneCairns

AVV - CNS

AVVCNS

Melbourne Avalon

Wed 27/8

06:00-18:15

1 stop12h 15m

Cairns

Wed 3/9

05:45-16:05

1 stop10h 20m

$355

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

Thu 19/6

10:00-18:35

1 stop8h 35m

Cairns

Mon 23/6

20:25-23:55

Nonstop3h 30m

$388

MelbourneCairns

AVV - CNS

AVVCNS

Melbourne Avalon

Mon 1/9

20:40-08:25

1 stop11h 45m

Cairns

Sun 7/9

11:50-20:05

1 stop8h 15m

$444

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

Tue 17/6

19:45-23:05

Nonstop3h 20m

$111

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

Fri 20/6

16:20-19:45

Nonstop3h 25m

$169

MelbourneCairns

AVV - CNS

AVVCNS

Melbourne Avalon

Mon 21/7

20:55-09:15

1 stop12h 20m

$173

MelbourneCairns

AVV - CNS

AVVCNS

Melbourne Avalon

Tue 4/11

16:25-23:05

1 stop7h 40m

$239

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

Thu 26/6

08:15-18:35

1 stop10h 20m

$246

Flights are sorted by cheapest return flights first.

Deals found on 10/6

Best time to book a flight from Melbourne to Cairns

Have a flexible travel schedule? Discover the best time to fly to Cairns from Melbourne with our price prediction graph.
Estimated return price
Rates are based on past data. Find the cheapest month and day to book your flight based on your travel requirements, then search for cheap deals.

Cheapflights Insights

Everything you need to know about your flight from Melbourne to Cairns

How far ahead should I book a flight from Melbourne to Cairns?

Use this chart to determine the optimal time to book a return flight from Melbourne to Cairns. Price data was last updated on 9 June 2025.

The best time to book flights from Melbourne to Cairns is 62 days before your desired departure date. The cost of your flight will likely increase significantly if you book two weeks in advance of your flight.

What is the cheapest month to book a flight from Melbourne to Cairns?

Currently, March is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from Melbourne to Cairns (average of $166). Flying from Melbourne to Cairns in October is currently the most expensive (average of $233). There are several factors that can impact the price of a flight, so comparing airlines, departure airports and flight times can provide users with more options.

What is the cheapest time of day to fly from MEL to CNS?

Find hourly flight availability from Melbourne to Cairns. Discover flight options and departure times throughout the day, allowing you to choose a departure time that suits your schedule. Data last updated 13 June 2025.

Unlike in the morning, when flights are generally more expensive, you can save up to 39% on flights from Melbourne to Cairns by exploring options for tickets in the evening.

What is the cheapest day to fly from Melbourne to Cairns?

Use this chart to determine the cheapest time to fly return from Melbourne to Cairns. Price data was last updated on 16 December 2024.

Travellers seeking maximum savings on their Melbourne to Cairns flight should consider departing on Wednesday evenings when fares are most often at their lowest. Saturday mornings flights should be avoided if possible as fares are typically the most expensive at this time.

Weekly flight availability from Melbourne to Cairns

Explore weekly flight availability from Melbourne to Cairns. Discover flights operating on different days of the week, giving you the flexibility to choose a travel day that best fits your plans. Compare info to find the most convenient option for your journey. Data last updated 13 June 2025.

The most flights from ME1 to CNS are scheduled on a Thursday (21 on average). You will have fewer flight options on Saturday, which is when the least amount of flights are scheduled (16 on average).

Rainfall in Cairns by month

Plan your trip to Cairns by taking into account the average rainfall totals by month.

In terms of precipitation, rainfall in Cairns ranges from 20.0 - 430.0 inches per month. March is typically the wettest month, when rainfall can reach 430.0 mm. July is typically the driest time to visit Cairns when rainfall is around 20.0 mm.

Temperature in Cairns by month

Plan your trip to Cairns by taking into account the average temperature totals by month.

