$139 Cheap Flights from Mackay to Cairns
One-way
Departing from
Mackay
Going to
Cairns, Australia
Cairns (CNS)
Australia • February, 2026
59% AI deal score
$343 $139
Cairns (CNS)
Australia • January, 2026
58% AI deal score
$343 $147
Cairns (CNS)
Australia • January, 2026
58% AI deal score
$343 $147
Top Cheap Flight Deals from Mackay to Cairns
Recent round-trip flight deals to Cairns
Thu, Jan 15 - Tue, Jan 20
Cheapest
Mackay (MKY) - Cairns (CNS)
Jetstar airlines • 1 stop • Brisbane (BNE)
Cairns (CNS) - Mackay (MKY)
Virgin Australia Regional Airlines airlines • 1 stop • Brisbane (BNE)
$343
$271
-$72
21%
Sat, Jan 10 - Wed, Jan 28
Mackay (MKY) - Cairns (CNS)
Viasa airlines • 1 stop • Brisbane (BNE)
Cairns (CNS) - Mackay (MKY)
Jetstar airlines • 1 stop • Brisbane (BNE)
$343
$270
-$73
21%
Thu, Jan 15 - Wed, Jan 21
Mackay (MKY) - Cairns (CNS)
Jetstar airlines • 1 stop • Brisbane (BNE)
Cairns (CNS) - Mackay (MKY)
Viasa airlines • 1 stop • Brisbane (BNE)
$343
$275
-$68
20%
Sat, Jan 24 - Sat, Jan 31
Mackay (MKY) - Cairns (CNS)
Jetstar airlines • 1 stop • Brisbane (BNE)
Cairns (CNS) - Mackay (MKY)
Viasa airlines • 1 stop • Brisbane (BNE)
$343
$274
-$69
20%
Wed, Jan 14 - Tue, Jan 20
Mackay (MKY) - Cairns (CNS)
Jetstar airlines • 1 stop • Brisbane (BNE)
Cairns (CNS) - Mackay (MKY)
Viasa airlines • 1 stop • Brisbane (BNE)
$343
$281
-$62
18%
Thu, Jan 29 - Thu, Feb 5
Mackay (MKY) - Cairns (CNS)
Viasa airlines • 1 stop • Brisbane (BNE)
Cairns (CNS) - Mackay (MKY)
Jetstar airlines • 1 stop • Brisbane (BNE)
$343
$285
-$58
17%
The cheapest time to fly to Cairns
Ready to jet to Cairns on a budget? Check out these popular routes with surprisingly cheap fares (one-way prices):
Last-Minute Flights from Mackay to Cairns
Need to get to Cairns ASAP? Even if you're booking a flight on short notice, there are often last-minute deals available:
Next 2 weeks deals
Last Minute Flight Deals!
Don't miss out on flights to Cairns, Australia starting from $348, departing in the next two weeks.
⌛ Last-Minute
Mackay - CNS
A great last-minute steal for a cross-country flight.
Found 2 days ago
$363
one-way
Facts About Flights from Mackay to Cairns
To help you plan your journey, here are some quick Cairns flight facts and tips.
Cairns city airports
Cairns Airport (CNS) is the primary airport serving Cairns and Far North Queensland. As a major gateway for both domestic and international travelers, it offers a wide range of flights connecting Cairns to major Australian cities, as well as international destinations in Asia-Pacific. The airport features modern facilities, including a variety of shops, restaurants, and services to cater to passengers' needs. Conveniently located a short drive from the city center, Cairns Airport provides easy access to the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest, and other popular tourist attractions in the region, making it an ideal starting point for exploring the natural wonders of Tropical North Queensland.
Pro tip: search “Cairns (Any)” to see fares to all Cairns airports – sometimes one is cheaper than the others on your dates.
Insights for flights to Cairns
Cheapest airport
Cairns (CNS)
Cairns Airport (CNS) is your gateway to tropical paradise! Nestled in Queensland, Australia, it offers a relaxed atmosphere and stunning views as you arrive. Get ready to explore the Great Barrier Reef and lush rainforests right from the doorstep of this convenient hub.
