Cheap Flights from Cairns to Melbourne

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Flight deals from Cairns to Melbourne

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Find the cheapest month to fly from Cairns to Melbourne

We’re always keeping an eye on fares, so you can find the best one in seconds. It looks like Cairns to Melbourne flights are currently cheapest in November.

Direct flights from Cairns to Melbourne

Alternative Cairns to Melbourne routes

Looking for the cheapest, fastest or easiest route from Cairns to Melbourne? You could fly into the following airports instead.

Cairns to Melbourne: Flight information

The things to know before you go.
Cheapest flight found$138
Cheapest month to flyNovember
Average flight time3 hrs, 27 mins
Most popular airlineQantas
Average flights per week141

Finding cheap flights from Cairns to Melbourne: Frequently asked questions

There are 3 airports in Melbourne: Melbourne Essendon, Melbourne Tullamarine and Melbourne Avalon.
The best price we found for a return flight from Cairns to Melbourne is $138. This is an estimate based on information collected from different airlines and travel providers over the last 4 days and is subject to change and availability.
3 hours and 27 minutes is the average flight time from Cairns to Melbourne.
Qantas, Etihad Airways and Jetstar fly direct from Cairns to Melbourne.
As of May 2024, there are 282 flights per week flying from Cairns to Melbourne.
The cheapest month to fly from Cairns to Melbourne is usually November.
If you're flying from Cairns Airport, the cheapest airport near Melbourne is Melbourne Tullamarine – which is 18.8 km away from the centre of Melbourne. We've found flights into this airport from $138.
After crunching the numbers on our flight calendar, we found that it's currently cheapest to fly from Cairns Airport to Melbourne on Wednesday, 13 November 2024.
Yes – the average flight time is 3 hours and 27 minutes.
We show every price from over 1,200 airlines and travel agents, comparing them all so you don’t have to. If you know you want to fly to Melbourne but you’re not ready to book, set up a Price Alert. We’ll track prices for you, and let you know when they rise or fall.
We crunched all the numbers in our flight calendar and it looks like the cheapest time to book a flight to Melbourne is around 40 days in advance, so don’t leave your flight to the last minute.
In May, the average temperature is usually around 12°C. February is typically the warmest month in Melbourne, when it usually averages around 26°C. You can expect the least rain in March. The coldest month is July, with temperatures averaging 5°C. The rainiest month is September.
Currently, Jetstar offers the cheapest flight tickets to Melbourne.

Top tips for finding a cheap flight from Cairns to Melbourne

Consider utilising Skyscanner's Whole Month search feature to secure cheap flights from Cairns to Melbourne. This allows you to compare fares and determine the most affordable dates to fly, ensuring you don't miss out on potential savings. Additionally, set up a Price Alert for your desired route. This way, you'll be instantly informed of fare changes, helping you book when prices drop.

To save time on your journey, customise your search results using the Direct Flights filter, which only produces fares without stopovers.

February typically offers the lowest fares for travel between Cairns and Melbourne, making it the ideal time to plan your trip.

Handy information about Cairns airport

Cairns Airport is a major city in north Queensland, Australia, consisting of two distinct terminals. Terminal 1 caters to both international and domestic travellers. It is equipped with various transport links to the city, including taxis, shuttle buses, and car hire services. Passengers can enjoy shopping at duty-free outlets alongside a selection of retail stores and dining options. Terminal 2 primarily serves low-cost carriers and manages domestic and international flights. Similar transport options are available here, with the added convenience of retail and food outlets to cater to passengers' needs before departing from Cairns.

Melbourne airport: good to know

Multiple airports serve Melbourne. Avalon Airport's single terminal mainly caters to domestic travellers within Australia. Access to and from Avalon is facilitated through various transport modes, including car rentals, taxis, rideshare options, and dedicated bus services.

Meanwhile, Melbourne Airport, also known as Tullamarine Airport, has a more extensive set-up with four terminals: Terminals 1 and 2, handling international and some domestic flights, and Terminals 3 and 4, dedicated to domestic services. A broad range of transport facilities such as taxis, buses, and airport shuttles connect Melbourne Airport with the city.

Additionally, Essendon Airport serves the region with one terminal, focusing on domestic travel. Like the others, it provides an assortment of transport choices, including car rentals, taxis, rideshare, and public bus services for convenient access to the city centre. Each airport effectively supports movement in and out of Melbourne, ensuring travellers easily reach their destinations. Simplify your journey when flying from Cairns to Melbourne by finding out what the airports have to offer.

Best time to fly from Cairns to Melbourne

The best time to fly from Cairns to Melbourne is during the shoulder seasons of autumn and spring, namely March to May and September to November. These months offer comfortable temperatures between 11°C and 20°C, ideal for outdoor explorations and experiencing Melbourne's culture. From December to February, summer also presents warm weather suitable for those seeking to enjoy the city's outdoor activities, averaging 20°C to 26°C. While winter sees cooler temperatures between 6°C and 14°C, it provides a mild alternative with less tourist congestion.

Reasons to visit Melbourne

When planning your trip to Melbourne, check out the city's various activities and attractions. Savour the excitement of the Melbourne Cup Carnival, a premier event that captivates the city with world-class horse racing and fashion. Enjoy a stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, which offers diverse plant life and tranquil spaces across its expansive grounds. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate a tour of Melbourne Cricket Ground, an iconic sports venue and a hub for cricket and Australian football fans. Don't miss Federation Square, a unique cultural precinct where art, culture, and public events converge in the city's heart.

Add hotel bookings and car hire to your Cairns to Melbourne flight

Planning your trip to Melbourne is easy and convenient with Skyscanner. Choose from trusted car hire partners like Sixt, Europcar, and Ace Rental Cars for the best rates and pick-up locations. With Skyscanner, you can also select from premier hotels, including The Langham, Grand Hyatt, and Sofitel on Collins, ensuring comfort after exploring. Book travel and accommodation in one place, providing a well-organised stay in this dynamic city.


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Prices shown on this page are estimated lowest prices only. Found in the last 45 days.