If weather is an important factor for your trip to Cairns, use this chart to help with planning. For those seeking warmer temperatures, January is the ideal time of year to visit, when temperatures reach an average of 27.0 C. Travellers hoping to avoid the cold should look outside of June, when temperatures are typically at their lowest (around 21.0 C).

Reviews of airlines servicing Cairns

Get insights into the airlines that provide service to Cairns. Read reviews, discover amenities, and learn about the overall travel experience offered by airlines. Use this information to make informed decisions when choosing an airline for your flight to Cairns. Reviews last updated 13 June 2025.
Qantas Airways
7.5
Good
854 reviews
Check prices

Food

6.9

Entertainment

7.1

Boarding

7.7

Overall

7.5

Comfort

7.4

Crew

8.2

Reviews

1 / 20
4.0
Okay

Hendrik Bernardus,May 2025

SYD - PER

These economy class seats must be as cramped as they can possibly get? It's almost impossible for two adults to sit next to each other. The blonde Australian air hostess at the back was rude. Despite Qantas' bad service overall I've now had a few experiences where the attitude of the team on board just makes up for their flights always being late. This was not one of those flights. The ice cream is a nice touch!
Qantas Airways
7.5
Good
854 reviews
Qantas Airways
7.5
Good
854 reviews
Check prices

Food

6.9

Entertainment

7.1

Boarding

7.7

Overall

7.5

Comfort

7.4

Crew

8.2

Reviews

1 / 20
4.0
Okay

Hendrik Bernardus,May 2025

SYD - PER

These economy class seats must be as cramped as they can possibly get? It's almost impossible for two adults to sit next to each other. The blonde Australian air hostess at the back was rude. Despite Qantas' bad service overall I've now had a few experiences where the attitude of the team on board just makes up for their flights always being late. This was not one of those flights. The ice cream is a nice touch!
Virgin Australia
7.5
Good
407 reviews
Qantas Airways
7.5
Good
854 reviews
Check prices

Food

6.9

Entertainment

7.1

Boarding

7.7

Overall

7.5

Comfort

7.4

Crew

8.2

Reviews

1 / 20
4.0
Okay

Hendrik Bernardus,May 2025

SYD - PER

These economy class seats must be as cramped as they can possibly get? It's almost impossible for two adults to sit next to each other. The blonde Australian air hostess at the back was rude. Despite Qantas' bad service overall I've now had a few experiences where the attitude of the team on board just makes up for their flights always being late. This was not one of those flights. The ice cream is a nice touch!
Jetstar
6.6
Okay
449 reviews
Qantas Airways
7.5
Good
854 reviews
Check prices

Food

6.9

Entertainment

7.1

Boarding

7.7

Overall

7.5

Comfort

7.4

Crew

8.2

Reviews

1 / 20
4.0
Okay

Hendrik Bernardus,May 2025

SYD - PER

These economy class seats must be as cramped as they can possibly get? It's almost impossible for two adults to sit next to each other. The blonde Australian air hostess at the back was rude. Despite Qantas' bad service overall I've now had a few experiences where the attitude of the team on board just makes up for their flights always being late. This was not one of those flights. The ice cream is a nice touch!

Related info for your journey

Find useful and relevant information for your journey from Melbourne to Cairns. Access travel guides, tips, and recommendations to enhance your travel experience. Get information about local attractions, weather, transportation options, and more.

  • What airport do you fly into for flights to Cairns from Melbourne?

    For a flight from Melbourne to Cairns, you will be flying into Cairns. Cairns (CNS) is just 4.4 km from the centre vof the city. Cairns is the only Cairns airport and it handles 18 inbound flights from Melbourne per day. 3 airlines have flights to Cairns from Melbourne on a regular basis.

  • What are the cheapest airlines flying from Melbourne to Cairns round-trip?

    Our cheapest airline available from Melbourne to Cairns is Jetstar. Our recent data shows that you can find tickets from as low as $227 on this airline. An additional option worth looking into is Virgin Australia, starting at $388. Jetstar is priced at 36% lower than the current average price of a flight leaving 3 months from now.

