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CNS → PER
Which side of the plane to sit from Cairns International Airport (Cairns) to Perth International Airport (Perth)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers superior views of the Great Barrier Reef upon departure and the vast expanse of the Channel Country and Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre region, which are often the highlight of the transcontinental crossing.
Great Barrier Reef
Stunning aerial views of the turquoise reef systems and the Coral Sea immediately after departure from Cairns.
Channel Country
Intricate patterns of braided river channels in southwest Queensland that look like natural abstract art.
Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre
Depending on the specific flight path, the vast white salt crust of Australia's largest lake is often visible to the south.
Darling Scarp
The dramatic green escarpment that marks the transition from the arid interior to the Swan Coastal Plain.
Perth CBD & Swan River
Excellent views of the city skyline, Kings Park, and the winding Swan River during the descent into Perth.
Sit on the left for the best morning light, as the sun will be on the opposite side of the aircraft. Keep an eye out about 90 minutes into the flight for the transition from tropical green to deep outback red. If the flight is during a rare wet season, the Lake Eyre basin may show hints of water and birdlife.
Atherton Tablelands
The lush, high-altitude tropical rainforest and rolling green hills just west of Cairns.
Gibson Desert
Endless red sand dunes and ancient geological formations across the heart of Western Australia.
WA Goldfields
Large-scale open-cut gold and nickel mines near Kalgoorlie are often visible as massive geometric excavations.
Lake Carnegie
A massive ephemeral salt lake in WA that creates incredible white and blue crystalline patterns on the desert floor.
Perth Hills
Aerial perspectives of the Mundaring Weir and the dense forest canopy of the Darling Ranges before touchdown.
The right side is excellent for viewing the rugged interior of the Western Australian desert. Be aware that the afternoon sun can be quite intense on this side of the plane during the westward journey, so keep your window shade ready. This side is better for spotting the unique geology of the Gibson and Little Sandy Deserts.
Distance: 3,432 km (2,133 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 2 min
Departure: CNS (-16.885799408, 145.755004883)
Arrival: PER (-31.94029998779297, 115.96700286865234)
Route Type: Domestic
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