Flights from Mackay to Cairns

The best time to visit Cairns

The best time to visit Cairns is during its shoulder season. From April to September, the city empties out, and cheap flights from Mackay to Cairns are easy to find. If you're travelling on a budget, you'll find the best deals between February and March. Hotels and airlines drop their prices to make up for the seasonal lull. December to January is high season in Cairns. If you're planning on spending your end of year holiday here, make sure to book your return airfares well in advance. Hotel rates and flight prices skyrocket during these months as Australians, and international travellers flock to the city to celebrate Christmas and the New Year.

Departing From Mackay

Mackay Airport serves a select number of domestic destinations. It operates a good number of flights every day; Virgin Australia, Jetstar and Qantas both have cheap airfares to Cairns. There are currently no direct flights and stopover cities include Brisbane and Townsville.

Getting to Mackay Airport

The best way to get to Mackay Airport from the city centre is with a metered taxi. A one-way trip costs between $20 and $30 and the journey should take 10 minutes if there's no traffic. For budget travellers, you'll save the most amount of money by taking the local bus to the airport. Route 303 runs 11 times during the week and four times on Saturdays.

Parking at Mackay Airport

Mackay Airport has a range of parking options for all kinds of travellers. Be sure to reserve your spot online and enjoy savings of up to 40%.

Where to Park at Mackay Airport

The Price Buster: For trips to Cairns that are more than eight days, choose this parking option. If you book it online, you'll only pay $7 AUD per day.

The Weekender: This online parking option is perfect for weekend trips to Cairns. A three-day stay costs $53 AUD.

Weekly Stay: Planning on spending a week or two away? You'll save the most amount of money by selecting Mackay Airport’s weekly stay option. For seven days, you'll only pay $70 AUD.

Drive Up: If you don't reserve your parking spot online, the drive up rates at the airport are higher. Daily rates start at $30 AUD.

Arriving in Cairns

Cairns Airport (CNS) is a hub for Jetstar, and acts as the gateway to some of the most popular sections of the Great Barrier Reef.

How to Get from Cairns Airport to Your Cairns Hotel or Accommodation

The cheapest way to get from Cairns Airport to your hotel is with the Airport Connect Bus. Take the shuttle service from the arrivals to the Sheridan Street bus stop and transfer to the local bus service heading into town. The trip won't cost you more than $7. For a quicker transportation option, you can take a metered taxi or an Uber from the airport. You'll find the cab drivers waiting outside of the arrivals hall, and a one-way trip into the city will cost around up to $30. If a private taxi is out of your budget, book an airport shuttle service. You'll get to split the fare with other travellers, but it's not the quickest option as you'll have to wait until the shuttle arrives at your hotel

Things to do in Cairns

Go to the Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is one of Cairns’, and Australia's, top tourist attractions. It's a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the best places to go diving or snorkelling in the world.

Explore the Daintree Rainforest

The Daintree Rainforest is another one of Cairns’ natural wonders. It's the world's oldest tropical rainforest and is famous for its rich biodiversity. Hop on board the Kuranda Scenic Railway or rent a car and explore the forest by yourself.

Try bungee jumping

Besides its natural beauty, Cairns is a city full of adventurous activities. If you need an adrenaline rush to kick-start your holiday, leap off a 50-metre high bungee or fly through the rainforest with the jungle swing.