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Cheap flights from Melbourne Airport to Cairns from £59

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 30/7. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel.
MEL — CNS
9 Jul — 16 Jul1
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 Friday or Tuesday and return on a Wednesday

Cheap flight deals from Melbourne to Cairns

Discover tips and strategies to find the most affordable flight options for your journey from Melbourne (MEL) 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 4 July 2025.

Round-trip from

£117

One-way from

£59

Popular in

July

Cheapest in

March

Average price

£226

Good round-trip deal

£120 or less

Good one-way deal

£80 or less
Jetstar
  • Jetstar
  • 7/8-13/8
  • Nonstop
  • 6h 45m total
  • Melbourne to Cairns
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Jetstar
  • Jetstar
  • 30/7
  • Nonstop
  • 3h 20m total
  • Melbourne to Cairns
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Highest demand for flights based on searches. 11% potential increase in price (£15 potential increase over avg. return price).
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Cheapest flight prices on average. 3% potential price decrease (£5 potential savings vs. average return price).
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Average for round-trip flights in July 2025
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Price to beat on a round-trip flight from Melbourne to Cairns.
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Price to beat on a one-way flight from Melbourne to Cairns.
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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 4 July 2025.

Thu 7/819:45MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 20mJetstar
Wed 13/821:30CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mJetstar
Deal found 2/7£117
Fri 26/1221:25MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 30mVirgin Australia
Sun 28/1219:50CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mVirgin Australia
Deal found 3/7£154
Sun 17/819:45MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 20mMultiple Airlines
Sun 24/806:00CNS - MEL
1 stop5h 20mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 2/7£193

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 858,174 searches. Data last updated 4 July 2025.
Use the filters below to find and compare flights from Melbourne Airport to Cairns that are best for you.

Fly from

Melbourne

Fly to

Cairns

Route

Depart

Return

Price

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

Thu 7/8

19:45-23:05

Nonstop3h 20m

Cairns

Wed 13/8

21:30-00:55

Nonstop3h 25m

£117

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

Fri 26/12

21:25-23:55

Nonstop3h 30m

Cairns

Sun 28/12

19:50-00:15

Nonstop3h 25m

£154

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

Sun 17/8

19:45-23:05

Nonstop3h 20m

Cairns

Sun 24/8

06:00-11:20

1 stop5h 20m

£193

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

Wed 30/7

19:45-23:05

Nonstop3h 20m

£59

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

Sun 19/10

06:05-08:30

Nonstop3h 25m

£77

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

Mon 15/12

08:25-10:45

Nonstop3h 20m

£129

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

Tue 15/7

23:55-20:55

3 stops21h 00m

£470

Flights are sorted by cheapest return flights first.

Deals found on 2/7

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 Airport to Cairns

How far ahead should I book a flight from Melbourne Airport 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 27 June 2025.

The price you pay for your flight from Melbourne Airport to Cairns may vary depending on when you book. For the best chance of a lower fare, look to book 69 days in advance of your trip. Fares are likely to increase a fortnight or so before your departure date.

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

Currently, March is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from Melbourne Airport to Cairns (average of £1,372). Flying from Melbourne Airport to Cairns in July is currently the most expensive (average of £2,027). 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 4 July 2025.

Unlike in the morning, when flights are generally more expensive, you can save up to 33% on flights from Melbourne Airport to Cairns by exploring options for tickets in the afternoon.

Weekly flight availability from Melbourne Airport 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 4 July 2025.

The most flights from MEL to CNS are scheduled on a Tuesday (25 on average). You will have fewer flight options on Monday, which is when the least amount of flights are scheduled (20 on average).

How much does it cost for a return flight from Melbourne Airport to Cairns?

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 4 July 2025.
Get a feel of what it's like to fly with Qantas Airways, Virgin Australia, andJetstar from Melbourne Airport to Cairns by reading reviews from past customers. Users have also rated airlines in terms of entertainment options, comfort, food, crew/service, and boarding process.
Qantas Airways
7.5
Good
872 reviews
Check prices

Comfort

7.4

Boarding

7.7

Entertainment

7.1

Overall

7.5

Crew

8.2

Food

6.9

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
872 reviews
Qantas Airways
7.5
Good
872 reviews
Check prices

Comfort

7.4

Boarding

7.7

Entertainment

7.1

Overall

7.5

Crew

8.2

Food

6.9

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
408 reviews
Qantas Airways
7.5
Good
872 reviews
Check prices

Comfort

7.4

Boarding

7.7

Entertainment

7.1

Overall

7.5

Crew

8.2

Food

6.9

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
6.5
Okay
455 reviews
Qantas Airways
7.5
Good
872 reviews
Check prices

Comfort

7.4

Boarding

7.7

Entertainment

7.1

Overall

7.5

Crew

8.2

Food

6.9

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?

    Cairns (CNS), located 2.8 mi from the city center, is the airport you fly into when you book flights from Melbourne to Cairns. 2 airlines have flights to Cairns from Melbourne on a regular basis. Booking flights from Melbourne to Cairns should not be difficult; the airport handles an average of 22 inbound flights from Melbourne per day.

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

    Flying on Jetstar is currently your cheapest option to Cairns, with prices starting at £117. Another option worth looking into is Virgin Australia, starting at £154 return. Jetstar is priced at 30% lower than the current average price of a flight leaving 3 months from now.

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

    To fly one-way, consider booking your trip with Jetstar, which is currently one of the cheapest options available, starting at £59. Virgin Australia flights start at £77 while deals on Qantas Airways start at £129 one-way.

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

    Consider Air India (93%), Etihad Airways (91%) or Cathay Pacific (90%) when booking your flight. These represent the most reliable airlines when flying from Melbourne Airport to Cairns.

  • What are the cheapest flights from Melbourne Airport to Cairns?

    The cheapest flight price from Melbourne Airport to Cairns is £76. On average you can expect to pay £114. The most popular route, (Melbourne - Cairns), can usually be booked for £125.

  • 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 Airport to Cairns?

    Currently, March is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from Melbourne Airport to Cairns (average of £1,372). Flying from Melbourne Airport to Cairns in July is currently the most expensive (average of £2,027). 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

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Alternative routes for Melbourne to Cairns

See prices for flight routes from nearby airports that may be better suited for you.
Melbourne to Coolangatta flights
Melbourne to Maroochydore flights
Melbourne to Brisbane flights

Top 2 airlines flying from Melbourne to Cairns

Discover the top 2 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 858,174 searches. Data last updated 4 July 2025.
AirlineCheapestAverageFlexibilityOn-time
Virgin AustraliaCheapest£78Average£175FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time80%
Search Virgin Australia flights
JetstarCheapest£101Average£157FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time74%
Search Jetstar flights

Fly with Cheapflights

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

When you search for this flight from Melbourne to Cairns, Cheapflights searches on 900+ travel sites to save you time finding great flight deals online. Additionally, we offer filter features so you can choose a preferred cabin class or airline, see different price ranges, and much more so you can book the flight for you.

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

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