£70 Cheap Flights from Cairns (CNS) to Melbourne (MEL)

View £70 flight on Wed, 20 May 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS) to Melbourne Airport (MEL)

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

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at £70 for one-way flights and £203 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Virgin Australia
Sat, 20 Jun - Sun, 21 Jun
CNS
Cairns
MEL
Melbourne
£203 Return, found 3 days ago
£203
Return
found 3 days ago
Select Virgin Australia flight, departing Sat, 20 Jun from Cairns to Melbourne, returning Sun, 21 Jun, priced at £203 found 3 days ago
Qantas Airways
Wed, 3 Jun - Sat, 6 Jun
CNS
Cairns
MEL
Melbourne
£233 Return, found 23 hours ago
£233
Return
found 23 hours ago
Select Qantas Airways flight, departing Wed, 3 Jun from Cairns to Melbourne, returning Sat, 6 Jun, priced at £233 found 23 hours ago
Virgin Australia
Mon, 18 May - Mon, 25 May
CNS
Cairns
MEL
Melbourne
£235 Return, found 5 days ago
£235
Return
found 5 days ago
Select Virgin Australia flight, departing Mon, 18 May from Cairns to Melbourne, returning Mon, 25 May, priced at £235 found 5 days ago
Qantas Airways
Mon, 1 Jun - Mon, 8 Jun
CNS
Cairns
MEL
Melbourne
£243 Return, found 3 days ago
£243
Return
found 3 days ago
Select Qantas Airways flight, departing Mon, 1 Jun from Cairns to Melbourne, returning Mon, 8 Jun, priced at £243 found 3 days ago
Qantas Airways
Mon, 1 Jun - Mon, 8 Jun
CNS
Cairns
MEL
Melbourne
£244 Return, found 3 days ago
£244
Return
found 3 days ago
Select Qantas Airways flight, departing Mon, 1 Jun from Cairns to Melbourne, returning Mon, 8 Jun, priced at £244 found 3 days ago
Qantas Airways
Wed, 3 Jun - Sat, 6 Jun
CNS
Cairns
MEL
Melbourne
£245 Return, found 23 hours ago
£245
Return
found 23 hours ago
Select Qantas Airways flight, departing Wed, 3 Jun from Cairns to Melbourne, returning Sat, 6 Jun, priced at £245 found 23 hours ago
Qantas Airways
Wed, 3 Jun - Sat, 6 Jun
CNS
Cairns
MEL
Melbourne
£246 Return, found 23 hours ago
£246
Return
found 23 hours ago
Select Qantas Airways flight, departing Wed, 3 Jun from Cairns to Melbourne, returning Sat, 6 Jun, priced at £246 found 23 hours ago
Jetstar
Mon, 1 Jun - Mon, 8 Jun
CNS
Cairns
MEL
Melbourne
£248 Return, found 3 days ago
£248
Return
found 3 days ago
Select Jetstar flight, departing Mon, 1 Jun from Cairns to Melbourne, returning Mon, 8 Jun, priced at £248 found 3 days ago
Virgin Australia
Tue, 25 Aug - Fri, 28 Aug
CNS
Cairns
MEL
Melbourne
£248 Return, found 2 days ago
£248
Return
found 2 days ago
Select Virgin Australia flight, departing Tue, 25 Aug from Cairns to Melbourne, returning Fri, 28 Aug, priced at £248 found 2 days ago
Virgin Australia
Tue, 25 Aug - Fri, 28 Aug
CNS
Cairns
MEL
Melbourne
£252 Return, found 2 days ago
£252
Return
found 2 days ago
Select Virgin Australia flight, departing Tue, 25 Aug from Cairns to Melbourne, returning Fri, 28 Aug, priced at £252 found 2 days ago

