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CNS → ISA
Which side of the plane to sit from Cairns International Airport (Cairns) to Mount Isa Airport (Mount Isa)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior mix of coastal views upon departure from Cairns and the rugged, dramatic geological formations of the Selwyn Range when approaching the outback.
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Trinity Inlet & Coral Sea
Depending on takeoff direction, you may see the turquoise waters of the inner Great Barrier Reef.
Wet Tropics Rainforest
Dense, UNESCO-listed rainforest canopies covering the steep slopes of the Great Dividing Range.
Selwyn Range
Stunning, rugged ridges and ochre-colored rock formations that define the approach into Mount Isa.
Gulf Savannah
Expansive vistas of the golden-brown savannah landscapes that stretch toward the Gulf of Carpentaria.
Opt for the right side on afternoon flights to capture the rich colors of the outback at golden hour. If the flight departs toward the coast, you'll get a spectacular glimpse of the reef before turning inland. Watch for the dramatic shift from green rainforest to red desert.
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Atherton Tablelands
A lush, high-altitude plateau featuring a patchwork of agricultural fields and volcanic craters.
Tinaroo Falls Dam
A large reservoir visible shortly after departure, providing water for the region's irrigation.
Undara Volcanic Park
Look for long lines of darker vegetation marking the ancient lava tubes of the McBride Volcanic Province.
Mount Isa Smelter
The iconic 270-meter tall lead stack dominates the skyline as you descend into the mining city.
The left side is preferable for morning flights to avoid direct glare from the northern sun. It provides an excellent perspective of the agricultural heartland of North Queensland and the industrial infrastructure of the 'Isa' on arrival.
Get eSIMs for Australia
Get eSIMs for AustraliaDistance: 782 km (486 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 18 min
Departure: CNS (-16.885799408, 145.755004883)
Arrival: ISA (-20.6639003754, 139.488998413)
Route Type: Domestic
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