Flights From Melbourne (MEL) to Cairns (CNS) from AU$126

Change your flight without a fee on select flights

Money Saving Bundle when you purchase Hotel + Flight! 

Get mobile alerts about flight delays, gate changes and more with the FREE Wotif app

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

Airfares from Tullamarine to Cairns Intl. for one-way flights were as low as AU$126 and round trip flights were AU$252 within the past 7 days, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Jetstar
Tue., 14 May - Sat., 25 May
MEL
Tullamarine
CNS
Cairns Intl.
AU$252 Return, found 6 hours ago
AU$252
Return
found 6 hours ago
Select Jetstar flight, departing Tue., 14 May from Tullamarine to Cairns Intl., returning Sat., 25 May, priced at AU$252 found 6 hours ago
Jetstar
Tue., 14 May - Sat., 25 May
MEL
Tullamarine
CNS
Cairns Intl.
AU$262 Return, found 6 hours ago
AU$262
Return
found 6 hours ago
Select Jetstar flight, departing Tue., 14 May from Tullamarine to Cairns Intl., returning Sat., 25 May, priced at AU$262 found 6 hours ago
Jetstar
Tue., 14 May - Sat., 25 May
MEL
Tullamarine
CNS
Cairns Intl.
AU$272 Return, found 6 hours ago
AU$272
Return
found 6 hours ago
Select Jetstar flight, departing Tue., 14 May from Tullamarine to Cairns Intl., returning Sat., 25 May, priced at AU$272 found 6 hours ago
Jetstar
Tue., 17 Oct. - Sat., 21 Oct.
MEL
Tullamarine
CNS
Cairns Intl.
AU$282 Return, found 1 day ago
AU$282
Return
found 1 day ago
Select Jetstar flight, departing Tue., 17 Oct. from Tullamarine to Cairns Intl., returning Sat., 21 Oct., priced at AU$282 found 1 day ago
Jetstar
Tue., 17 Oct. - Sat., 21 Oct.
MEL
Tullamarine
CNS
Cairns Intl.
AU$286 Return, found 1 day ago
AU$286
Return
found 1 day ago
Select Jetstar flight, departing Tue., 17 Oct. from Tullamarine to Cairns Intl., returning Sat., 21 Oct., priced at AU$286 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.

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
AU$252

Frequently asked questions

Can I take a flight from Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to Cairns Airport right now?
If you’re travelling from Tullamarine Airport to CNS and want to avoid getting caught out, check the Covid-19 Travel Advisor prior to booking. It’s here you’ll find important info on your destination’s quarantine and flying restrictions.
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.
What happens if I need to change my flight booking to CNS due to COVID-19?
If your travel plans to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS) have been affected by COVID-19, you may be able to make a no-change-fee cancellation and score a credit that you can use on another flight. Sign in to your Wotif account to see if your booking is eligible. If you still have questions, our Customer Service Portal is the place to go for more info.
Does Wotif offer flights with flexible change policies?
Some airlines offer the option to change your Cairns Airport flight without a fee. That way, you won’t get stung with extra costs — but you’ll have to pay any difference between the old flight and the new one. Stress less by keeping your eye out for the “no change fees” filter when you book.
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.
If I'm planning to fly, what are some airlines that have COVID-19 measures and social distancing rules?
There are many airlines that have social distancing rules and use COVID-19 measures, including Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia. Now you can take that long overdue vacation with confidence knowing that strategies, which may include electrostatic cleaning and providing passenger masks, are in place.
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$252

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 AU$252 and rising to AU$286 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 May)
  • 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

Bohemia Resort Cairns
Bohemia Resort Cairns
3 out of 5
231 Mcleod Street, Cairns North, QLD
The price is AU$83 per night from 15 Aug to 16 Aug
AU$83
per night
15 Aug - 16 Aug
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
6.4/10 (999 reviews)
"We were only in Cairns overnight due to a flight cancellation and this property was perfect. Close to airport and great choice of food options nearby."

Reviewed on 11 Jul. 2023

Bohemia Resort Cairns
Acacia Court Hotel
Acacia Court Hotel
3.5 out of 5
223-227 Esplanade, Cairns North, QLD
The price is AU$169 per night from 24 Jul to 25 Jul
AU$169
per night
24 Jul - 25 Jul
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
6.2/10 (999 reviews)
"Hotel is dated, but you get what you pay for and so value for money. Breakfast was good. Cleaning and Breakfast staff were great, reception not so helpful. Hotel is being painted so may look better, but rooms were old and ours was very damp. 30 minutes outside Cairns CBD but nice walk along the ..."

Reviewed on 18 Jul. 2023

Acacia Court Hotel
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Pierpoint Road, Cairns, QLD
The price is AU$280 per night from 1 Aug to 2 Aug
AU$280
per night
1 Aug - 2 Aug
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"The location to everything we wanted to do was perfect. Great view from our room. Staff were excellent. Long walk from lift to our room was the only negative but not a biggie."

Reviewed on 15 Jul. 2023

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
See all 1,092 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

Flight to CNS

Flights From CNS

Other Flight Destinations

^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.