$81 Cheap Flights from Melbourne (MEL) to Cairns (CNS)

View $81 flight on Tue, Nov 11, 2025Opens in a new window

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

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Find available prices by choosing your travel dates.

Cheap Flights from Melbourne to Cairns (MEL-CNS)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $81 for one-way flights and $161 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Jetstar
Mon, Sep 1 - Tue, Sep 9
MEL
Melbourne
CNS
Cairns
$161 Roundtrip, found 9 hours ago
$161
Roundtrip
found 9 hours ago
Select Jetstar flight, departing Mon, Sep 1 from Melbourne to Cairns, returning Tue, Sep 9, priced at $161 found 9 hours ago
Jetstar
Wed, May 7 - Wed, May 14
MEL
Melbourne
CNS
Cairns
$167 Roundtrip, found 12 hours ago
$167
Roundtrip
found 12 hours ago
Select Jetstar flight, departing Wed, May 7 from Melbourne to Cairns, returning Wed, May 14, priced at $167 found 12 hours ago
Jetstar
Sun, May 25 - Wed, May 28
MEL
Melbourne
CNS
Cairns
$172 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$172
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Jetstar flight, departing Sun, May 25 from Melbourne to Cairns, returning Wed, May 28, priced at $172 found 1 day ago
Jetstar
Mon, Sep 1 - Tue, Sep 9
MEL
Melbourne
CNS
Cairns
$186 Roundtrip, found 9 hours ago
$186
Roundtrip
found 9 hours ago
Select Jetstar flight, departing Mon, Sep 1 from Melbourne to Cairns, returning Tue, Sep 9, priced at $186 found 9 hours ago
Jetstar
Wed, May 7 - Wed, May 14
MEL
Melbourne
CNS
Cairns
$192 Roundtrip, found 12 hours ago
$192
Roundtrip
found 12 hours ago
Select Jetstar flight, departing Wed, May 7 from Melbourne to Cairns, returning Wed, May 14, priced at $192 found 12 hours ago
Jetstar
Thu, May 8 - Sun, May 11
MEL
Melbourne
CNS
Cairns
$199 Roundtrip, found 18 hours ago
$199
Roundtrip
found 18 hours ago
Select Jetstar flight, departing Thu, May 8 from Melbourne to Cairns, returning Sun, May 11, priced at $199 found 18 hours ago
Jetstar
Sun, May 25 - Wed, May 28
MEL
Melbourne
CNS
Cairns
$204 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$204
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Jetstar flight, departing Sun, May 25 from Melbourne to Cairns, returning Wed, May 28, priced at $204 found 1 day ago
Virgin Australia
Mon, Oct 6 - Fri, Oct 17
MEL
Melbourne
CNS
Cairns
$208 Roundtrip, found 5 days ago
$208
Roundtrip
found 5 days ago
Select Virgin Australia flight, departing Mon, Oct 6 from Melbourne to Cairns, returning Fri, Oct 17, priced at $208 found 5 days ago
Virgin Australia
Tue, Oct 7 - Fri, Oct 10
MEL
Melbourne
CNS
Cairns
$210 Roundtrip, found 9 hours ago
$210
Roundtrip
found 9 hours ago
Select Virgin Australia flight, departing Tue, Oct 7 from Melbourne to Cairns, returning Fri, Oct 10, priced at $210 found 9 hours ago
Qantas Airways
Wed, Dec 17 - Fri, Jan 2
MEL
Melbourne
CNS
Cairns
$412 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$412
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Qantas Airways flight, departing Wed, Dec 17 from Melbourne to Cairns, returning Fri, Jan 2, priced at $412 found 1 day ago
Flights from Melbourne (MEL) to Cairns (CNS)
Origin airport
Tullamarine
Destination airport
Cairns Intl.
Airlines serving
Jetstar, Qantas Airways, Virgin Australia
Roundtrip price
$160
Distance
1437 mi

Melbourne to Cairns Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Melbourne to Cairns

On average, Thursday can be the cheapest time to fly, according to data from the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), one of the world's biggest databases for global airline sales. The data reveals that you could save up to 16% by flying on a Thursday—the cheapest day to travel on average—instead of a Sunday—the most expensive. Some of the most affordable flights from Melbourne to Cairns are during the month of September. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Melbourne to Cairns with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

The best time to book a flight from Melbourne to Cairns

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Melbourne to Cairns: Tickets reserved on a Sunday cost between 6% and 13% less than those reserved on a Friday, according to ARC data. The data also suggests booking early can also lead to cheaper airfares. You could save 24% by buying your tickets for domestic flights at least a month in advance and 10% by booking international flights 2 months in advance.

