Flights from Melbourne (MEL) to Cairns (CNS)

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

Prices were available within the past 7 days for one-way flights and round trip tickets for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Jetstar
Sun, 18 Jan - Sat, 24 Jan
MEL
Tullamarine
CNS
Cairns Intl.
NZ$297 Return, found 20 hours ago
NZ$297
Return
found 20 hours ago
Select Jetstar flight, departing Sun, 18 Jan from Tullamarine to Cairns Intl., returning Sat, 24 Jan, priced at NZ$297 found 20 hours ago
Jetstar
Sun, 18 Jan - Sat, 24 Jan
MEL
Tullamarine
CNS
Cairns Intl.
NZ$307 Return, found 20 hours ago
NZ$307
Return
found 20 hours ago
Select Jetstar flight, departing Sun, 18 Jan from Tullamarine to Cairns Intl., returning Sat, 24 Jan, priced at NZ$307 found 20 hours ago
Jetstar
Sun, 18 Jan - Sat, 24 Jan
MEL
Tullamarine
CNS
Cairns Intl.
NZ$318 Return, found 20 hours ago
NZ$318
Return
found 20 hours ago
Select Jetstar flight, departing Sun, 18 Jan from Tullamarine to Cairns Intl., returning Sat, 24 Jan, priced at NZ$318 found 20 hours ago
Jetstar
Sun, 18 Jan - Sat, 24 Jan
MEL
Tullamarine
CNS
Cairns Intl.
NZ$337 Return, found 20 hours ago
NZ$337
Return
found 20 hours ago
Select Jetstar flight, departing Sun, 18 Jan from Tullamarine to Cairns Intl., returning Sat, 24 Jan, priced at NZ$337 found 20 hours ago
Jetstar
Sun, 18 Jan - Sat, 24 Jan
MEL
Tullamarine
CNS
Cairns Intl.
NZ$347 Return, found 20 hours ago
NZ$347
Return
found 20 hours ago
Select Jetstar flight, departing Sun, 18 Jan from Tullamarine to Cairns Intl., returning Sat, 24 Jan, priced at NZ$347 found 20 hours ago

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.

to Information

Traveling From
Tullamarine
Origin Airport
Origin Airport IATA Code
MEL
Traveling To
Cairns Intl.
Destination Airport
Destination Airport IATA Code
CNS
Number of Airlines Serving
Average Flight Time
 hours mins
Direct Flight Time
 hours mins
Flight Price
NZ$297

Frequently asked questions

How long is the flight from Tullamarine Airport to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS)?
The journey between Melbourne and Cairns takes on average 3 hours and 21 minutes — consider the trip ahead and bring all you need to be comfortable.
What airlines fly direct from MEL to Cairns Airport?
You won't have to bother about long stopovers or your belongings going to another part of the world. Take your pick of a number of airlines flying direct from Tullamarine Airport to Cairns Airport, such as Jetstar and Virgin Australia.
How many flights are there from Tullamarine Airport to Cairns Airport?
Fasten your seat belt, because your ride to Cairns is ready to leave. At least 8 flights operate each day between MEL and Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS).
What are the cheapest days to fly?
Here's an insider tip: Tuesday is typically the cheapest day to fly! Looking at flights booked on Wotif.co.nz in 2021, we found that flights departing on a Tuesday generally had the lowest average price. Wotif data also shows Wednesdays and Fridays generally have the highest average ticket prices according to our demand data.
What is the best day to buy a plane ticket?
Guess what? Saturday is actually the best day to score the cheapest plane tickets. Looking at flight demand on Wotif.co.nz in 2021, we found that flights purchased on Saturdays had the lowest airfares on average. Thursday, on the other hand, can be the most expensive day of the week to buy your airfare, with generally a higher than average ticket value.
What is the cheapest month to fly?
When comparing 2021 flight demand on Wotif.co.nz, September is one of the cheapest months to fly, when ticket prices are generally at their lowest. May is a close second for the cheapest time to fly. The months December and January are often the most expensive ones to travel, with higher than average ticket prices, so plan ahead and book early for your travel plans.
How far in advance can you book a flight?
Are you a super organised traveller? Even though not all airlines release their fares a year in advance, you can start researching your flights 12 months in advance for many carriers. It's good to book your international flights to popular destinations early, particularly in peak holiday periods. According to Wotif's 2021 travel trends, last minute planners can also bag a bargain with some of the cheapest fares appearing 1-2 weeks prior to travel.*According to flight demand on Wotif.co.nz 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 NZ$297

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 hour(s) and mins, too.   

Snap up great deals on flights to Cairns from Melbourne 

Choose from flights a day on average, with prices starting at NZ$297 and rising to NZ$373 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 January)
  • 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 NZ$134 per night from 2 Dec to 3 Dec
NZ$134
2 Dec - 3 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,011 reviews)
Excellent accommodation for the price. The rooms are very spacious, clean and comfortable. Amenities are great with multiple swimming pools. Plenty of parking.

Reviewed on 19 Nov 2025

Cairns Colonial Club Resort
Cairns Harbourside Hotel

Cairns Harbourside Hotel

4 out of 5
209-217 Esplanade Cairns North QLD
The price is NZ$228 per night from 24 Dec to 25 Dec
NZ$228
24 Dec - 25 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,006 reviews)
I chose this property as part of an Expedia flight-hotel bundle. It’s kind of half way in between the airport and the heart of downtown Cairns. Meaning there’s not much to walk to nearby it. Except for a fabulous Thai restaurant across the street. I probably shouldn’t put the name here as this isn’t ...

Reviewed on 22 Nov 2025

Cairns Harbourside Hotel
Cairns Sheridan Hotel

Cairns Sheridan Hotel

4 out of 5
295 Sheridan Street Cairns North QLD
The price is NZ$180 per night from 14 Dec to 15 Dec
NZ$180
14 Dec - 15 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,005 reviews)
Great hotel and it’s very close to the airport

Reviewed on 17 Nov 2025

Cairns Sheridan Hotel
See all 1,344 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.

Flights From MEL

Flights From CNS

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^Savings based on all package bookings made with Flight + Hotel on Wotif.co.nz 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.