CNS

$131 Find Cheap Flights from Melbourne to Cairns – Compare and Save

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a KAYAK user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from Melbourne to Cairns departing on 7/10. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
1 adult
1 adult, Economy, 0 bags

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Everything you should know

Cheapest return fare
$237
Typical prices: $253-$507
Jetstar
Wed 2/9Tue 8/9
MEL - CNS • Direct
Cheapest direct flights
$237
Typical prices: $253-$506
Jetstar
Sat 5/9Fri 11/9
MEL - CNS • Direct
Direct flights
You can fly direct with Jetstar, Qantas Airways, and Virgin Australia. Average duration is 3h 23m
Direct flights
Direct flights
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+1
Direct flights
Direct flights
+1
Top routes
Cheapest
Most popular
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Avoid delays
Most punctual • 87% on-time
Best time • Fewest delays
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When to book
in advance
Our data shows that travellers who book at least 4 weeks in advance save around 16% compared to booking last minute.
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KAYAK searches hundreds of sites at once to find you the best travel deals.
We hope you love your trip to Cairns!
Flight Deals
Booking Insights
Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from Melbourne to Cairns

 
Here are some of the best deals found on KAYAK recently from the most popular airlines for return flights from Melbourne to Cairns that are departing in the next months. While these flights were available on KAYAK in the last 72 hours, prices and availability are subject to change and deals may expire.
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.

Recent return flight deals from Melbourne to Cairns

Wed, 2 Sep - Tue, 8 Sep
Jetstar Logo
18:55 - 22:20
MEL
-
CNS
3h 25mdirect
Jetstar Logo
13:15 - 16:35
CNS
-
MEL
3h 20mdirect
$237Jetstar
Sat, 5 Sep - Fri, 11 Sep
Jetstar Logo
18:25 - 21:50
MEL
-
CNS
3h 25mdirect
Jetstar Logo
21:40 - 01:00
CNS
-
MEL
3h 20mdirect
$237Jetstar
Sun, 30 Aug - Tue, 8 Sep
Jetstar Logo
19:05 - 22:30
MEL
-
CNS
3h 25mdirect
Jetstar Logo
13:15 - 16:35
CNS
-
MEL
3h 20mdirect
$239Jetstar
Wed, 21 Oct - Sun, 25 Oct
Multiple Airlines Logo
20:15 - 22:40
MEL
-
CNS
3h 25mdirect
Multiple Airlines Logo
23:55 - 04:20
CNS
-
MEL
3h 25mdirect
$247Multiple Airlines
Wed, 21 Oct - Sun, 25 Oct
Multiple Airlines Logo
20:15 - 22:40
MEL
-
CNS
3h 25mdirect
Multiple Airlines Logo
23:55 - 04:20
CNS
-
MEL
3h 25mdirect
$253Multiple Airlines
Wed, 21 Oct - Sun, 25 Oct
Multiple Airlines Logo
20:15 - 22:40
MEL
-
CNS
3h 25mdirect
Multiple Airlines Logo
23:55 - 04:20
CNS
-
MEL
3h 25mdirect
$254Multiple Airlines
Sun, 25 Oct - Thu, 29 Oct
Virgin Australia Logo
21:25 - 23:55
MEL
-
CNS
3h 30mdirect
Virgin Australia Logo
19:50 - 00:15
CNS
-
MEL
3h 25mdirect
$256Virgin Australia
Fri, 25 Dec - Sun, 3 Jan
Virgin Australia Logo
21:25 - 23:55
MEL
-
CNS
3h 30mdirect
Virgin Australia Logo
23:55 - 04:20
CNS
-
MEL
3h 25mdirect
$259Virgin Australia
Tue, 5 Jan - Sat, 9 Jan
Qantas Airways Logo
14:40 - 19:15
MEL
-
CNS
5h 35m
1 stop
Qantas Airways Logo
12:35 - 18:55
CNS
-
MEL
5h 20m
1 stop
$516Qantas Airways
Tue, 5 Jan - Sat, 9 Jan
Qantas Airways Logo
13:30 - 19:15
MEL
-
CNS
6h 45m
1 stop
Qantas Airways Logo
09:15 - 16:00
CNS
-
MEL
5h 45m
1 stop
$517Qantas Airways
Booking Insights

KAYAK's insights & trends for Melbourne to Cairns flights

Get data-powered insights and trends into flights from Melbourne to Cairns to help you find the cheapest flights, the best time to fly and much more.

