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

View £70 flight on Tue, 1 Dec 2026Opens in a new window

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

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

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at £70 for one-way flights and £140 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Jetstar
Thu, 18 Mar - Wed, 24 Mar
MEL
Melbourne
CNS
Cairns
£140 Return, found 2 days ago
£140
Return
found 2 days ago
Select Jetstar flight, departing Thu, 18 Mar from Melbourne to Cairns, returning Wed, 24 Mar, priced at £140 found 2 days ago
Jetstar
Tue, 1 Dec - Sat, 5 Dec
MEL
Melbourne
CNS
Cairns
£145 Return, found 2 days ago
£145
Return
found 2 days ago
Select Jetstar flight, departing Tue, 1 Dec from Melbourne to Cairns, returning Sat, 5 Dec, priced at £145 found 2 days ago
Jetstar
Tue, 1 Dec - Sat, 5 Dec
MEL
Melbourne
CNS
Cairns
£158 Return, found 2 days ago
£158
Return
found 2 days ago
Select Jetstar flight, departing Tue, 1 Dec from Melbourne to Cairns, returning Sat, 5 Dec, priced at £158 found 2 days ago
Jetstar
Tue, 1 Dec - Sat, 5 Dec
MEL
Melbourne
CNS
Cairns
£163 Return, found 2 days ago
£163
Return
found 2 days ago
Select Jetstar flight, departing Tue, 1 Dec from Melbourne to Cairns, returning Sat, 5 Dec, priced at £163 found 2 days ago
Jetstar
Thu, 18 Mar - Wed, 24 Mar
MEL
Melbourne
CNS
Cairns
£165 Return, found 2 days ago
£165
Return
found 2 days ago
Select Jetstar flight, departing Thu, 18 Mar from Melbourne to Cairns, returning Wed, 24 Mar, priced at £165 found 2 days ago
Virgin Australia
Thu, 18 Mar - Wed, 24 Mar
MEL
Melbourne
CNS
Cairns
£167 Return, found 2 days ago
£167
Return
found 2 days ago
Select Virgin Australia flight, departing Thu, 18 Mar from Melbourne to Cairns, returning Wed, 24 Mar, priced at £167 found 2 days ago
Jetstar
Tue, 1 Dec - Sat, 5 Dec
MEL
Melbourne
CNS
Cairns
£169 Return, found 2 days ago
£169
Return
found 2 days ago
Select Jetstar flight, departing Tue, 1 Dec from Melbourne to Cairns, returning Sat, 5 Dec, priced at £169 found 2 days ago
Jetstar
Thu, 27 May - Fri, 28 May
MEL
Melbourne
CNS
Cairns
£174 Return, found 1 day ago
£174
Return
found 1 day ago
Select Jetstar flight, departing Thu, 27 May from Melbourne to Cairns, returning Fri, 28 May, priced at £174 found 1 day ago
Jetstar
Tue, 1 Dec - Sat, 5 Dec
MEL
Melbourne
CNS
Cairns
£174 Return, found 2 days ago
£174
Return
found 2 days ago
Select Jetstar flight, departing Tue, 1 Dec from Melbourne to Cairns, returning Sat, 5 Dec, priced at £174 found 2 days ago
Qantas Airways
Thu, 10 Dec - Mon, 14 Dec
MEL
Melbourne
CNS
Cairns
£302 Return, found 1 day ago
£302
Return
found 1 day ago
Select Qantas Airways flight, departing Thu, 10 Dec from Melbourne to Cairns, returning Mon, 14 Dec, priced at £302 found 1 day ago

Alternative airports near Cairns

Prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices and availability are subject to change.

