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$77+ Cheap flights from Cairns (CNS) to Melbourne (MEL)

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 8/31. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel.
CNS — MEL
jun. 17 — jun. 241
mar. 6/17
mar. 6/24
1 adult, Economy
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Cheapflights Tip: The best prices from Cairns to Melbourne are usually found in March or February, booked 44 days in advance, depart on a Saturday or Tuesday and return on a Wednesday

Cheap flight deals from Cairns to Melbourne

Discover tips and strategies to find the most affordable flight options for your journey from Cairns (CNS) to Melbourne (MEL). 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 junio 12, 2025.

Round-trip from

$154
(Jetstar)

One-way from

$77
(Jetstar)

Popular in

July

Cheapest in

March

Average price

$229

Good one-way deal

$115 or less
From Cairns to Melbourne
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One-way flight from Cairns to Melbourne
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Highest demand for flights based on searches. 15% potential increase in price ($41 potential increase over avg. RT price).
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Cheapest flight prices on average. 2% potential price decrease ($7 potential savings vs. average RT price).
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Average for round-trip flights in June 2025
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Price to beat on a one-way flight from Cairns to Melbourne.
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Find flight deals from Cairns to Melbourne

Cheapest flights from Cairns to Melbourne
Explore the most affordable flight options available from Cairns to Melbourne. Find the lowest fares from popular airlines and budget airlines, with prices last updated on junio 12, 2025.

This Jetstar deal was found by Cheapflights users on 6/9. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure Jetstar is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
vie. 7/49:30 pmCNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mJetstar
dom. 7/207:45 pmMEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 20mJetstar
Deal found 6/9$154
This Trip.com deal was found by Cheapflights users on 6/10. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure Trip.com is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
mar. 7/226:00 amCNS - MEL
1 stop7h 20mMultiple Airlines
mar. 7/227:45 pmMEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 20mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 6/10$246
This Virgin Australia deal was found by Cheapflights users on 6/10. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure Virgin Australia is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
mar. 12/239:15 amCNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mVirgin Australia
vie. 12/268:35 amMEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 30mVirgin Australia
Deal found 6/10$268
This Qantas Airways deal was found by Cheapflights users on 6/11. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure Qantas Airways is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
jue. 6/1212:15 pmCNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mQantas Airways
mié. 6/188:10 amMEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 25mQantas Airways
Deal found 6/11$605
This Booking.com deal was found by Cheapflights users on 6/12. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure Booking.com is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
dom. 7/271:40 pmCNS - MEL
2 stops43h 10mBritish Airways
dom. 8/312:05 pmMEL - CNS
2 stops24h 50mBritish Airways
Deal found 6/12$2,995

Cheapflights Fare Finder

Customize your flight search to find flights from Cairns to Melbourne 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 2,558,603 searches. Data last updated junio 12, 2025.
Use the filters below to find and compare flights from Cairns to Melbourne Airport that are best for you.

Fly from

Cairns

Fly to

Melbourne

Route

Depart

Return

Price

CairnsMelbourne

CNS - MEL

CNSMEL

Cairns

vie. 7/4

9:30 pm-12:55 am

Nonstop3h 25m

Melbourne

dom. 7/20

7:45 pm-11:05 pm

Nonstop3h 20m

$154

CairnsMelbourne

CNS - MEL

CNSMEL

Cairns

mar. 7/22

6:00 am-1:20 pm

1 stop7h 20m

Melbourne

mar. 7/22

7:45 pm-11:05 pm

Nonstop3h 20m

$246

CairnsMelbourne

CNS - MEL

CNSMEL

Cairns

dom. 11/2

7:50 pm-12:15 am

Nonstop3h 25m

Melbourne

sáb. 11/8

6:00 am-10:15 am

1 stop5h 15m

$281

CairnsMelbourne

CNS - MEL

CNSMEL

Cairns

mié. 9/3

6:00 am-11:30 am

1 stop5h 30m

Melbourne

mié. 9/3

6:30 pm-4:40 pm

2 stops22h 10m

$796

CairnsMelbourne

CNS - MEL

CNSMEL

Cairns

dom. 7/27

1:40 pm-8:50 am

2 stops43h 10m

Melbourne

dom. 8/3

12:05 pm-12:55 pm

2 stops24h 50m

$2,995

CairnsMelbourne

CNS - MEL

CNSMEL

Cairns

dom. 8/31

9:30 pm-12:55 am

Nonstop3h 25m

$77

CairnsMelbourne

CNS - MEL

CNSMEL

Cairns

dom. 11/2

7:50 pm-12:15 am

Nonstop3h 25m

$105

CairnsMelbourne

CNS - MEL

CNSMEL

Cairns

vie. 8/1

9:45 am-7:35 pm

2 stops9h 50m

$191

CairnsMelbourne

CNS - MEL

CNSMEL

Cairns

sáb. 10/4

6:00 am-5:45 pm

1 stop11h 45m

$245

Flights are sorted by cheapest round-trip flights first.

Deals found on 6/10

Best time to book a flight from Cairns to Melbourne

Have a flexible travel schedule? Discover the best time to fly to Melbourne from Cairns with our price prediction graph.
Estimated round-trip 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 Cairns to Melbourne Airport

How far ahead should I book a flight from Cairns to Melbourne Airport?

Use this chart to determine the optimal time to book a round-trip flight from Cairns to Melbourne. Price data was last updated on June 9, 2025.