How much is a return flight from Melbourne to Cairns?

This analysis is based on the cheapest return trip price found on KAYAK in the last 12 months by searching for a flight from Melbourne to Cairns departing in September.

Flight prices are below average for this route right now.

Flights to Cairns from Melbourne usually cost between $252 and $416 in September.
The lowest price found in the past 5 days was $237 on Jetstar (2 Sept–8 Sept).

What is the cheapest Melbourne to Cairns flight route?

Data is based on round-trip flight searches on KAYAK over the past month.

The cheapest return flight from Melbourne to Cairns costs $158 on the route between Melbourne Airport (MEL) and Cairns (CNS). It is also the most popular route.

What’s the cheapest day of the week to fly from Melbourne to Cairns?

The average price of all round-trip flights from Melbourne to Cairns clicked on KAYAK for each day over the last 12 months.

If your flying dates are flexible, you should consider flying to Cairns on a Tuesday, as we generally find the cheapest rates on that day for this route. On the other hand, Sunday is the most expensive day to fly from Melbourne to Cairns. For your return ticket, we recommend flying on a Friday and avoiding Mondays for the best deals.

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

To calculate monthly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each month over the last year for round-trip flights from Melbourne to Cairns, removes the top 0.1% to account for outliers, and then takes the median of all values for each month.

The cheapest month for flights from Melbourne to Cairns is February, where tickets cost $254 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are June and July, where the average cost of round-trip tickets is $440 and $372 respectively.

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

To calculate weekly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each week before departure over the last year for round-trip flights from Melbourne to Cairns, removes the top 0.1% to account for outliers, and then takes the average of all the values for each week.

To get a below average price on the flight from Melbourne to Cairns, you should book around 4 weeks before departure, which saves you about 16% compared to booking last minute. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 13 weeks before departure.

Good to know

Cheapest flight

$131
Flight from Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) to Cairns

When to book flights from Melbourne to Cairns

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel from Melbourne to Cairns based on our flight data from the last year. Discover the cheapest month and even day to fly.
Estimated return price
KAYAK looks at all historical flight data for each date to provide a predicted price for one-way trips or returns with a duration up to 40 days. While we try to provide actual minimum prices for each date, some prices are predictions and actual prices may differ.

Flights from Melbourne to Cairns: the best tips from KAYAK users' own experiences

Insights shared by verified travellers who flew the route from Melbourne to Cairns 
TimothyFlew with Jetstar
MEL
-
CNS
June 2026
Pack your own device, noise cancelling head phones, free water and a spine board to protect back from person behind,
AndrewFlew with Virgin Australia
MEL
-
CNS
June 2025
Save up and fly business. Sounds ridiculous,but if you are tall, it would be better.

FAQs for booking flights from Melbourne to Cairns

  • What is the cheapest flight from Melbourne to Cairns?

    In the last 5 days, the lowest price for a flight from Melbourne to Cairns was $131 for a one-way ticket and $237 for a return.

  • Which airports will I be using when flying from Melbourne to Cairns?

    Melbourne is served by 2 major airports and there is only 1 main airport in Cairns. You will leave Melbourne from one of these airports: Melbourne Avalon or Melbourne. You will be arriving at Cairns.

  • Which aircraft models fly most regularly from Melbourne to Cairns?

    We unfortunately don’t have that data for this specific route.

  • Which airline alliances offer flights from Melbourne to Cairns?

    oneworld is the only airline alliance operating flights between Melbourne and Cairns.

  • How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from Melbourne to Cairns?

    KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights from Melbourne to Cairns.

  • How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket from Melbourne to Cairns?