Select flight to Cairns Intl. CNS. Cheapest and Closest option available. Average driving time to city centre is 8 minutes. Flights from £345
CNS
Cairns Intl.
CheapestClosest
Average driving time to city centre8 min
Flights from £345

Find the cheapest month to fly from Melbourne (MEL) to Cairns (CNS)

April is typically the cheapest month to fly

From £139 - £192 per traveller.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Melbourne, VIC (MEL) to Cairns, QLD (CNS) cost?
You can find one-way and return flights from Melbourne, VIC (MEL) to Cairns, QLD (CNS) with Expedia. 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 our cheapest fares first, and use the Price Tracking tool to receive alerts when MEL to CNS ticket fares go up or down.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.)?
The cheapest months to fly from MEL to CNS are typically during off-peak season when demand is low. Traveling in off-peak or shoulder months is usually a good way to secure cheap tickets, just remember to avoid flying during holidays if you are able to. Use the calendar view in your search to see which months have low fares on this route.
Which airlines fly direct from Melbourne, VIC (MEL) to Cairns, QLD (CNS)?
Enter MEL to CNS and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
How do I find cheap flights from Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.), 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 Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.)?
The best airline to fly with from Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, Jetstar offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, Jetstar typically offers the lowest fares. Virgin Australia offers the most daily flights from Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.), which is great 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 Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.)?
The best time to fly is usually mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) and during early morning hours as flights tend to be cheaper, less crowded, and generally more on-time. Avoid major holidays and peak vacation seasons for smoother travel. Combining off-peak days and hours often gives the best combination of cost, comfort, and convenience.
How many flights per day from Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.)?
You'll find around 8 nonstop flights per day from Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.). For even more choices, look at flights that include layovers, as there are approximately 85 connecting flights per day. Some common connection points include Kingsford Smith Intl. (SYD), Brisbane, QLD (BNE), and Canberra Intl. (CBR).
What is the earliest flight from Melbourne, VIC (MEL) to Cairns, QLD (CNS)?
Sort flights by "Departure (earliest)" on Expedia to find the earliest flight from Melbourne, VIC (MEL) to Cairns, QLD (CNS). To compare more early flights, use the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.
What day of the week has the most flights from Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.)?
You'll typically find the most flights from Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) on a Monday, with around 58 flights available. This gives you plenty of options for your travel plans. Major airlines on this route include Virgin Australia, Qantas Airways, and Jetstar. Flight schedules are fairly consistent throughout the week, with Monday having only slightly more flights than other weekdays.
What are the most popular departure times for flights from Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. Many major carriers, including Virgin Australia, Qantas Airways and Jetstar, offer flights during this window. Many travellers prefer this because it allows for an early arrival in Cairns, giving you more time to enjoy your destination.
How long does it take to fly from Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.)?
A nonstop flight from MEL to CNS typically takes around 3 hours 20 minutes, covering approximately 2,314 kilometers. Connecting flights on this route usually add 4 hours 30 minutes to your travel time. 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 Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.)?
Yes, you can fly business class between MEL and CNS. You can fly business class with Virgin Australia and Qantas Airways.
How do I earn miles on a Melbourne, VIC (MEL) to Cairns, QLD (CNS) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Melbourne, VIC (MEL) to Cairns, QLD (CNS) 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.
Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from Melbourne, VIC (MEL) to Cairns, QLD (CNS) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Melbourne, VIC (MEL) to Cairns, QLD (CNS) 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 Melbourne, VIC (MEL) to Cairns, QLD (CNS) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Melbourne, VIC (MEL) to Cairns, QLD (CNS) 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 Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.)?
If you booked your Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) 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
Tullamarine
Destination airport
Cairns Intl.
Airlines serving
Jetstar, Qantas Airways, Virgin Australia
Return price
£139
Distance
2300 km
Average flight time
3 hours 17 mins

Book with confidence

Compare flights from Melbourne to Cairns easily and book with confidence

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

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 Tullamarine (MEL) to Cairns Intl. (CNS)

The easiest way to view the best deals on flights from Melbourne to Cairns 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 Tullamarine to Cairns Intl. start at just £140 and range up to £302.  

To find an even better deal, try  

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

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

We cater for all flight types, cabin classes and airlines. So whether you’re booking flights from Tullamarine to Cairns Intl. 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 Melbourne to Cairns easily and book with confidence

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*Available to Expedia members.