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CNS → HTI
Which side of the plane to sit from Cairns International Airport (Cairns) to Hamilton Island Airport (Hamilton Island)?
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.
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.
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.
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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