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CNS destination photo
HTI destination photo

CNSHTI

Our Recommendation
9.2

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a front-row seat to the Great Barrier Reef's intricate coral patterns and the vivid turquoise waters of the Whitsunday Passage during the descent.

Left Side Highlights
9.2
🪸

Great Barrier Reef

Uninterrupted views of the world's largest coral reef system with vibrant blue lagoons and reef edges.

🏝️

Palm Island Group

A collection of tropical islands including Orpheus and Pelorus surrounded by white sand and shallow reefs.

🌊

Whitsunday Passage

Iconic turquoise waters and scattered islands visible as the aircraft maneuvers for landing at Hamilton Island.

🐬

Coral Sea Expanse

Dramatic deep blue oceanic vistas that provide a sharp contrast to the bright reef systems near the coast.

Morning flights are optimal as the sun is in the east, illuminating the reef without creating glare on the window. Choose a seat forward of the wing to ensure your view of the coral formations is not obstructed by the engine or wing structure.

Right Side Highlights
8.6
⛰️

Hinchinbrook Island

View the massive peaks and the winding Hinchinbrook Channel which separates this giant island from the mainland.

🏙️

Townsville Skyline

A clear glimpse of North Queensland's largest city including the port and the distinctive red granite of Castle Hill.

🌲

Wet Tropics Coast

Lush rainforest-covered mountain ranges that descend directly into the Pacific Ocean immediately south of Cairns.

🏖️

Airlie Beach

The mainland gateway to the Whitsundays is often visible during the aircraft's approach pattern to the island.

The right side is best for passengers interested in coastal geography and the rugged mountain ranges of the Great Dividing Range. Afternoon flights provide warm, golden lighting that highlights the texture of the rainforest canopy.

Top Activities in Hamilton Island
Route Information

Distance: 512 km (318 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 51 min

Departure: CNS (-16.885799408, 145.755004883)

Arrival: HTI (-20.3581008911, 148.95199585)

Route Type: Domestic

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