Nonstop vs. 1-stop
20+ cities
Cairns Airport (CNS) acts as a secondary airport, offering both domestic and international routes; popular routes include connections to major Australian cities like Brisbane and Sydney, as well as international destinations in Asia and the Pacific.
Number of airlines
10+ airlines
Cairns is serviced by over ten airlines, including full-service options like Qantas and Virgin Australia, along with budget-friendly choices such as Jetstar and Bonza.
CNS Airport Deal Stats
Current most discounted routes
Avg. most discounted routes (last 3 months)
CNS airport insights
Best days to catch a deal
Tue, Sat
Based on the data, Thursday and Friday are statistically the best days to find deals for Cairns airport. With counts of 34 and 38 respectively, these days appear to offer the highest chance of securing a cheaper flight.
Avg. deal survival time
7.4 hours
Deals from Cairns airport survive for 7.4 hours on average. Therefore, you should book quickly if you see a deal you like!
Rare deal frequency
16 deals
We found 16 rare deals for flights to Cairns airport in the past month. These rare deals had an AI Deal Score of 90+ and usually include mistake fares, special promotions, or ultra-discounts.
Average price drop
-63%
On average, flights to Cairns experience a price drop of 62.5%, making it a potentially great destination for finding deals. Keep an eye on flights to Cairns, as there's a good chance the price will decrease before your travel date.
Next 4 weeks: deal forecast
Cairns Flight Forecast - Next Month
Based on current trends, flight prices to Cairns are expected to remain stable over the next month. There are no significant price drops or increases anticipated based on current data.
Top 5 biggest price drops (last 3 months)
Found on December 12
Dunedin - CNS
$1,400 → $199
86%
Found on December 16
Nukuʻalofa - CNS
$1,005 → $189
81%
Found on December 16
Tauranga - CNS
$1,300 → $280
78%
Found on December 13
Wagga Wagga - CNS
$915 → $224
76%
Found on December 10
Hiroshima - CNS
$1,375 → $350
75%
Check these nearby airports too
Looking for more options? These airports near CNS sometimes drop rare deals too:
Hervey Bay (HVB)
~3 rare deals/month
Paraburdoo (PBO)
~8 rare deals/month
Townsville (TSV)
~9 rare deals/month
If you’re flexible with departure cities, it’s worth keeping an eye on nearby airports — especially HVB and PBO for long-haul deal surprises.
When Is the Best Time to Fly from Mackay to Cairns
Timing is everything when hunting for cheap flights. Here are data-backed insights on the best times to fly to Cairns:
Cheapest month
November
Cheapest month
November is often the cheapest month to fly to Cairns. The weather is pleasant, with warm temperatures and lower humidity compared to the summer months. Plus, you'll avoid the peak tourist season, meaning fewer crowds and potentially lower prices on accommodations and activities.
Best day to book
Tuesday
Best day to book
Tuesday is often the best day to book flights to Cairns. Airlines tend to release deals early in the week to try and fill up empty seats. Keep an eye on flash sales and limited-time offers that might pop up on Tuesdays.
Cheapest days to fly
Wednesday
Cheapest days to fly
Wednesday is often the cheapest day to fly to Cairns. Mid-week flights tend to be less popular with business travelers and weekend vacationers. Flying on Wednesday can save you some serious cash, leaving you with more spending money for your trip.
Advance booking sweet spot
2 months
Advance booking sweet spot
The sweet spot for booking flights to Cairns is generally around two months in advance. This timeframe often strikes the right balance between availability and price. Booking too early might not give you the best deals, while waiting until the last minute can lead to higher fares.
Cairns Airports & Ground Transportation
One big question for travelers is which Cairns airport to fly into. Here’s a quick guide to Cairns’s airports and how to get to the city from each:
Cairns Airport (CNS)
G'day, travel bugs! Cairns Airport (CNS) is your gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the lush Daintree Rainforest. Just a hop, skip, and a jump (about 7km) from Cairns city center, this airport is super convenient. Once you land, you'll find a bunch of shops and restaurants to grab a bite or snag a souvenir. Getting into town is a breeze with shuttle buses, taxis, and ride-share options readily available. Plus, the airport has a relaxed vibe, making your arrival or departure a piece of cake.
