Loading map...
BNK → SYD
Which side of the plane to sit from Ballina Byron Gateway Airport (Ballina Byron Bay) to Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (Sydney)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a front-row seat to the stunning New South Wales coastline, culminating in a world-class aerial view of Sydney Harbour and the CBD on most approaches.
Search flights from BNK to SYD
Cape Byron Lighthouse
Immediately after takeoff, see Australia's easternmost point and the iconic white lighthouse atop the cliffs.
Solitary Islands
Spot the marine park islands dotting the blue waters off the coast of Coffs Harbour.
Port Stephens
The massive sand dunes of Stockton Beach and the dramatic entrance to the bay are clearly visible.
Newcastle Coast
Observe the busy coal port transition into a string of beautiful city beaches like Merewether.
Northern Beaches
Follow the coastline from Palm Beach (Home and Away's Summer Bay) down toward Manly.
Sydney Harbour
On the standard 'Track A' arrival, you get an unparalleled view of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
Book a window seat ahead of the wing for unobstructed photos of the coastline. For the best lighting, choose a morning flight to have the sun behind you as it rises over the Pacific. Between June and November, keep a close watch on the water for whale migrations—splashes and breaches are often visible from lower altitudes.
Get eSIMs for Australia
Get eSIMs for Australia
Northern Rivers Hinterland
Look west for the lush, volcanic soil greenery of the Nightcap National Park and Mount Warning.
Clarence River
Watch the mighty river wind through the valley near Grafton, forming complex inland islands.
Hunter Valley
Glimpse the vast patchwork of Australia's oldest wine region and the sprawling open-cut mines nearby.
Hawkesbury River
The intricate, deep-blue waterways carving through rugged sandstone national parks.
Sydney Olympic Park
During the final descent, identify the distinctive roof of Accor Stadium and the surrounding parklands.
The right side is preferable for late afternoon flights to avoid the harsh glare of the setting sun over the ocean. It provides a better perspective of the vastness of the Great Dividing Range and the western sprawl of Sydney. If the plane lands toward the north (Runway 34), you may see the CBD skyline from the right, though the left remains more iconic.
Book Hotels in SydneyDistance: 612 km (380 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 1 min
Departure: BNK (-28.8339004517, 153.56199646)
Arrival: SYD (-33.94609832763672, 151.177001953125)
Route Type: Domestic
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.