Cheap flights from Melbourne to Cairns
Fly from Melbourne to Cairns
Want to escape the cold for a tropical getaway? Fly direct from Melbourne to Cairns with Jetstar.
Flight facts
| Average direct flight time | 3 hours and 20 minutes |
| Average distance by plane | 2950km |
| Departure airport | Melbourne Airport (MEL) *Also indirect from Avalon Airport (AVV) |
| Arrival airport | Cairns Airport (CNS) |
| Aircraft | Airbus A321, Airbus A320-200 |
Need to know
Flight time from Melbourne to Cairns
The average flight time for direct flights from Melbourne to Cairns is 3 hours and 20 minutes.
Distance from Melbourne to Cairns by plane
The average distance by plane from Melbourne to Cairns is 2950 kilometres.
Time difference between Melbourne and Cairns
From March to September, there’s no time difference between Melbourne (AEST: UTC +10) and Cairns (AEST: UTC +10). During Daylight Savings (October – April), Melbourne is 1 hour ahead.
Number of airports in Cairns
There’s one airport: Cairns Airport opens in new window (CNS).
Distance from Cairns airport to the city centre
The airport is 6 kilometres from Cairns city centre.
Transport from Cairns airport to the city centre
Transport options are car hire, taxi, limousine, rideshare and airport shuttle bus.
Green turtle, Great Barrier Reef.
Cairns travel tips
Where should I take the kids?
There are heaps of free things for kids to do in Cairns, especially if you head to the Esplanade for waterside activities.
Is it worth flying to Cairns for a long weekend?
Absolutely! It’s only a few hours away. Check out our tips on how to spend a long weekend in Tropical North Queensland.
Should I stay in Cairns or Port Douglas?
They’re both great, with a slightly different flavour. It depends on your style. Try these things to do in Cairns and Port Douglas for size.
Is Cairns a foodie destination?
If you love super-fresh seafood, tropical produce and cult ramen, you’ll love it. Make sure you check out the Port Douglas food scene too.
What are the best things to do in the Daintree?
Hike, helicopter, boat or zipline through the ancient rainforest – you really can choose your own adventure in the Daintree.
Tropical rainforest boardwalk, Cairns.
How much is a...
| Cappuccino | AUD $3.50–4 |
| A ride on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway | AUD $27.50–82 |
| Lunch and drinks at a mid-range restaurant | AUD $30–50 |
| Room at a 3-star hotel | AUD $70–150 |
| Taxi from the airport | About AUD $30 |
Top 5 attractions
| Underwater | Great Barrier Reef opens in new window |
| Rainforest | Skyrail Rainforest Cableway opens in new window |
| Family friendly | Cairns Lagoon opens in new window |
| Art | Cairns Art Gallery opens in new window |
| Shopping | Rusty’s Markets opens in new window |
Things to do in Cairns
Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef region are exciting and exotic, offering visitors the chance to explore two World Heritage sites. Snorkel or dive the waters of the Great Barrier Reef to see spectacular corals and marine life. Then explore Daintree National Park – the world’s oldest living tropical rainforest.
Weather and when to go
Cairns is best described as having two seasons: wet and dry. The wet or 'green' summer season begins in December and runs through to February or March. The cool, dry winter season arrives in April or May and generally lasts until September. October and November, which are regarded as 'in-between' months, are the peak period for diving as the conditions are typically ideal.