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BNK → NTL
Which side of the plane to sit from Ballina Byron Gateway Airport (Ballina Byron Bay) to Newcastle Airport (Newcastle)?
Left Side of the Plane
Flying south along the coast, the left side provides a front-row seat to the iconic Cape Byron, the sparkling Pacific Ocean, and the massive Stockton Sand Dunes during the descent into Newcastle.
Cape Byron & Lighthouse
Uninterrupted views of Australia's most easterly point and its historic lighthouse immediately after takeoff from Ballina.
Solitary Islands Marine Park
Crystal clear waters and small islands visible along the Coffs Harbour coastline, often reflecting brilliant turquoise hues.
Port Macquarie Estuaries
The intricate meeting of the Hastings River and the Pacific Ocean, creating stunning sandbar patterns.
Myall Lakes System
A sprawling network of coastal lakes and rivers surrounded by the lush greenery of the Myall Lakes National Park.
Stockton Sand Dunes
A dramatic 32-kilometer stretch of moving white sand dunes, the largest in the Southern Hemisphere, visible on final approach.
Book the left side for morning flights to have the sun behind you, perfectly illuminating the coastline. During winter and spring (June-November), keep a sharp eye out for migrating Humpback whales breaching in the Pacific. This side offers the best view of the Stockton Dunes regardless of landing direction.
Nightcap National Park
Rugged volcanic terrain and ancient rainforests belonging to the Gondwana Rainforests World Heritage Area.
Clarence River
The largest river system on the NSW coast, weaving through fertile floodplains and agricultural lands near Maclean.
Barrington Tops
Distant views of the high-altitude sub-alpine wilderness area as the flight nears the Hunter region.
Hunter Valley Hinterland
Rolling hills and the northern edges of the famous wine region as the plane descends toward the coast.
Newcastle Cityscape
A panoramic view of the city center, the busy working harbor, and the Cathedral as you bank toward the airport.
The right side is ideal for afternoon flights to avoid the harsh glare reflecting off the ocean. It provides a better sense of Australia's Great Dividing Range and the scale of the river valleys. Look for the distinct crater-like formations of the Tweed Volcano caldera shortly after departure.
Distance: 470 km (292 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 47 min
Departure: BNK (-28.8339004517, 153.56199646)
Arrival: NTL (-32.794998168945305, 151.83399963378906)
Route Type: Domestic
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