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BEU → BVI
Which side of the plane to sit from Bedourie Airport (Bedourie) to Birdsville Airport (Birdsville)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior vantage point for the striking contrast between the parallel red sand dunes of the Simpson Desert and the intricate, braided water channels of the Eyre Creek system.
Simpson Desert Dunes
The iconic long, parallel red longitudinal dunes of the Simpson Desert creeping in from the west.
Eyre Creek Floodplain
A spectacular view of the green-grey vegetation following the water lines against the bright red desert sands.
Cuttaburra Crossing
A vital permanent waterhole area often teeming with birdlife, appearing as a dark oasis in the arid landscape.
Big Red Dune
On the final approach, look further west to spot the tallest sand dune in the Simpson Desert rising above its neighbors.
The right side is essential for photographers wanting to capture the 'Channel Country' aesthetic. Late afternoon flights are spectacular as the low sun creates deep shadows between the desert dunes, accentuating their height and texture. This side also offers the best chance to see the stark boundary where the desert meets the floodwaters.
Bedourie Township
A clear view of the isolated outback settlement and its unique 'Great Artesian Spa' shortly after takeoff.
Braided Channel Systems
The complex, vein-like patterns of the Georgina River and Eyre Creek floodplains stretching toward the horizon.
Birdsville Racecourse
The iconic dirt track, home to the world-famous races, visible on the eastern outskirts of Birdsville during the descent.
Sturt Stony Desert
Vast expanses of gibber plains and ironstone flats that shimmer with a metallic sheen under the sun.
Choose the left side for better views of the town layouts and the vastness of the floodplains. Mid-morning flights provide the best lighting to see the silver reflections of water in the channels if the area has recently seen rain. Keep an eye out for the distinct line where the town ends and the harsh wilderness begins.
Distance: 173 km (107 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 17 min
Departure: BEU (-24.346099853515625, 139.46000671386722)
Arrival: BVI (-25.897499084472656, 139.34800720214844)
Route Type: Domestic
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