| Distance | about 2,315 km |
|---|---|
| Flying time | Midsize jet about 3 h 20 min · heavy jet about 3 h 05 min |
| Aircraft that fly it non-stop | Midsize jets and larger |
| Airports at Melbourne | Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) (MEL / YMML), Essendon Fields (MEB / YMEN) and Avalon Airport (AVV / YMAV) |
| Airports at Cairns | Cairns Airport (CNS / YBCS) |
Distances are great-circle between the main airports; flying times are indicative.
Why fly Melbourne to Cairns privately
Cairns is the gateway to Tropical North Queensland and a long way from the southern capitals, which is why a direct private flight is so popular: no connection in Brisbane or Sydney, and a cabin to yourselves.
Most Melbourne to Cairns charters are leisure: reef trips, honeymoons, family holidays and groups heading on to Port Douglas. A midsize jet is the usual choice.
Who flies this route
- Great Barrier Reef and Daintree holidays
- Honeymoons and special occasions
- Group trips to Port Douglas
- Business in Far North Queensland
Choosing the aircraft
A midsize jet is the comfortable choice for most groups on this sector; a light jet can also fly it for smaller parties travelling light. See the aircraft guide for what each class carries, or what drives the price.
Airports and planning
Melbourne: Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine), Essendon Fields, Avalon Airport. Cairns: Cairns Airport.
Port Douglas is about an hour’s drive from Cairns Airport. Private jet hire Melbourne and private jet hire Cairns have more on the airports at each end.
Flying from Melbourne? Read our guide to Melbourne private jet airports.
Melbourne to Cairns: frequently asked questions
How long does it take to fly from Melbourne to Cairns by private jet?
About 3 h 20 min by midsize jet over roughly 2,315 km. A light jet takes about 3 h 40 min and a turboprop about 5 h. Times are indicative and depend on the aircraft, winds and routing.
How much does a private jet from Melbourne to Cairns cost?
The price depends on the aircraft, the date and whether you fly one way or return, so there is no single figure. Send us the date and the number of passengers for a fixed quote, or read what drives the cost of a private jet charter.
Which aircraft can fly Melbourne to Cairns?
Midsize jets and larger can fly it non-stop. A midsize jet is the comfortable choice for most groups on this sector; a light jet can also fly it for smaller parties travelling light.
Which airports do you use for Melbourne and Cairns?
At Melbourne: Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine), Essendon Fields and Avalon Airport. At Cairns: Cairns Airport. We choose the best pairing for your aircraft, timing and destination.
What happens if the flight is cancelled because of the weather?
If the flight is cancelled because of the weather, you pay nothing.
Related routes
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The busiest corridor in the country, and the best case for a private jet: a flight of well under two hours, timed to your meeting rather than the timetable.
Melbourne to Brisbane
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Melbourne to Gold Coast
From Melbourne to the Gold Coast without the connection: a direct flight to Coolangatta.
Melbourne to Canberra
The shortest of the capital-city sectors: Melbourne to Canberra in well under an hour and a half.