Price observed over the last 3 months for a round trip.
Compare all flight tickets and find cheap flights from Melbourne to Cairns
The cheapest flights right now
Melbourne – Cairns
Outbound – Nov 26, 2026
direct
3h 15m Return – Dec 6, 2026
direct
3h 25m $177
yesterday
Melbourne – Cairns
Outbound – Nov 26, 2026
direct
3h 20m Return – Dec 4, 2026
direct
3h 30m $176
3 days ago
Melbourne – Cairns
Outbound – Nov 26, 2026
direct
3h 20m Return – Dec 3, 2026
direct
3h 30m $186
2 days ago
Melbourne – Cairns
Outbound – Nov 26, 2026
direct
3h 20m Return – Dec 3, 2026
direct
3h 30m $184
3 days ago
* Prices are in USD per passenger, including taxes, for a round trip. Prices are based on searches carried out within the last 72 hours. Please note that availability and ticket prices are subject to change and should not be considered as the final price quoted.
Cheapest flight tickets
$159
Average price of a round trip
$192
Average flight ticket price recorded over the last 3 months for a round trip.
Flight duration
3h24
A flight from Melbourne to Cairns takes on average 3h24.
Best time
July
According to user searches, the ideal month to go to Cairns is July.
The best flight deals for a week
Melbourne – Cairns
Outbound – Nov 26, 2026
direct
3h 20m Return – Dec 3, 2026
direct
3h 30m $186
2 days ago
Melbourne – Cairns
Outbound – Nov 26, 2026
direct
3h 20m Return – Dec 3, 2026
direct
3h 30m $184
3 days ago
Melbourne – Cairns
Outbound – Nov 25, 2026
direct
3h 15m Return – Dec 3, 2026
direct
3h 30m $181
2 days ago
Melbourne – Cairns
Outbound – Nov 25, 2026
direct
3h 15m Return – Dec 3, 2026
direct
3h 30m $179
3 days ago
* Prices are in USD per passenger, including taxes, for a round trip. Prices are based on searches carried out within the last 72 hours. Please note that availability and ticket prices are subject to change and should not be considered as the final price quoted.
Tips for finding a cheap flight from Melbourne to Cairns
Check out our tips for booking your flight to Cairns (Australia) from Melbourne (Australia) at the cheapest possible price.
Usually, the cheapest month to pick up a ticket on this route is October, with an average flight ticket price of $185 (calculation over the last two years). The most touristic season corresponds to the months of October, September and November.
For the cheapest flights, it is advisable to buy your ticket at least 45 days before the departure date.
The airline offering the cheapest flight tickets is Jetstar Airways. A ticket from the airline Jetstar Airways to Cairns costs on average $192.
The airlines that offer the most flights are Jetstar Airways, Virgin Australia and Jetstar Airways.
info departure city :
Melbourne, Australia
airports :
Tullamarine Airport (MEL)
Essendon Airport (MEB)
local time :
Melbourne is a city in the country Australia, the time zone is [[timezone]]. In Melbourne, it is currently {fromLocalTime}, the temperature is on average 16°C, with a minimum of 9°C and a maximum of 24°C.
The city of Melbourne (MEL) has 2 airport(s): Tullamarine and Essendon
destination info :
Cairns, Australia
airport :
Cairns International Airport (CNS)
local time :
Cairns is in the country Australia, the time zone is [[timezone]]. In Cairns, it is currently {toLocalTime}, the temperature is on average 23°C, with a minimum of 18°C and a maximum of 30°C.
The city of Cairns has 1 airport(s): Cairns
Useful info about Cairns
What is the least touristic period to go to Cairns?
If you want to visit Cairns during the least touristic period, choose the month of July.
What is the most popular time to travel to Cairns?
In Cairns, the most popular month is October. It is during this period that the prices offered by airlines are also the highest.
When should I book my flight from Melbourne to Cairns?
According to our data, it is recommended to book your flight 45 days before your departure. If you book your flight ticket 7 weeks before your departure, you may find a price below average. The cheapest day to book a flight from Melbourne to Cairns is Sunday.
What are the arrival and destination airports when traveling between Melbourne and Cairns?
When you leave, you can leave from Tullamarine, and you will arrive at Cairns.
How to reach Melbourne airport from the city centre?
The airport Tullamarine is located 20 km or Essendon is located 11 km from the city centre. You can access it by using public transportation, taking a taxi, or renting a car.
Are there other means of transportation to go from Melbourne to Cairns?
Airplane is the only means of transportation listed on Liligo for this journey.
Are there big differences in weather between Melbourne and Cairns?
In summer, the average temperature is 21°C in Cairns and 10°C in Melbourne. The average rainfall in summer is 31 mm in Cairns and 55 mm in Melbourne. In summer, it is warmer in Cairns and it rains less in Cairns. In winter, it is colder in Cairns and it rains more in Cairns.
