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CTU → MEL
Which side of the plane to sit from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (Chengdu) to Melbourne International Airport (Melbourne)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior visual transition from the tropical landscapes of Southeast Asia to the dramatic red contrasts of the Australian Outback, ending with iconic views of Melbourne's coastline and city skyline.
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Mekong Delta
The intricate network of rivers and lush greenery of the Southeast Asian mainland.
Borneo Rainforests
Expansive views of the dense tropical canopy over Kalimantan, Indonesia.
The Kimberley Coast
Where the deep red earth of the Australian desert meets the turquoise Indian Ocean.
Great Sandy Desert
Endless parallel red sand dunes and striking geological patterns of the Outback.
Melbourne City Skyline
Prime views of the CBD, Port Phillip Bay, and the Yarra River during the final approach.
The right side is ideal for capturing the stunning contrast of the Kimberley region’s 'red dirt' coastline. For arrivals into Melbourne (usually from the north), this side provides the best angle for the city skyline and the bay. If flying during the day, the desert textures of Western Australia are most vivid on this side.
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Guizhou Karst Peaks
Unique limestone mountain formations visible shortly after departure from Chengdu.
Hainan Tropical Coast
Views of the eastern shores of China's tropical island and the South China Sea.
Javanese Volcanoes
Sightings of towering volcanic peaks like Mount Bromo as the flight crosses Indonesia.
Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre
The massive, shimmering white salt crust of Australia's largest terminal lake.
Victorian Highlands
Lush green rolling hills and farmland as the plane enters southeastern Australia.
Choose the left side for spectacular sunrises over the Pacific if on an overnight flight. Look out for the massive salt pans of South Australia approximately 2 hours before landing. Keep your camera ready for the volcanic chains of East Java, which often poke through the cloud layer during the middle of the journey.
Get eSIMs for China
Get eSIMs for AustraliaDistance: 8,697 km (5,404 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 10 hrs 14 min
Departure: CTU (30.578500747680664, 103.9469985961914)
Arrival: MEL (-37.673302, 144.843002)
Route Type: International
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