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CNS → BNE
Which side of the plane to sit from Cairns International Airport (Cairns) to Brisbane International Airport (Brisbane)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers unparalleled views of the Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsunday Islands, and the massive sand formations of K'gari (Fraser Island) as you descend toward Brisbane.
Search flights from CNS to BNE
Great Barrier Reef
Vibrant turquoise coral formations and deep blue lagoons visible shortly after departure from Cairns.
Whitsunday Islands
Stunning aerial views of the 74 islands, including the swirls of Whitehaven Beach if the flight path is tight to the coast.
K'gari (Fraser Island)
The world's largest sand island, showcasing its unique perched freshwater lakes and immense sand dunes.
Moreton Bay
Intricate sandbar patterns and shallow turquoise waters surrounding Moreton and North Stradbroke Islands.
Fitzroy Island
A glimpse of this mountainous rainforest island surrounded by coral reefs immediately after takeoff.
Book a window seat forward of the wing to avoid engine heat haze. Morning flights (8 AM - 11 AM) are ideal as the sun is behind you, illuminating the reef's colors without reflecting off the water. Keep your camera ready for the 15-minute window after takeoff.
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Wet Tropics Rainforest
Ancient, dense green canopy covering the rugged coastal ranges of North Queensland.
Glass House Mountains
Distinctive volcanic plugs rising abruptly from the flat Sunshine Coast landscape during the final descent.
Brisbane River & CBD
The winding 'Brown Snake' river and the cluster of skyscrapers in the city center during the approach to BNE.
Sugar Cane Fields
Expansive patchwork quilts of bright green cane fields around Mackay and Bundaberg.
Port of Brisbane
Large scale industrial architecture and cargo ships visible just before touching down.
Watch for the Glass House Mountains roughly 20 minutes before landing; they are a highlight of the Queensland interior. Afternoon flights provide beautiful 'golden hour' lighting over the Great Dividing Range to the west.
Book Hotels in BrisbaneDistance: 1,391 km (864 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 51 min
Departure: CNS (-16.885799408, 145.755004883)
Arrival: BNE (-27.38419914245605, 153.11700439453125)
Route Type: Domestic
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