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to Cairns from Melbourne is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

  • What is the Hacker Fare option on flights from Melbourne to Cairns?

    Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional return ticket. You could then fly to Cairns with an airline and back to Melbourne with another airline.

  • What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight from Melbourne to Cairns?

    Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying to Cairns from Melbourne up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

Prefer to fly direct from Melbourne to Cairns?

 
Direct data is based off flight results for the next 60 days. Find direct flights from all airlines flying direct from Melbourne to Cairns.
Find which airlines fly direct from Melbourne to Cairns Airport, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Direct departures

Melbourne to Cairns

Monday

Jetstar,Qantas Airways,Virgin Australia

Jetstar,Qantas Airways, +1 more

Tuesday

Jetstar,Qantas Airways,Virgin Australia

Jetstar,Qantas Airways, +1 more

Wednesday

Jetstar,Qantas Airways,Virgin Australia

Jetstar,Qantas Airways, +1 more

Thursday

Jetstar,Qantas Airways,Virgin Australia

Jetstar,Qantas Airways, +1 more

Friday

Jetstar,Qantas Airways,Virgin Australia

Jetstar,Qantas Airways, +1 more

Saturday

Jetstar,Qantas Airways,Virgin Australia

Jetstar,Qantas Airways, +1 more

Sunday

Jetstar,Qantas Airways,Virgin Australia

Jetstar,Qantas Airways, +1 more

See more direct flights

Direct returns

Cairns to Melbourne

Monday

Jetstar,Qantas Airways,Virgin Australia

Jetstar,Qantas Airways, +1 more

Tuesday

Jetstar,Qantas Airways,Virgin Australia

Jetstar,Qantas Airways, +1 more

Wednesday

Jetstar,Qantas Airways,Virgin Australia

Jetstar,Qantas Airways, +1 more

Thursday

Jetstar,Qantas Airways,Virgin Australia

Jetstar,Qantas Airways, +1 more

Friday

Jetstar,Qantas Airways,Virgin Australia

Jetstar,Qantas Airways, +1 more

Saturday

Jetstar,Qantas Airways,Virgin Australia

Jetstar,Qantas Airways, +1 more

Sunday

Jetstar,Qantas Airways,Virgin Australia

Jetstar,Qantas Airways, +1 more

See more direct flights

Reviews of the top 3 airlines flying from Melbourne to Cairns

 
See real verified KAYAK customer reviews for airlines flying from Melbourne to Cairns. Airline scores are aggregated from all reviews left by passengers on KAYAK after flying with an airline. KAYAK doesn’t show reviews that are older than 5 years. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.
Need help choosing which airline to fly with from Melbourne to Cairns? KAYAK airline reviews give an overall score for each airline based on loads of factors, including comfort, boarding, in-flight entertainment and more, to make your decision easier. See airline scores according to verified KAYAK customer reviews.
7.6
Virgin AustraliaOverall score based on 466 reviews
7.5Comfort
8.2Crew
7.8Boarding
6.4Entertainment
6.4Food
Airline reviews

Very good it will be my choice of airline while in Australia.

10.0 ExcellentAndrea, July 2026
MEL - OOL
Read more Virgin Australia reviews

Very good it will be my choice of airline while in Australia.

I bought flights in August and there wasn’t a flight in the system

Overall experience was good but what really impressed me the most was the care the flight attendants took of a sick passenger who was sitting in front of me. The flight attendants would come and check on her quite regularly providing her support and comfort. Brilliant service!

Very good… seems the virgin staff particularly in the lounge and in flight exceeded expectations.

Check-in was good and efficient, Boarding was quick and easy. Didn't like the entertainment side of things requiring your phone to connect for a screen, my eyes are bad enough to use my phone more than I already do. Trip was comfortable and baggage claim was good. If coffee and tea were free, then why not a soda or juice as well, its not like its an alcoholic drink.

The level of incompetence of this airline is truly astounding.

2 hrs + delay! Times kept changing, Onboard menu was half depleted, Entertainment wifi was N/A Overall very frustrating flight and I never slate Virgin.