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) to Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) cost?
One-way flights typically cost between £218 and £1,189 and return flights often range between £714 and £1,886. Flight prices vary based on the month and day of the week you want to travel, as well as the airline and how far in advance you book your ticket. Filter your search on Expedia by "Price (lowest to highest)" to see the cheapest fares first, and use the Price Tracking tool to receive alerts when Anaa (AAA) to Toronto, ON (YYZ-Pearson Intl.) ticket fares go up or down.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) to Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine)?
November is typically the cheapest month to fly from Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) to Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine), with average return fares of approximately £393. This is about 19% lower than the average price throughout the year. November often sees lower prices as it's outside of peak holiday seasons, leading to less demand. Other cheap months to fly from Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) to Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) include May and December.
Which airlines fly direct from Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) to Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine)?
Enter CNS to MEL and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
How do I find cheap flights from Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) to Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine)?
To find a cheap flight from Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) to Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine), be flexible with your dates. Traveling outside of peak vacation months and booking a mid-week flight can help you save. Early morning and late night flights are often more affordable, too. Expedia allows you to compare flight times, airlines and routes all in one place to find low fares. You can also set up Price Tracking and receive alerts when fares go up or down.
What is the best airline to fly with from Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) to Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine)?
The best airline to fly with from Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) to Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) will differ from traveller to traveller. If you like to fly early, JQ offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, JQ typically offers the lowest fares. VA offers the most daily flights from Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) to Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine), which is brilliant if flexibility is what you value most. The best carrier for this journey could also be the one you have a loyalty membership with, as flying with that airline or another airline within the same alliance could help you collect points or enjoy lounge access.
What is the best time to fly from Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) to Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine)?
When looking for the best time to fly from Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) to Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine), it's helpful to consider both price and popularity. Based on booking data from the past year, November and December tend to be the cheapest months for a return flight, with average prices around £393. However, the most popular months for travel are January and April, which means you'll find plenty of flight options during these times. While there isn't a single month that is both cheapest and most popular, you can weigh your priorities: if saving money is key, aim for November or December; if having a wide selection of flights is more important, January or April might be better for you.
How many flights per day from Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) to Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine)?
When flying from Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) to Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine), you'll find approximately 8 nonstop flights per day. For even more choice, look at flights that include layovers, as there are around 26 connecting flights per day. Some common connection points include Unknown (BNE), Kingsford Smith Intl. (SYD), and Unknown (ADL).
What is the earliest flight from Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) to Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine)?
The earliest flight from Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) to Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) typically departs at approximately 12:55 AM local time, operated by Virgin Australia. This is a seasonal service active in June and July. An early departure like this can help maximise your time at your destination. To compare early flights on Expedia, select the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.
What day of the week has the most flights from Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) to Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine)?
If you're flying from Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) to Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine), you'll generally find the most flights on a Sunday, with around 23 flights available. This gives you plenty of options to choose from. Major airlines on this route include JQ, VA, and QF. Looking at the overall flight schedule, Sundays offer notably more flight options compared to other days of the week, making it a good day to consider for your travel.
What are the most popular departure times for flights from Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) to Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Cairns Intl. (CNS) to Tullamarine (MEL) are between 12pm and 3pm. Approximately 27% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including Qantas and Virgin Australia, offer flights during this window. This timing works well because it allows for a relaxed morning before your flight, and you'll arrive in Melbourne in the afternoon.
How long does it take to fly from Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) to Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine)?
Direct flights from CNS to MEL usually take about 3 hours 30 minutes, traveling roughly 1,438 miles. If you opt for a connecting flight, expect to add around 4 hours to your journey. Keep in mind that actual flight times can vary due to wind patterns, weather, and air traffic.
Can you fly business or first class from Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) to Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine)?
Select the "Business class" and "First class" filters when looking for CNS to MEL flights on Expedia. This is the easiest way to compare prices, routes and flight times for your trip.
How do I earn miles on a Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) to Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) to Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) flight when you book with Expedia. Before you confirm your booking, simply select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number. As a member of One Key™, you can also earn OneKeyCash™* on top of your airline miles when you book with Expedia. *Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.
What airports do you fly into for Melbourne from Cairns Intl. (CNS)?
From Cairns Intl. (CNS), you can fly directly into Tullamarine (MEL) to reach Melbourne. Some flights may connect through major hubs like BNE (BNE) before reaching Melbourne. Compare routes and airports on Expedia to find the best flight options for your travel plans.
Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) to Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) to Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) will be more expensive than booking in advance. As the departure date approaches, there are usually fewer seats available which can drive up the cost. However, if there's some wiggle room with your travel dates and times, you could bag a cheap last-minute fare.
Is it cheaper to book a Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) to Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) to Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) flight and hotel package is usually cheaper than booking separately. With Expedia, you can enjoy the ease of organizing your travels all in one place. Select from our extensive range of stays and then add flights, activities and car rentals to your booking. Bundle everything together, and you could save hundreds of dollars.
Can I cancel or change the date of my flight from Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) to Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine)?
If you booked your Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) to Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) flight within the last 24 hours, you may be able to modify or cancel it without any fees. Depending on the airline and the type of ticket you have, additional charges may apply for changes beyond this timeframe. Airline policies and contact information can be found in your itinerary or confirmation email. Or, head to our Customer Service portal if you'd like more information.

Travel information

Origin airport
Cairns Intl.
Destination airport
Tullamarine
Airlines serving
Qantas Airways, Virgin Australia
Return price
£203
Distance
2300 km
Average flight time
3 hours 27 mins

Book with confidence

Compare flights from Cairns to Melbourne easily and book with confidence

For travelling on business or for pleasure, Expedia makes it easy to book your flights from Cairns to Melbourne. Operating between them flights per day, 20 airlines cover the route. And fly direct, getting you to Tullamarine in just hours. If you have a preferred carrier, use our advanced search tool to find the right flight from Cairns Intl. to Tullamarine.  

To make things even better, in the advanced search, you can also choose to fly economy, premium economy, business or first class, select your maximum number of stops, and pick your preferred departure and arrival time. You can also opt for refundable and direct flights. 

Grab a great deal on your flight from Cairns Intl. (CNS) to Tullamarine (MEL)

The easiest way to view the best deals on flights from Cairns to Melbourne today is to enter your travel dates and hit search. From here, you can sort your results by price to see the cheapest flights first. Right now, return flights from Cairns Intl. to Tullamarine start at just £203 and range up to £252.  

To find an even better deal, try  

  • being flexible on your dates – midweek flights can be cheaper
  • looking for other airports near Cairns and Melbourne
  • booking your flight during June, the cheapest month on this route
  • varying your flight times – early morning and late at night are sometimes cheaper 

Why you should book your Cairns to Melbourne flight with Expedia!

We cater for all flight types, cabin classes and airlines. So whether you’re booking flights from Cairns Intl. to Tullamarine for a budget break or a business trip with a bit of pleasure thrown in, we make it easy to secure the seat that’s right for you.  

Thanks to our supersized inventory that offers great choice all in one place, you know you’ll get a great deal with Expedia. Especially if you bundle your flight together with your hotel, you will unlock amazing savings. For added peace of mind, you can choose flexible bookings or filter to find refundable options, so you won’t pay a fee to change your flight.  

Compare flights from Cairns to Melbourne easily and book with confidence

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