Flights from Adelaide to Cairns

When is the best time to visit Cairns?

To experience all the outdoor wonders during your holiday, plan flights from Adelaide to Cairns for travel between June through October. Daily temperatures can range between 15° and 26°C and there is generally little rainfall. These pleasant conditions are a big draw for those planning to go diving at the Great Barrier Reef.

If you're thinking about visiting Cairns in winter or spring, you may encounter larger crowds upon arrival. It is also a good idea to book your hotels and excursions well in advance.

You may be able to snap up great deals on cheap flights from Adelaide to Cairns during the wet season. November through May experience hot and humid days ranging between 25° and 31°C. Autumn temperatures tend to drop a bit in April, making it a great month to book outdoor excursions and fly from Adelaide to Cairns. Keep in mind, however, the wet season can decrease visibility at diving sites and also marks jellyfish season. If you plan to take advantage of flight deals at this time, it’s a good idea to plan land and boat excursions as opposed to diving adventures. 

What are the best things to do on weekends in Cairns?

With direct flights from Adelaide to Cairns coming in at less than three hours, planning a weekend getaway can be quick and easy. A go-to spot for travellers arriving at Cairns Airport (CNE) is the colourful stalls at the Cairns Night Markets. This market is open every day of the year. You can find local produce and handicrafts, among other items. If you’re hungry once you arrive in Cairns, the night markets have a range of cuisine options, so you’re sure to find fare to please all palates. If you’re planning a weekend visit to Cairns and are looking to head back to Adelaide with some souvenirs, make a beeline for the Esplanade Markets. Hit up the picturesque marketplace on Saturday mornings to peruse the stalls lined up along the city’s waterfront lagoon. You can find leather goods, skincare products, pottery and woodcrafts, as well as local produce and hot food. Once you’ve had your fill of bargain shopping, head over to the Lagoon for a relaxing dip in the cool waters. Another weekend favourite is the marketplace between Grafton and Sheridan Streets in the city centre. Rusty’s Market, as the locals refer to it, is the best place to pick up locally harvested fruits and vegetables.

A popular weekend trip for visitors, no matter what time of year their return flights from Adelaide to Cairns arrive, is to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and head out to Cape Tribulation. Just a short drive from the city, Cape Tribulation is a great place to experience the lush rainforest and even experience the Great Barrier Reef. A trip to Cape Tribulation can be a most memorable holiday. You can take in the sights along Captain Cook Highway as you make your way toward Port Douglas. Then stopover at Alexandra Lookout for incredible views of the Daintree River and the Coral Sea. 

What are the top experiences for visitors to Cairns?

You may want to include a diving or snorkelling excursion at the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) when planning a trip to Cairns. If you enjoy underwater adventures, it may be best to devote an entire day to the GBR and surrounding areas. Anyone planning cheap flights to Cairns from Adelaide who wants to avoid getting wet while seeing the wonders of the water can arrange a semi-submersible tour of the Great Barrier Reef.

While the GBR is a huge draw for travellers, many visitors also explore some of the incredible rainforests Queensland has to offer. Spend an entire day exploring Daintree Rainforest, Cape Tribulation, and the Rainforest Habitat Wildlife Sanctuary. Visitors planning to spend time in these locations after they fly from Adelaide to Cairns may see an array of crocodiles, cassowaries, koalas, and can even hand-feed kangaroos at the Wildlife Sanctuary. You can arrange a guided tour through Mossman Gorge and the Daintree Rainforest where you can spot a famed Ulysses butterfly or Boyd's forest dragon. In the rich landscape, you can learn about the customs of the local Kuku Yalanji people before boarding a ferry on the Daintree River toward Cape Tribulation. If the weather cooperates, climb to Mount Alexandra Lookout where you may be able to see clear across to the Great Barrier Reef. You can spend the rest of your day strolling along the white shores of Cape Tribulation Beach, dip your toes in the Coral Sea, or swim in the tropical pool near the beach before heading home on flights from Cairns to Adelaide.
 

Frequently asked questions

Are there direct flights from Adelaide to Cairns?

Yes, some direct flights are available between Adelaide and Cairns. These services are currently offered by Jetstar.

How long does it take to fly from Adelaide to Cairns?

Direct flights between Adelaide and Cairns are approximately three hours in duration. Non-direct flights between the two destinations are generally more than six hours long.

Which airlines fly from Adelaide to Cairns?

Jetstar, Virgin Australia and Qantas operate flights between Adelaide and Cairns.

How much does it cost to fly from Adelaide to Cairns?

The cost of flights between Adelaide and Cairns varies depending on the airline you choose and your flight route. Use the Webjet Deal Finder to discover and compare cheap flights from Adelaide to Cairns.