How to find cheap round-trip tickets from Melbourne to Cairns

Being flexible with your dates and using Expedia's Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking features are some of the best ways of finding a cheap ticket from Melbourne to Cairns in 2025. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $81 one-way. Expedia also offers Price Drop Protection, so if the cost of your airfare goes down after booking, you'll receive a credit for the difference*. This is available for a small fee, and is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

Expedia's Price Tracking feature means you can stay on top of airfares without manually checking every day. It sends you automated price alerts for cheap Melbourne to Cairns flights and uses historical data to indicate when the best time to book is. Download Expedia's free app to activate this handy tool in a few easy taps.

You could also save big by booking one of Expedia's vacation packages. Bundling together your Melbourne to Cairns airfare with your accommodations and car rental is often cheaper than booking everything separately. There’s also One Key, Expedia's generous rewards program. Join for free and you could earn One Key cash on most bookings to save on future adventures.

*Terms apply.

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS) cost?
You can find cheap return flights from Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS) starting at $161. Grab a seat and start your adventure. This information is based on the cheapest price found on Expedia for this return journey departing within the next three months. This airfare is for a Jetstar flight leaving MEL on May 17 2025 and touching down at CNS. The price was last updated on April 23 2025 and has not changed since.
What is the cheapest month to fly from MEL to CNS?
The cheapest flights from MEL to CNS are usually during off-peak season, when demand is lower. To save money, avoid flying during public holidays, school breaks and major local events.
Which airlines fly direct from Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS)?
Take the express route to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS). 3 carriers offer nonstop flights from Tullamarine Airport (MEL), including:

  • Jetstar
  • Virgin Australia
  • Qantas

What is the cheapest airline that flies from MEL to CNS?
Jet off from MEL to CNS with Jetstar. This airline currently offers the cheapest one-way fare for this route, starting at $81. This fare is based on the lowest price found on Expedia departing within the next three months. The flight takes off from MEL on June 22 2025. Prices were last updated on April 23 2025 and have not changed since.
How many flights per day from Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS)?
Every day, an average of 5 nonstop flights operate from Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS). Choose the departure time that best fits your itinerary.
What are the most popular departure times for flights from Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS)?
The 6 AM departures from MEL to CNS are the most sought after. Prices can be higher for these popular slots. If you’re hoping to save money, pick a less crowded time to fly.
What day of the week has the most flights from MEL to CNS?
Friday has the most flights from Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS). Consider leaving on this day and you’ll have a greater chance of finding a departure that fits your plans.
What is the earliest flight from Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS)?
Tullamarine Airport (MEL)’s first flight to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS) leaves at approximately 6:00AM UTC+11. With a total flight time of 3h 15m, you’ll land at around 8:15AM UTC+10.
How long does it take to fly from Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS)?
It takes around 3 hours and 18 minutes to fly the 1,450 mi from MEL to CNS.
What airline has the least delays from MEL to CNS?
Consider traveling with Virgin Australia if you’d like to go straight from Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS) without any interruptions. This airline has the strongest track record for punctuality, with an on-time performance of 84%. Want real-time updates? You can check your flight status using the Expedia App.
What is the best time to fly from Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS)?
To avoid possible delays on the Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS) route, aim to fly before 3 PM. Later flights have a 22% higher chance of being canceled.**Most reliable time of the day and month to travel recommendation is based on January through August 2024 flight status data sourced from OAG’s global flight data platform.
What airports do you fly into for Cairns from Tullamarine Airport (MEL)?
Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS) is the only airport in Cairns with direct flights from Tullamarine Airport (MEL). Explore the options and discover affordable fares on Expedia.
Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS) last-minute?
Waiting until right before your break to book a ticket from MEL to CNS often results in higher prices. While you might find some last-minute discounts, there’s no guarantee. Keep your travel plans flexible for the best chance of getting a bargain.
Is it cheaper to book a MEL to CNS flight and hotel package?
Securing a MEL to CNS flight and hotel package is typically cheaper than booking separately. With Expedia, you can enjoy the ease of organizing your trip in one place. Pick from our wide range of accommodations and then add activities, car rentals and flights to your booking. Bundle it all together, and you could save hundreds of dollars.
Can I cancel or change the date of my flight from Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS)?
If you reserved your MEL to CNS 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 fare you purchased, additional charges may apply for changes beyond that time. Airline policies and contact information can be found in your itinerary or confirmation email. Or, go to our Customer Service portal for more details.

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*Available to One Key members.