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CAN → MEL
Which side of the plane to sit from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (Guangzhou) to Melbourne International Airport (Melbourne)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a front-row seat to the sunrise over the South China Sea and the vibrant, changing colors of the Australian outback as you head south.
Pearl River Delta
Aerial views of the Canton Tower and the dense urban sprawl of Guangzhou during the initial ascent.
Philippines Archipelagos
Emerald islands and turquoise coral reefs scattered across the South China Sea as you fly south toward Indonesia.
Sunda Islands
Dramatic volcanic peaks and lush tropical landscapes while crossing the eastern portion of the Indonesian archipelago.
Great Sandy Desert
The striking red sand dunes and ancient geological formations of the Australian interior as the sun illuminates the landscape.
Victorian Goldfields
The transition from arid desert to the rolling green agricultural hills and forests of regional Victoria during descent.
Since many flights from Guangzhou to Melbourne depart in the late evening, the left side is essential for witnessing the sunrise over the horizon around the equator. As you enter Australian airspace in the morning, the 'A' seats provide the best lighting for photography of the red outback, as the sun will be positioned behind you or to the side, preventing harsh glare.
Hainan Island
Views of China's southern tropical paradise and the bustling ports near Sanya.
Borneo Rainforests
The dense green canopy and winding river systems of Kalimantan as the flight tracks toward the Java Sea.
Mount Rinjani
The towering silhouette of Lombok's famous volcano visible if the flight path tracks through the Lesser Sunda Islands.
South Australian Salt Lakes
The dazzling white surfaces of ephemeral salt lakes like Lake Gairdner or Lake Torrens depending on the specific flight corridor.
Port Phillip Bay
Expansive views of the coastline, Geelong, and the Spirit of Tasmania ferries when approaching Melbourne from the west.
The right side (K seats) is ideal for sunset views if you are on a rare daytime departure or a late afternoon flight. During the northern hemisphere winter, this side stays cooler as it faces away from the direct morning sun during the long stretch over Australia. It also offers a better chance to see the rugged coastline of Western Australia if the flight is diverted further west due to weather.
Distance: 7,548 km (4,690 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 8 hrs 53 min
Departure: CAN (23.39240074157715, 113.29900360107422)
Arrival: MEL (-37.673302, 144.843002)
Route Type: International
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