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DOH → MEL
Which side of the plane to sit from Hamad International Airport (Doha) to Melbourne International Airport (Melbourne)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side of the aircraft offers a prime view of the Doha skyline upon departure and the spectacular turquoise colors of the Ningaloo Reef when entering Australian airspace.
Doha Skyline
A stunning view of the West Bay skyscrapers, The Pearl-Qatar, and the Corniche shortly after takeoff from Hamad International.
Ningaloo Reef
As the flight enters Australia near Exmouth, the vivid turquoise waters and coral structures of this UNESCO site are highly visible.
Gibson Desert
Vast stretches of deep red sand dunes and unique geological formations across the Western Australian outback.
Salt Lakes
Numerous shimmering white ephemeral salt lakes scattered across the arid interior of the Australian continent.
Melbourne CBD
During the descent from the north, views of the city skyline and the Yarra River winding toward the bay.
Choose a window seat forward of the wing to avoid engine heat haze. The arrival into Australia usually happens at dawn or early morning, making the colors of the desert especially vibrant. Use a flight tracker to see if you are passing over the Maldives, as the left side can occasionally spot northern atolls.
Rub' al Khali
The edge of the Empty Quarter desert in the Arabian Peninsula, showing massive longitudinal sand dunes.
Shark Bay
The distinct coastline of the Peron Peninsula and the deep blue waters of this World Heritage area.
Great Australian Bight
If the flight path takes a southerly route, the dramatic limestone cliffs of the Nullarbor come into view.
Port Phillip Bay
Aerial views of the Mornington Peninsula and the busy shipping lanes entering Melbourne's harbor.
The right side is ideal for catching the sunrise over the Indian Ocean during the long haul stretch. It also offers better views of the rugged coastline of South Australia if the pilot skirts the southern edge of the continent to avoid turbulence. Monitor the sun's position; during the day, this side may experience more direct glare.
Distance: 11,958 km (7,430 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 14 hrs 4 min
Departure: DOH (25.273056, 51.608056)
Arrival: MEL (-37.673302, 144.843002)
Route Type: International
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