The best time to book flights from Cairns to Melbourne Airport is 44 days before your desired departure date. The cost of your flight will likely increase significantly if you book two weeks in advance of your flight.

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

Currently, March is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from Cairns to Melbourne Airport (average of $1,071). Flying from Cairns to Melbourne Airport in December is currently the most expensive (average of $1,774). 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 CNS to MEL?

Find hourly flight availability from Cairns to Melbourne. Discover flight options and departure times throughout the day, allowing you to choose a departure time that suits your schedule. Data last updated junio 12, 2025.

It’s typically best to fly out from Cairns to Melbourne Airport in the afternoon. Doing so could potentially save you 33% on the flight price compared to flying in the morning, which is usually more expensive.

Weekly flight availability from Cairns to Melbourne Airport

Explore weekly flight availability from Cairns to Melbourne. 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 junio 12, 2025.

The most flights from CNS to MEL are scheduled on a Monday (20 on average). You will have fewer flight options on Sunday, which is when the least amount of flights are scheduled (14 on average).

Rainfall in Melbourne by month

Plan your trip to Melbourne by taking into account the average rainfall totals by month.

In terms of precipitation, rainfall in Melbourne Airport ranges from 1.2 - 2.4 inches per month. November is typically the wettest month, when rainfall can reach 2.4 in. March is typically the driest time to visit Melbourne Airport when rainfall is around 1.2 in.

Temperature in Melbourne by month

Plan your trip to Melbourne by taking into account the average temperature totals by month.

If weather is an important factor for your trip to Melbourne Airport, use this chart to help with planning. For those seeking warmer temperatures, January is the ideal time of year to visit, when temperatures reach an average of 68.0 F. Travelers looking to avoid the cold should look outside of July, when temperatures are typically at their lowest (around 46.4 F).

Reviews of airlines servicing Melbourne

Get insights into the airlines that provide service to Melbourne. 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 Melbourne. Reviews last updated junio 12, 2025.
Qantas Airways
7.5
Good
854 reviews

Boarding

7.7

Comfort

7.4

Food

6.9

Overall

7.5

Entertainment

7.1

Crew

8.2

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
854 reviews
Qantas Airways
7.5
Good
854 reviews

Boarding

7.7

Comfort

7.4

Food

6.9

Overall

7.5

Entertainment

7.1

Crew

8.2

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
407 reviews
Qantas Airways
7.5
Good
854 reviews

Boarding

7.7

Comfort

7.4

Food

6.9

Overall

7.5

Entertainment

7.1

Crew

8.2

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
6.6
Okay
449 reviews
Qantas Airways
7.5
Good
854 reviews

Boarding

7.7

Comfort

7.4

Food

6.9

Overall

7.5

Entertainment

7.1

Crew

8.2

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!
British Airways
6.6
Okay
7,008 reviews
Qantas Airways
7.5
Good
854 reviews

Boarding

7.7

Comfort

7.4

Food

6.9

Overall

7.5

Entertainment

7.1

Crew

8.2

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 Cairns to Melbourne. 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 from for flights from Cairns to Melbourne?

    Cairns (CNS) is the airport you will fly out of if you book a flight from Cairns to Melbourne. You should not have trouble finding flights to Melbourne from Cairns; the airport handles an average of 16 outbound flights to Melbourne per day. You should also have plenty of airline options to choose from since 1 airline has flights from the Cairns airport to Melbourne. It is only a 2.8 mi journey to Cairns (CNS) from Cairns’s city center.

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

    According to our current data, Jetstar ($154), Virgin Australia ($281), and Qantas Airways ($796) offers the cheapest pricing from Cairns to Melbourne Airport. Jetstar is currently priced 31% below the average price you’ll pay for this route.

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

    For one-way options, check prices for Jetstar. According to our data, you can fly for as low as $77. Users have also found prices from $105 and $245 on Virgin Australia and Qantas Airways, respectively.

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

    Looking for the most reliable airlines to get you to your destination on time? Our data shows these are most likely to get you from Cairns to Melbourne Airport on time: Cathay Pacific (100%), Etihad Airways (97%), Qatar Airways (97%).

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

    While on average a flight from Cairns to Melbourne Airport is generally $165, our data shows the cheapest flight currently is $76. When looking at the most popular route, (Cairns - Melbourne), you can expect to pay $331 for that flight.

  • Can I find deals for flights from Cairns to Melbourne that include hotel bookings?

    Yes. In addition to deals on Cairns to Melbourne flights, Cheapflights offers vacation packages that include both flights and hotel.

  • How can I find direct flights from Cairns to Melbourne?

    After entering your origin and destination, apply the non-stop filter on the search result page to find direct flights from Cairns to Melbourne.

  • Can I find deals for business class flights from Cairns to Melbourne?

    Yes. Cheapflights offers flight deals from Cairns to Melbourne 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 Cairns to Melbourne Airport?

    Currently, March is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from Cairns to Melbourne Airport (average of $1,071). Flying from Cairns to Melbourne Airport in December is currently the most expensive (average of $1,774). 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

Traveling to a place near Cairns?

Book flights to Cairns if you plan to visit one of these locations
Geelong
Tullamarine
Dandenong
Doncaster
Phillip Island

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Alternative routes for Cairns to Melbourne

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

Top airline flying from Cairns to Melbourne

Discover the top airline that operate flights from Cairns to Melbourne. 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 2,558,603 searches. Data last updated junio 12, 2025.
AirlineCheapestAverageFlexibilityOn-time
JetstarCheapest$142Average$176FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time74%

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