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Melbourne, Victoria to Cooktown, Queensland from $150: 8 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Melbourne, Australia
to
Cooktown, Australia

How to Get from Melbourne to Cooktown: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$150 - Plane, BusBest price
2506 kmDistance
6h 35m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Melbourne to Cooktown with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
Jetstar, Hinterland Aviation
Plane
Average Duration
6h  35m
Estimated price
$247-657
Recommended
Company
various
Plane
Bus
Average Duration
11h  42m
Estimated price
$150-470
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 2506 km
Duration: 6h 35m

See more options

Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
20h  25m
Estimated price
$178-488
Company
various
Train
Train
Bus
Average Duration
49h  9m
Estimated price
$209-4
Company
various
Train
Bus
Average Duration
49h  9m
Estimated price
$209-4
Company
Firefly Express
Bus
Average Duration
54h  18m
Estimated price
$273-511
Company
various
Bus
Average Duration
54h  18m
Estimated price
$323-761
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
37h  19m
Estimated price
$396-571
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Traveling From Melbourne to Cooktown

Melbourne offers vibrant city life with its cafes, culture, and arts, while Cooktown invites you to explore stunning natural beauty, rich history, and a laid-back atmosphere.

Best Neighbourhoods in Cooktown

Cooktown features charming neighborhoods that highlight its coastal beauty and culture.

Cooktown CBD
• Central hub for shops and dining options.
• Close to extensive historical attractions.
Grassy Hill
• Offers stunning panoramic views of the Coral Sea.
• Ideal for sunset photography and picnics.
Herbert Street
• Lined with quaint cafes and art galleries.
• Hosts local markets featuring handmade crafts.

Best Times To Visit Cooktown's Attractions

Timing your visit to Cooktown's attractions can enhance your experience significantly.

Grassy Hill Lookout
Visit early in the morning for breathtaking views and fewer tourists.
James Cook Museum
Midweek visits offer a quieter, more personal experience of the exhibits.
Cooktown Botanic Gardens
Late afternoon is ideal for cooler temperatures and vibrant sunsets.

Cooktown Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Cooktown enjoys a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons, making it warm and humid year-round. The best times to visit are during the dry season from May to October, when the weather is pleasant and travel experiences are enhanced by clear skies and comfortable temperatures.

Dining Recommendation in Cooktown

Try the barramundi, a local favorite, at the Cooktown Hotel where fresh, locally sourced ingredients create a genuine connection to the region. The casual riverside atmosphere and the distinct flavors of the seafood offer a refreshing contrast to Melbourne's bustling, fine dining scene.

Melbourne - Cooktown operators

Explore transport companies operating between Melbourne and Cooktown, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Plane
Website
http://www.jetstar.com/

Plane from Melbourne Airport (MEL) to Cairns (CNS)

Average Duration
3h 17m
Estimated price
AU$100-500

Plane from Melbourne Airport (MEL) to Cooktown Airport (CTN)

Average Duration
6h 35m
Estimated price
AU$240-700
Website
https://www.hinterlandaviation.com.au/

Plane from Melbourne Airport (MEL) to Cooktown Airport (CTN)

Average Duration
5h 30m
Estimated price
AU$120-750
Train
Contact phone
131 500
Website
https://transportnsw.info/regional/regional-train-coach-facilities/xpt-regional-trains

Train from Southern Cross Station to Central Station

Average Duration
11h 2m
Estimated price
AU$40-160

Train from Central Station to Roma Street Station

Average Duration
14h 6m
Estimated price
AU$11-30

Train from Roma Street to Cairns Central Station

Average Duration
14h 6m
Estimated price
AU$110-190
Contact phone
1800 872 467
Website
https://www.queenslandrailtravel.com.au/

Train from Roma Street to Cairns Central Station

Average Duration
14h 6m
Estimated price
AU$110-190
Bus
Contact phone
1300 730 740
Website
http://www.fireflyexpress.com.au

Bus from Southern Cross Coach Terminal to Central Station

Average Duration
11h 10m
Estimated price
AU$35-65
Contact phone
1300 473946
Website
https://www.greyhound.com.au/

Bus from Southern Cross Coach Terminal to Central Station

Average Duration
12h
Estimated price
AU$80-190

Bus from Brisbane to Cairns

Average Duration
30h
Estimated price
AU$170-420
Contact phone
+61 7 3036 2070
Website
https://www.transnorthbus.com.tnbc.com.au/

Bus from Cairns to Cooktown

Average Duration
4h 45m
Estimated price
AU$45-65

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Melbourne to Cooktown.

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The distance between Melbourne and Cooktown is approximately 2499.3 km. If you choose to drive, it will take you about 37 hours and 19 minutes to cover the distance. Flying is the fastest option, with a travel time of 6 hours and 50 minutes. If you prefer to fly to Cairns and then take a bus, the total travel time will be around 11 hours and 57 minutes.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from Melbourne to Cooktown is to fly and then take a bus. This option costs between $130 and $420 and takes around 11 hours and 57 minutes. However, if time is of the essence, the quickest way is to fly directly, which takes approximately 6 hours and 50 minutes and costs between $150 and $410.
The prices for a bus between Cooktown and Melbourne can range from $243 to $592, depending on the specific bus operator and the type of ticket.
To travel from Melbourne to Cooktown without using public transportation, you can drive the distance, which is approximately 3133.4 km. The journey takes around 37 hours and 19 minutes by car. There are various prices for car rentals, ranging from $390 to $600, depending on the rental company and vehicle chosen.
The best way to travel from Melbourne to Cooktown without a car is to take a combination of a night train, train, and bus. This journey usually takes about 2 days and 10 hours and can cost anywhere between $240 to $550. First, you would take a night train from Melbourne to Cairns, then transfer to a train to Cooktown, and finally take a bus to reach your destination.
No, there is no direct link between Melbourne and Cooktown by bus. However, there are bus services available that include transfers at different stations. The journey takes approximately 2 days and 16 hours. The bus services are operated by Greyhound Australia and Trans North Bus & Coach.
The flight duration from Melbourne Airport to Cooktown Airport typically takes around 11 hours and 15 minutes with one stopover. However, there is no direct flight available between the two locations. The cost of a flight between Cooktown and Melbourne can range from $151 to $406, depending on the airline, timing, and availability.
There are plenty of accommodation options available near Cooktown with over 19 hotels to choose from. Prices for hotels start at $69 per night, offering a range of budgets to suit various travelers.

Trips from Melbourne