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CNS → AYQ
Which side of the plane to sit from Cairns International Airport (Cairns) to Ayers Rock Connellan Airport (Uluru)?
Left Side of the Plane
The Left Side is the clear winner for this route as it typically offers the most direct and breathtaking views of Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta during the descent and final approach into Connellan Airport.
Search flights from CNS to AYQ
Atherton Tablelands
Lush green volcanic plateaus and rainforests visible shortly after departing the tropical coast of Cairns.
Simpson Desert
Stunning views of the characteristic long, parallel red sand dunes that define the central Australian landscape.
Finke River
Aerial view of one of the oldest river systems in the world, appearing as a winding silver thread in the red earth.
Uluru Monolith
The primary highlight; the left side usually faces the northern and eastern faces of the rock during the standard arrival pattern.
Kata Tjuta
Also known as The Olgas, these massive ancient rock domes are often visible in the distance beyond Uluru.
To capture the best photos of Uluru, choose a window seat behind the wing to avoid engine heat haze. Morning flights are ideal as the sun illuminates the eastern face of the rock. Keep your camera ready about 20 minutes before landing, as the pilot often maneuvers to provide a scenic orbit if traffic allows.
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Barron Gorge
Rugged mountainous terrain and deep gorges visible immediately after takeoff from Cairns.
Channel Country
An incredible network of braided river channels that create intricate patterns across the desert floor after rains.
Lake Amadeus
A vast, shimmering white salt lake that provides a stark, beautiful contrast to the surrounding red desert sands.
Yulara Resort
A bird's eye view of the unique sails and infrastructure of the Ayers Rock Resort just before touchdown.
While the left side gets the rock, the right side offers the best views of the expansive Lake Amadeus, which can look like a snow-covered field in the middle of the desert. If the wind requires a northern approach, you may see the airport infrastructure and the resort more clearly from this side.
Book Hotels in UluruDistance: 1,788 km (1,111 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 23 min
Departure: CNS (-16.885799408, 145.755004883)
Arrival: AYQ (-25.1861, 130.975998)
Route Type: Domestic
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