Cairns and remote areas of Tropical North Queensland are some of Australia's most unique and untouched destinations. When planning a trip to the north of Australia, transport considerations are key to a pleasant stay. Find out all you need to know including airline and flight information, flight deals and your transport options to navigate your way around this incredible part of Australia.
Virgin Australia
Australia flights from $70 one way
Available for travel on select dates across Australia. Sample fare departs from Ballina Byron to Sydney. T&Cs apply.
Wotif
100% off return flights on select holiday packages
Fly for free when you book your flight and hotel together with select Australia holiday packages at Wotif. T&Cs, exclusions apply.
Virgin Australia
International flights from $429 on Virgin Australia
Sample fare departs from Melbourne to Queenstown. Destination includes Apia (Samoa), Denpasar (Bali), Tokyo (Haneda), Nadi (Fiji) and Port Vila (Vanuatu). T&Cs apply.
Virgin Australia
Flights to Bali from $539
Available for travel on select dates. T&Cs apply.
Virgin Australia
Nadi, Fiji flights from $589
Available for travel on select dates. T&Cs apply.
Virgin Australia
Flights to Queenstown from $525
Available for travel on select dates. T&Cs apply.
Virgin Australia
Flights to Vanuatu from $508
Book your flights now to Vanuatu starting from just $508. T&Cs apply.
Virgin Australia
Flights to New Zealand from $404
Book your flights now to New Zealand starting from just $404. T&Cs apply.
Virgin Australia
Flights to Fiji from $589
Book your flights now to Fiji starting from just $589. T&Cs apply.
Virgin Australia
Flights to Bali from $539
Book your flights now to Bali starting from just $539. T&Cs apply.
Expedia.com.au
Member Price: 10% off or more on over 100,000 hotels
Available for travel on select dates across Australia at Expedia. Destinations include Sydney, Sunshine Coast, Melbourne, Gold Coast, and more. T&Cs apply.
Malaysia Airlines
Japan flights from $997.75
Get Australia flights starting from $997.75 at Malaysia Airlines. Available for travel on select dates. T&Cs apply.
Air New Zealand
Australia to Tahiti (Papeete) flights from $737
Book a flight to Tahiti (Papeete) available for travel on select dates at Air New Zealand. Sample fare departs from Melbourne to Tahiti (Papeete). Fares are subject to change without prior notice. T&Cs apply.
Air New Zealand
Australia to the USA flights from $2,145
Book a flight to the USA available for travel on select dates at Air New Zealand. Destinations include Los Angeles, New York, Hawaii, Houston, San Francisco, and Chicago. Sample fare departs from Sydney to Honolulu. Fares are subject to change without prior notice. T&Cs apply.
Skyscanner
Cheap Flights to Port Moresby Airport from $255
Fly direct from Australia starting at $255 with Air Niugini, Virgin Australia and Qantas, or hop on a connecting route with Philippine Airlines. T&Cs apply.
Cheap Flights
Cheap Flights to Fiji from $178
Get the cheapest flights from Australia to Fiji starting from just $178. T&Cs apply.
Cheap Flights
Australia to East Timor flights from $318
Get the cheapest flights from Australia to East Timor starting from $318. T&Cs apply.
Momondo
Noumea flights from $350
Don't miss out on cheap flights from Australia to Noumea from $350. T&Cs apply.
Cheap Flights
New Zealand flights from $180
Don't miss out on cheap flights from Australia to New Zealand starting from $180. T&Cs apply.
Skyscanner
Cheap flights to Timor-Leste from $579
Get the cheapest flights from Australia to Dili, Timor-Leste, starting at $579 per passenger at Skyscanner. T&Cs apply.
Skyscanner
Cheap Flights to Vanuatu from $309
Fly to 26 different places in Vanuatu from Australia starting from just $309. T&Cs apply.
Priceline.com
Up to 50% off worldwide flights
Available on select dates when you book Express Deals. Destinations include Australia, New Zealand, Canada, USA, United Kingdom and more. T&Cs apply.
Cairns's airport:
Cairns Airport (CNS)
Get the best price:
April to September
Book in advance by:
90 days
Best airline (price):
Jetstar
Flights to Cairns can go for less than $100 each from within Queensland and during a flight sale from cities like Sydney and Melbourne.
According to data from Cheapflights, fares from cities further west cost approximately $350 return.
Jetstar does tend to have the lowest prices as there are no extra inclusions that come with your ticket, so if you're looking at Qantas or Virgin flights to get checked baggage and rewards points, expect ticket prices to be higher.
Flight prices to Cairns tend not to fluctuate too much throughout the year, but the prices do spike around the school holidays and over Christmas and New Year's time.
Although not too much more expensive than the rest of the year, flights during July and August may be a bit pricier. This is due to higher demand for those living in the southern parts of Australia seeking northern Queensland's winter sun. We think April to September is the best time to visit Cairns weather wise.
Here's how long it takes to fly to Cairns from major cities across Australia. Where a direct flight isn't available, we've made note of the shortest connecting flights' total travel time.
You can find flights to Cairns with the following airlines via these cities.
| Departure city | Points required for a return Qantas flight | Points required for a return Virgin flight |
|---|---|---|
| Adelaide | 28,800 | Not available |
| Alice Springs | 36,000 | Not available |
| Brisbane | 24,000 | 23,600 |
| Darwin | 19,200 | Not available |
| Gold Coast | 19,200 | 23,600 |
| Melbourne | 36,000 | 35,600 |
| Perth | 28,800 | Not available |
| Sydney | 36,000 | 35,600 |
Offer may be withdrawn at any time
Eligibility criteria, terms and conditions, fees and charges apply
Offer may be withdrawn at any time
Eligibility criteria, terms and conditions, fees and charges apply
Cairns pricing data from KAYAK suggests that flights to Cairns are at their cheapest 90 days before your departure date. KAYAK suggests that you book at least 3 weeks prior to your travel date to find a below-average price.
Cairns Airport (CNS) is a 9 minute drive (5.7km) away from the city centre. Car hire desks can be found at the arrivals hall and taxis are available from the designated taxi ranks just outside. Viator, City Discovery and Jayride offer personalised and private airport shuttle services and transfers from Cairns Airport to your resort, hotel or holiday apartment.
Alternatively, Uber is available from Cairns Airport and costs $10-$15 to Cairns city centre.
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