But they had to work much harder than expected against a stubborn Tajikistan team, ranked 158th in the world, that kept the visitors scoreless in the first half.
Australia's head coach Ange Postecoglou made three changes from the side that smashed Bangladesh 5-0 last week, including bringing in Cahill, who took over as skipper for the injured Mile Jedinak, but the Socceroos struggled to settle into a rhythm.
Aaron Mooy hit the crossbar five minutes into the second half and it was not until the 57th minute that the Australians finally scored, with Mark Milligan combining with Mooy to break the deadlock.
Cahill, already Australia's all-time leading scorer, made the result safe with his 40th international goal in the 73rd minute before completing a brace with a header into the top corner in stoppage time.
Australia lead the Group B standings with nine points from three matches, followed by Jordan (seven), Kyrgyzstan (four), then Tajikistan and Bangladesh with one apiece.
(Reporting by Julian Linden in Singapore; Editing by Toby Davis)
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