Cheap Flights from Cairns to Mackay

Mackay is a beautiful Queensland destination that is home to an array of natural attractions. On any visit to Mackay from Cairns, whether for business or pleasure, you have the chance to watch wallabies at Cape Hillsborough National Park and shy platypus at home in Eungella National Park, not to mention enjoy the many secluded beaches in the area.

Airlines offering Mackay flights from Cairns

While there aren’t any airlines providing direct flights from Cairns to Mackay, there are some which provide services with one or more stops along the way. If you want to book a flight ticket to Mackay from Cairns, you can travel with Virgin Australia, Jetstar or Qantas.

Cairns airport departure information

On the day that you’re flying out of Cairns and headed to Mackay, make sure you leave early enough that you arrive at the airport at least 30-60 minutes before your flight. This will allow you enough time to check in and drop off your bags. Ensure you also carry a form of identification too, whether it’s driver’s licence, passport, birth certificate or other.

To get to the Cairns airport from the city centre, you need to drive approximately 8km, which takes about ten minutes. If you don’t have a friend or family member available to drop you off, you can take a taxi; hire a private chauffeur service; or drive yourself and park at the airport. (There are three different parking options at the airport to choose from).

Alternatively there are also bus services which run between various Cairns suburbs and the airport. The Australian Coach airport shuttle bus travels to and from the city and a number of hotels, while the Sun Palm Express Coaches drive to and from the Northern Beaches, Palm Cove, Port Douglas and Cape Tribulation.

If you need a snack or to do some shopping before your flight leaves, you’ll find that the Cairns airport is well stock with stores and restaurants.

Mackay airport arrivals

Upon arrival at Mackay airport after travelling from Cairns, you can freshen up in the terminal’s bathrooms, utilise the baby change room, or take some cash out from the on-site ATM. There are also three food and beverage venues to purchase from, plus a shop that sells books, magazines, confectionary and other items.

When ready to leave the airport, you’ll find taxis available, as well as car rental options, and transfers via Greyhound bus services. The Mackay airport is 7km from the city centre, which is about a ten minute drive.

Other important information to note

Costs of living are very similar in Cairns and Mackay. In both destinations, the average cost of a meal from an inexpensive restaurant is $15. Cab fees between the airport and city centre are slightly higher in Mackay than Cairns though. When you travel between the two cities, you’ll pay around $25 getting to the Cairns airport in a cab, but slightly less, $20, when going from Mackay airport to the CBD.

The above information is correct as of October 2015. Please check all travel details and costings close to the time of your travel date.