  • What are the cheapest airlines to fly from Melbourne to Cairns one-way?

    $117 is the cheapest one-way deal found within the past few days, from Jetstar. You may also be able to find cheap deals on Virgin Australia and Qantas Airways, with prices starting from $187 and $523, respectively.

  • What are the most reliable airlines from Melbourne to Cairns?

    No one likes to see their flight delayed. When booking a flight from Melbourne to Cairns consider choosing Air India(95%), Cathay Pacific(94%) or Qatar Airways(93%), as they are the most reliable in getting you off to your destination on time.

  • What are the cheapest flights from Melbourne to Cairns?

    Looking at all options, your cheapest flight can be booked for $107. While the most popular route (Melbourne - Cairns) can be booked for $224 on average our data indicates $1,193 when flying from Melbourne to Cairns.

  • Where are the most common stopover locations when flying from Melbourne to Cairns?

    Melbourne to Cairns flights have a stopover in Brisbane most of the time.

  • What are some popular things to do or see while on a stopover in Brisbane?

    Roma Street Parkland, Treasury Casino, and Queensland Performing Arts Centre are the most popular attractions in Brisbane if you're in need of something to do during your stopover. Roma Street Parkland, Treasury Casino, and Queensland Performing Arts Centre can be visited by traveling about 12.6 km, 13.0 km, and 13.5 km respectively from Brisbane. Those looking to explore during their stopover in Brisbane can hire a car from Brisbane for about $52 per day.

  • Where are the least popular stopover locations for Melbourne to Cairns flights?

    The least popular stopover on flights from Melbourne to Cairns is Sydney.

  • Can I find deals for flights from Melbourne to Cairns that include hotel bookings?

    Yes. In addition to deals on Melbourne to Cairns flights, Cheapflights offers holiday packages that include both flights and hotel.

  • How can I find direct flights from Melbourne to Cairns?

    After entering your origin and destination, apply the non-stop filter on the search result page to find direct flights from Melbourne to Cairns.

  • Can I find deals for business class flights from Melbourne to Cairns?

    Yes. Cheapflights offers flight deals from Melbourne to Cairns by cabin class. In addition to browsing deals, you can also filter by cabin class on the search results page after making a search.

  • What is the cheapest month to book a flight from Melbourne to Cairns?

    Currently, March is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from Melbourne to Cairns (average of $166). Flying from Melbourne to Cairns in October is currently the most expensive (average of $233). There are several factors that can impact the price of a flight, so comparing airlines, departure airports and flight times can provide users with more options.

See more FAQs

Travelling to a place near Melbourne?

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Top 3 airlines flying from Melbourne to Cairns

Discover the top 3 airlines that operate flights from Melbourne to Cairns. Compare their services, reliability, and customer satisfaction ratings to choose the airline that best suits your travel preferences and needs. Over the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made 647,157 searches. Data last updated 13 June 2025.
AirlineCheapestAverageFlexibilityOn-time
Virgin AustraliaCheapest$145Average$486FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time80%
Search Virgin Australia flights
JetstarCheapest$190Average$461FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time74%
Search Jetstar flights
Qantas AirwaysCheapest$289Average$576FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time74%
Search Qantas Airways flights

Fly with Cheapflights

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How does Cheapflights help users find flights from Melbourne to Cairns?

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Why should you use Cheapflights to find cheap flight tickets from Melbourne to Cairns?

Cheapflights taps into our reliable network of hundreds of airlines and travel agencies to find the best deals for flights from Melbourne to Cairns for you. Better yet — we are completely free to use.

Can Cheapflights find flights from Melbourne to Cairns with no change fees?

Need flexible booking options for your flight to Cairns from Melbourne? Don’t worry, Cheapflights have you covered. Use our search filter to only show flights with no change fees.

Can Cheapflights notify me if prices for flights from Melbourne to Cairns become cheaper?

Yes, Cheapflights has a feature called Price Alert, which notifies users when flight prices change. Track prices for your flight to Cairns from Melbourne today and book when prices fit your budget.

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