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BNE → KTA
Which side of the plane to sit from Brisbane International Airport (Brisbane) to Karratha Airport (Karratha)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a front-row seat to the most iconic Australian Outback scenery, including the vibrant red dunes of the Simpson Desert and the dramatic, ancient landscapes of the Pilbara ranges.
Simpson Desert
Infinite parallel red sand dunes that create a mesmerizing geometric pattern across the center of the continent.
Lake Disappointment
A massive, dry salt lake that appears as a brilliant white expanse against the surrounding rust-colored desert.
Hamersley Range
Some of Western Australia's oldest geological formations, featuring deep gorges and iron-rich red peaks.
Pilbara Iron Ore Mines
Gigantic open-cut mines visible as stepped amphitheatres carved into the earth near the end of the flight.
Darling Downs
Lush agricultural patchworks visible shortly after departing the Queensland coast.
Sit on the left for the best desert lighting; during morning flights, the sun remains on the right side (north), giving you shadow-defined views of the dunes without glare. Look out about 3 hours into the flight for the most intense red earth colors. During the final 30 minutes, watch for the massive scale of mining infrastructure around the Tom Price region.
Moreton Bay
Beautiful views of the Brisbane coastline, sand islands, and the Pacific Ocean during the initial climb.
Channel Country
Incredible braided river systems that look like silver veins across the arid Queensland interior.
Dampier Archipelago
Crystal clear turquoise waters and rocky red islands visible as the plane banks for its final approach into Karratha.
Salt Evaporation Ponds
Geometric, brightly colored ponds near the Karratha coastline used for large-scale salt production.
The right side is excellent for the coastal bookends of the trip. If departing Brisbane to the north, you may catch a glimpse of the Glass House Mountains. On arrival, this side provides a better view of the Indian Ocean and the industrial port of Dampier. Be aware that on westward day flights, this side can get quite hot due to direct sunlight hitting the window.
Distance: 3,751 km (2,331 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 25 min
Departure: BNE (-27.38419914245605, 153.11700439453125)
Arrival: KTA (-20.712200164799995, 116.773002625)
Route Type: Domestic
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