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BNE destination photo
CNS destination photo

BNECNS

Our Recommendation
9.2

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers a front-row seat to the Great Barrier Reef, iconic white-sand islands, and the vibrant turquoise waters of the Coral Sea coast.

Right Side Highlights
9.2
🏝️

K'gari (Fraser Island)

The world's largest sand island, featuring perched freshwater lakes and massive dune systems.

⛵

Whitsunday Islands

Stunning aerial views of turquoise waters and white silica sands around Hamilton and Hayman Islands.

🪸

Great Barrier Reef

The intricate patterns of the world's largest coral reef system become clearly visible north of Mackay.

🏖️

Magnetic Island

A rugged granite island with secluded bays located just off the coast of Townsville.

🌊

Trinity Bay

Deep blue ocean views and coastal mangroves during the final approach into Cairns International.

A morning flight is ideal as the sun is behind you, making the coral reef colors pop. Aim for a seat behind the wing to ensure your view of the reef isn't obstructed. Watch closely about 20 minutes before landing for the most concentrated coral formations.

Left Side Highlights
7.5
⛰️

Glass House Mountains

Distinctive volcanic plugs rising sharply from the coastal plain shortly after departure.

🌲

Sunshine Coast Hinterland

Lush, rolling green ridges of the Blackall Range and surrounding state forests.

🚜

Agricultural Landscapes

Geometric patterns of sugar cane fields and macadamia orchards through central Queensland.

🌾

Great Dividing Range

The rugged spine of the Australian continent stretching along the western horizon.

🏞️

Atherton Tablelands

Fertile volcanic plateaus and dense rainforest canopies visible during the descent into Cairns.

Choose this side for afternoon flights to avoid the harsh glare of the setting sun over the ocean. It is particularly scenic during the final descent as the aircraft maneuvers through the coastal mountain ranges and rainforest valleys of the Wet Tropics.

Top Activities in Cairns
Route Information

Distance: 1,391 km (864 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 51 min

Departure: BNE (-27.38419914245605, 153.11700439453125)

Arrival: CNS (-16.885799408, 145.755004883)

Route Type: Domestic

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