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AYQ destination photo
SYD destination photo

AYQSYD

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

While both sides offer stunning views of the Red Centre during takeoff, the Left Side is the primary choice for the iconic aerial approach over Sydney Harbour and the Opera House.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🏜️

Remote Outback

Vast stretches of red sand and ancient geological patterns across the Northern Territory and NSW border.

🧂

Salt Lake Systems

Glittering white salt pans and ephemeral lakes that appear like mirrors in the desert sun.

⛰️

Blue Mountains

Deep canyons and blue-hazed eucalyptus forests as you approach the Great Dividing Range from the west.

🌉

Sydney Harbour

The ultimate view of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House if the aircraft approaches from the north.

🏙️

Sydney CBD

A dense urban landscape of skyscrapers contrasting with the blue water of the Pacific coastal shelf.

The left side is essential for the famous Sydney Harbour arrival. Arrival patterns depend on wind, but a northerly approach (Runway 16) favors this side. For photography, morning flights provide the best light on the desert landscape without window glare.

Right Side Highlights
7.8
🏜️

Uluru

A breathtaking close-up view of the world's most famous sandstone monolith immediately after departure.

🪨

Kata Tjuta

The 36 massive red-rock domes of the Olgas visible to the west as the aircraft climbs and turns.

🌾

Murray-Darling Basin

Intricate agricultural patterns and the meandering lines of Australia's longest river systems.

🌊

NSW Coastline

Stunning vistas of the Pacific Ocean and the white sands of the southern beaches during the descent.

🚢

Botany Bay

Views of historical landing sites and the industrial beauty of the Port Botany shipping lanes.

The right side is unbeatable for the first 15 minutes of the flight to capture Uluru and Kata Tjuta. It also offers excellent coastal views of the Royal National Park if the aircraft approaches Sydney from the south. Keep your camera ready as soon as the engines roar for takeoff.

Top Activities in Sydney
Route Information

Distance: 2,178 km (1,353 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 54 min

Departure: AYQ (-25.1861, 130.975998)

Arrival: SYD (-33.94609832763672, 151.177001953125)

Route Type: Domestic

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