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ARM → SYD
Which side of the plane to sit from Armidale Airport (Armidale) to Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (Sydney)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is the clear winner for this flight. As you descend towards Sydney from the north, the left side typically offers a panoramic view of the coastline, the Northern Beaches, and the world-famous Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House during the final approach.
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New England Escarpment
Watch the dramatic change in terrain as the flat Armidale tablelands drop sharply into the lush valleys of the Great Dividing Range.
Central Coast Lakes
A stunning sequence of coastal lagoons including Lake Macquarie and Tuggerah Lakes shimmering near the Pacific edge.
Northern Beaches
Perfect views of Palm Beach, the Barrenjoey Lighthouse, and the long stretch of golden sand leading toward Manly.
Sydney Harbour
The ultimate prize: an aerial perspective of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Opera House, and the CBD skyline on the Runway 16 approach.
Botany Bay
Just before touchdown, view the busy shipping port and the historic site of Captain Cook's landing.
Book a window seat forward of the wing to ensure the engine doesn't block your view of the Harbour. Morning flights are ideal as the sun rises over the ocean to the east, illuminating the coastline without creating cabin glare. If the plane is landing from the south (Runway 34), you will still see the coastline, but the city view will be more distant.
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Barrington Tops
Look for the rugged, cloud-shrouded peaks of this World Heritage-listed wilderness area shortly after takeoff.
Hunter Valley Industry
Aerial views of the massive open-cut coal mines and the contrast of green vineyards near Pokolbin.
Hawkesbury River
Observe the intricate, snake-like bends of the river as it carves through the sandstone plateaus north of Sydney.
Blue Mountains
On a clear day, the hazy blue silhouette of the western canyons and ridges is visible on the distant horizon.
Parramatta River
View the suburban sprawl of Western Sydney and the winding river path leading toward the Olympic Park precinct.
The right side is excellent for afternoon flights to catch the sunset over the Great Dividing Range. While you miss the direct Harbour Bridge view on a standard approach, you get a much better sense of the scale of the Blue Mountains and the vastness of the Greater Sydney suburban basin.
Book Hotels in SydneyDistance: 382 km (237 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 38 min
Departure: ARM (-30.5280990601, 151.617004395)
Arrival: SYD (-33.94609832763672, 151.177001953125)
Route Type: Domestic
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