Tip: Snag a window seat on your flight in for a sneak peek at the stunning coastline!
Other airports
While Cairns Airport (CNS) is the main gateway, consider flying into nearby cities like Townsville or even Brisbane for potentially cheaper flights. However, factor in the extra travel time and cost to get to Cairns, which could involve a domestic flight, a long bus ride, or a scenic but lengthy drive. Make sure you compare the total cost, including transportation, before booking!
Airport transfers
Getting around from Cairns Airport is a breeze with several options, including airport shuttle buses that drop you off at your hotel, convenient taxi services, and rideshare options like Uber and Ola. For those wanting more independence, you can rent a car from the many car rental agencies located at the airport and explore the city at your own pace.
What to Do in Cairns
Cairns isn’t just about getting there – it’s about enjoying the country once you arrive! Here are some top things to do in Cairns, organized by interest:
Sightseeing & Landmarks
Cairns is a city that has many sightseeing opportunities, you can visit the Cairns Esplanade, a popular waterfront park with a swimming lagoon, walking paths, and barbecue areas. Also, the Cairns Botanic Gardens showcase tropical flora, and the nearby Cairns Zoom and Wildlife Dome offers animal encounters and panoramic city views.
Arts & Culture
Cairns has a unique art and culture scene that you can explore. The Cairns Regional Gallery exhibits contemporary and historical art, while the Tanks Arts Centre, housed in former World War II fuel tanks, hosts performances, exhibitions, and workshops.
Food & Nightlife
You can explore diverse dining options and nightlife venues in Cairns. The Cairns Esplanade and city center offer a range of restaurants, bars, and cafes serving local and international cuisine. Night markets and live music venues provide entertainment into the late hours.
Shopping & Fashion
Cairns has many shopping destinations that will fill your needs, from souvenirs to high fashion. Cairns Central Shopping Centre offers a variety of retail stores, while the Cairns Night Markets provide an opportunity to purchase souvenirs, clothing, and local crafts.
Nearby Getaways
From Cairns there are many nearby getaway locations that you can visit. Day trips to the Great Barrier Reef for snorkeling and diving, the Daintree Rainforest for guided tours, and Kuranda for scenic train and cable car rides are all great options. These locations offer unique natural experiences within easy reach of Cairns.
Events in Cairns This Month
2 day beginner lash course (3)
Learn all of B'Lashed signature techniques at our upcoming in-person lash extension course designed for beginners. Master the art of lash application and build a successful career in the beauty industry.
fortune fiesta
Join us for the Fortune Fiesta every Sunday afternoon at Fuller Sports! Win your share of the $800 CASH GUARANTEED prize pool. Members will have the chance to win big and enjoy a fun-filled afternoon.
mick neven: hard solo at macalister brewing
Get ready to laugh with Mick Neven in his show: HARD SOLO, at Macalister Brewing. Enjoy a night of stand-up comedy and craft beer.
put your soul on your hand and walk
"Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk" offers an intimate, first-hand perspective on life under siege in Gaza, captured through video calls between director Sepideh Farsi and a 25-year-old Palestinian, offering a poignant and personal look at the realities of conflict.
Cairns Weather
Weather in Cairns
Wed, Dec 17
98%
26° 24°
98%
Thu, Dec 18
Frequently Asked Questions About Flights to Cairns
Pro Tips for Finding Cheap Flights to Cairns
Finally, to wrap up, here’s a cheat sheet of pro tips that experienced travelers use to save on Cairns flights:
Be Flexible with Your Dates: Cairns calling! If you're flexible with your travel dates, you can snag some serious savings. Mid-week flights and off-season travel often come with significantly lower price tags. Keep an open mind and let the deals guide you!
Set Up Price Alerts: Don't let the perfect fare slip away! Use RatePunk to set up price alerts for your Cairns flights. You'll be notified the moment prices drop, ensuring you never miss out on a bargain. It's like having a personal flight-deal detective!
