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CNS → OOL
Which side of the plane to sit from Cairns International Airport (Cairns) to Gold Coast Airport (Coolangatta)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides unparalleled views of the Great Barrier Reef's outer structures and the stunning turquoise waters of the Whitsunday Islands during the cruise phase.
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Great Barrier Reef
Spectacular aerial patterns of the world's largest coral reef system shortly after departure.
Whitsunday Islands
A cluster of 74 islands featuring white silica sands and vibrant blue water channels.
Moreton Bay
Intricate sandbanks and shallow turquoise waters near North Stradbroke Island.
Gold Coast Skyline
A close-up view of the iconic Surfers Paradise skyscrapers when landing from the north.
Book a morning flight to have the sun behind you, which illuminates the reef colors without glare. Sit several rows ahead or behind the wing to ensure an unobstructed view of the coral lagoons. During the winter months (June-August), keep an eye out for whale splashes in the Coral Sea.
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Atherton Tablelands
Lush green volcanic plateaus and rainforest-covered peaks of the Great Dividing Range.
Hinchinbrook Channel
The dramatic landscape of Australia's largest island national park and its mangrove-lined waterways.
Glass House Mountains
Distinctive volcanic plugs rising abruptly from the flat coastal plain north of Brisbane.
Lamington National Park
Dense ancient rainforests and deep valleys of the hinterland on the final descent.
The right side is ideal for afternoon flights as you'll see the sunset over the Great Dividing Range. This side offers better views of the rugged mainland topography and the winding river systems of the Queensland coast. Look for the distinctive shapes of the Glass House Mountains about 20 minutes before landing.
Book Hotels in CoolangattaDistance: 1,484 km (922 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 59 min
Departure: CNS (-16.885799408, 145.755004883)
Arrival: OOL (-28.1644001007, 153.505004883)
Route Type: Domestic
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