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Cheap flights from Melbourne to Cairns from $120

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 4/10. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel.
MEL — CNS
2 Sep — 9 Sep1
1 adult

Cheapflights Tip: The best prices from Melbourne to Cairns are usually found in March or February, booked 69 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 28 August 2025.

Round-trip from

$236

One-way from

$120

Popular in

September

Cheapest in

March

Average price

$345
Jetstar
  • Jetstar
  • 10/9-13/9
  • Nonstop
  • 6h 45m total
  • Melbourne to Cairns
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Jetstar
  • Jetstar
  • 4/10
  • Nonstop
  • 3h 20m total
  • Melbourne to Cairns
Search Deals
Highest demand for flights based on searches. 12% potential increase in price ($75 potential increase over avg. return price).
Search Deals
Cheapest flight prices on average. 2% potential price decrease ($16 potential savings vs. average return price).
Search Deals
Average for round-trip flights in August 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 28 August 2025.

Tue 2/919:45MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 20mJetstar
Tue 9/907:00CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 30mJetstar
Deal found 27/8$236
Tue 9/917:20MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 20mJetstar
Sat 13/921:30CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mJetstar
Deal found 27/8$237
Mon 1/919:45MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 20mJetstar
Mon 8/921:30CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mJetstar
Deal found 27/8$239
Sat 11/1020:45MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 20mJetstar
Sat 18/1020:30CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mJetstar
Deal found 26/8$243
Fri 5/919:45MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 20mJetstar
Mon 8/921:30CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mJetstar
Deal found 27/8$245
Sat 13/919:45MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 20mJetstar
Tue 16/921:30CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mJetstar
Deal found 27/8$248
Wed 15/1020:45MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 20mJetstar
Sat 15/1118:30CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mJetstar
Deal found 26/8$250
Mon 8/919:45MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 20mJetstar
Fri 12/921:30CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mJetstar
Deal found 27/8$251
Sat 4/1019:45MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 20mJetstar
Mon 13/1020:30CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mJetstar
Deal found 26/8$253
Wed 10/919:45MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 20mMultiple Airlines
Sun 26/1019:50CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 27/8$254
Tue 16/920:55AVV - CNS
1 stop12h 20mJetstar
Sat 20/916:10CNS - AVV
1 stop6h 40mJetstar
Deal found 27/8$374
Tue 25/1108:10AVV - CNS
1 stop10h 20mJetstar
Sat 29/1118:05CNS - AVV
1 stop12h 30mJetstar
Deal found 27/8$376

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 28 August 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

Wed 12/11

19:45-22:05

Nonstop3h 20m

Cairns

Wed 19/11

18:30-22:55

Nonstop3h 25m

$236

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

Tue 14/10

20:45-23:05

Nonstop3h 20m

Cairns

Mon 20/10

20:30-00:55

Nonstop3h 25m

$236

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

Sat 11/10

20:45-23:05

Nonstop3h 20m

Cairns

Wed 15/10

07:00-11:30

Nonstop3h 30m

$236

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

Fri 17/10

20:45-23:05

Nonstop3h 20m

Cairns

Fri 24/10

20:30-00:55

Nonstop3h 25m

$236

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

Wed 10/9

19:45-23:05

Nonstop3h 20m

Cairns

Sat 13/9

21:30-00:55

Nonstop3h 25m

$236

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

Thu 16/10

20:45-23:05

Nonstop3h 20m

Cairns

Fri 24/10

20:30-00:55

Nonstop3h 25m

$237

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

Tue 9/9

17:20-20:40

Nonstop3h 20m

Cairns

Sat 13/9

21:30-00:55

Nonstop3h 25m

$237

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

Tue 11/11

19:45-22:05

Nonstop3h 20m

Cairns

Tue 18/11

18:30-22:55

Nonstop3h 25m

$237

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

Tue 7/10

17:20-19:40

Nonstop3h 20m

Cairns

Thu 16/10

20:30-00:55

Nonstop3h 25m

$237

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

Sat 13/9

19:45-23:05

Nonstop3h 20m

Cairns

Wed 17/9

19:50-23:20

Nonstop3h 30m

$237

Flights are sorted by cheapest return flights first.

Deals found on 26/8

Showing 1-10 of 35 results
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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 22 August 2025.

The best time to book flights from Melbourne to Cairns is 69 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 28 August 2025.

Unlike at midday, when flights are generally more expensive, you can save up to 40% 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 afternoons when fares are most often at their lowest. Tuesday at midday 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 28 August 2025.