When I made the booking I was not aware I had to book our checked baggage separately. As we had no checked luggage booking, I had to pay A$120 per bag (total 2 bags) so you can imagine I was not pleased. I am an experienced traveller so something needs to be done to improve the booking app,

Last 10 minutes boarding they canceled the flight and didn’t organise anything

On time, lovely crew, economy-X seating worth the $ for the legroom. In flight entertainment not working, but I wasn’t going to use it anyway. Never had a bad Virgin experience.

Flight was 2.5 hours late leaving. We spent 50 minutes of that sitting on the plane with no explanation. They did reduce the time in the air so we arrived a little less late which was something. The cheese and crackers were okay but the wine was terrible.

Delayed QF59 flight once again, Qantas doesn't fail in maintaining there delayed departures and arrivals. USB points do not work nor do the power point sockets on the plane, Qantas staff admitted that on the flight. Don't expect to your charge devices. Saving grace, was the ice cream. Bottom line, if you expect to fly to HND and make it on time avoid Qantas and if you're interested in ice cream - visit 7/11.

Airport and crew experience was excellent. We had to queue for the runway - no one’s fault, but it did mean we were 30 minutes late leaving

I love flying with Qantas. There was no onscreen entertaining on this flight, and only a snack provided (not a meal) but still better than Jetstar or Virgin (in my opinion) so still happy.

Flight was cancelled about 1.5 hours before departure. Replacement flight provided scheduled 1 hour later. Late boarding, late departure and arrived Melbourne nearly 2 hours after originally scheduled.

Plane a little late departing, but not an issue. The pilots humour when he said “I will try to make up some time…. I know a few short cuts to Adelaide” made the passengers chuckle. This is what makes Qantas “Australian”.

No internet on international flights in this dsy and age is bad.

The international flight from Sydney to Dallas had great food. I have travelled a lot over the years and this has been the most memorable in my experience so far.

Initial flight was cancelled so moved to an alternative flight. As a result, stuck in a middle seat. Flight then place in holding pattern prior to landing resulting in a very late trip home.

I really appreciated the fact that when I checked my bags at the Quantas counter after arriving from an international flight an hour early, the agent noticed I had a very long layover. He then found an earlier flight that allowed me to get to Cairns several hours earlier than I planned. That was amazing because I had already traveled over 20 hours and wasn’t looking forward to such a long layover. It allowed me to see my daughter and grandchildren much earlier (it had been two years since I visited last).

Knees in back from passenger behind, limited seat pockets, no entertainment.

The Ryanair of Australia. Not impressed. Forced me to gate check my bag as it was over their weight limit. Charged me $125 for the privilege. Then said plane hold was locked and it would have to go out in the next flight, which was the following day. Explained that I was on a cruise the next day and the plane would not arrive until after the ship left, and that it would be impossible to catch up with the cruise at any point. Lady at the gate unimpressed. So to sum up they were ready to charge me $125 to lose a bag. Finally got it resolved by appealing to management, but the whole episode was not good for the blood pressure. The gate lady said they followed the Ryanair business model which means first time passengers get penalized for doing things that other airlines routinely allow.

Great. Seats are a little cramped with only a very small recline. Service was great. Food was fine.

Flight was delayed both directions but once in the air was ok. Boarding out of Melbourne is just a mess.

Delayed twice. Poor communication and people made to change gates too often.

Late leaving and desintuon board showed ‘gate closed’ when they hadn’t even commenced boarding!

Fabulous I have no issues with JetStar great service always use them to fly

There's a reason why fare is cheap, no amenities.

My Dad needed assistance to board the plane. The Jetstar staff were excellent with him and made the experience a lot easier😁

Plane was late leaving darwin so we didn’t get home till 1130pm 2nd time in a fortnight that has happened. Hard when you have to work the next day

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

Other airlines flying from Melbourne to Cairns

Flights from the other most popular airlines that fly from Melbourne to Cairns according to KAYAK users. Prices are the lowest found on KAYAK over the last 7 days. Price and availability are not guaranteed.