The most flights from ME1 to CNS are scheduled on a Wednesday (22 on average). You will have fewer flight options on Sunday, which is when the least amount of flights are scheduled (15 on average).

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 28 August 2025.
See what other customers who have flown with Qantas Airways, Virgin Australia, andJetstar from Melbourne to Cairns have to say. You can also see how each airline compares in terms of entertainment options, comfort, food, crew/service, and boarding process.
Qantas Airways
7.5
Good
905 reviews
Check prices

Comfort

7.5

Entertainment

7.2

Boarding

7.7

Overall

7.5

Crew

8.2

Food

6.9

Reviews

1 / 20
2.0
Mediocre

Anonymous,July 2025

MEL - SYD

Flight cancelled 2hours before take off after checking in. Booked by airline on flight 6 hours later. No compensation or vouchers till we asked just before the flight took off.
Qantas Airways
7.5
Good
905 reviews
Qantas Airways
7.5
Good
905 reviews
Check prices

Comfort

7.5

Entertainment

7.2

Boarding

7.7

Overall

7.5

Crew

8.2

Food

6.9

Reviews

1 / 20
2.0
Mediocre

Anonymous,July 2025

MEL - SYD

Flight cancelled 2hours before take off after checking in. Booked by airline on flight 6 hours later. No compensation or vouchers till we asked just before the flight took off.
Virgin Australia
7.5
Good
415 reviews
Qantas Airways
7.5
Good
905 reviews
Check prices

Comfort

7.5

Entertainment

7.2

Boarding

7.7

Overall

7.5

Crew

8.2

Food

6.9

Reviews

1 / 20
2.0
Mediocre

Anonymous,July 2025

MEL - SYD

Flight cancelled 2hours before take off after checking in. Booked by airline on flight 6 hours later. No compensation or vouchers till we asked just before the flight took off.
Jetstar
6.5
Okay
469 reviews
Qantas Airways
7.5
Good
905 reviews
Check prices

Comfort

7.5

Entertainment

7.2

Boarding

7.7

Overall

7.5

Crew

8.2

Food

6.9

Reviews

1 / 20
2.0
Mediocre

Anonymous,July 2025

MEL - SYD

Flight cancelled 2hours before take off after checking in. Booked by airline on flight 6 hours later. No compensation or vouchers till we asked just before the flight took off.

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 19 inbound flights from Melbourne per day. 3 airlines have flights to Cairns from Melbourne on a regular basis.

  • How long is the flight from Melbourne to Cairns?

    Airlines like Jetstar fly from Melbourne to Cairns in about 3h 20m. The time it takes to get you to your destination is usually consistent. Melbourne and Cairns are separated by a distance of 2311 km. Most flights are nonstop.

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

    Our cheapest airline available from Melbourne to Cairns is Virgin Australia. Our recent data shows that you can find tickets from as low as $145 on this airline. Additional options worth looking into are Jetstar and Qantas Airways, starting at $186 and $283 round-trip. Virgin Australia is priced at 57% lower than the current average price of a flight leaving 3 months from now.

  • 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 Emirates(93%), Air New Zealand(93%) or Cathay Pacific(92%), 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 $112. While the most popular route (Melbourne - Cairns) can be booked for $213 on average our data indicates $724 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 Sydney most of the time.

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

    Sydney Opera House, The Rocks Markets, and Theatre Royal are the most popular attractions in Sydney if you're in need of something to do during your stopover. Sydney Opera House, The Rocks Markets, and Theatre Royal can be visited by traveling about 9.9 km, 9.6 km, and 8.4 km respectively from Sydney Kingsford Smith. Those looking to explore during their stopover in Sydney can hire a car from Sydney Kingsford Smith for about $61 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 Brisbane.

  • 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 Cairns?

Book flights to Cairns if you plan to visit one of these locations
Trinity Beach
Mission Beach

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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 28 August 2025.
AirlineCheapestAverageFlexibilityOn-time
Virgin AustraliaCheapest$145Average$477FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time80%
Search Virgin Australia flights
JetstarCheapest$186Average$435FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time74%
Search Jetstar flights
Qantas AirwaysCheapest$283Average$606FlexibilityNo 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?

Cheapflights goes through 900+ travel sites to look for the best flight deals for flights from Melbourne to Cairns. Too many options? Cheapflights also provides filters for things like airlines, price ranges, and number of stops to help you make a decision easily.

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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