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DRW → ADL
Which side of the plane to sit from Darwin International Airport (Darwin) to Adelaide International Airport (Adelaide)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a superior view of the most iconic Australian outback landmarks, including the vast salt pans of Lake Eyre and the ancient, jagged ridges of the Flinders Ranges.
Katherine Gorges
Deep sandstone canyons carved by the Katherine River near the start of the journey.
Simpson Desert
Parallel red sand dunes that create a striking geometric pattern across the interior.
Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre
Australia's largest salt lake, appearing as a massive shimmering white expanse or a pale blue inland sea.
Flinders Ranges
Ancient mountain peaks and the massive natural amphitheater of Wilpena Pound.
Barossa Valley
Lush green vineyards and rolling hills as the flight approaches the Adelaide plains.
Choose the left side for morning or midday flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun. The highlight is Lake Eyre, which is most visible about 90 minutes before landing. In winter, the Flinders Ranges may have more vibrant colors due to increased moisture. Use a polarising filter on your camera to cut through the atmospheric haze of the desert.
Bynoe Harbour
Intricate coastal inlets and tropical mangroves shortly after departure from Darwin.
Tanami Desert
Vast, arid landscapes characterized by spinifex plains and rocky outcrops.
Lake Torrens
A long, narrow endorheic salt lake that runs parallel to the flight path.
Spencer Gulf
Clear blue waters and the rugged coastline of the Eyre Peninsula to the west.
Adelaide Coastline
Views of the metropolitan beaches and Port Adelaide during the final descent into ADL.
The right side is perfect for late afternoon flights to witness the desert sun setting over the Spencer Gulf. Early in the flight, watch for the winding Daly River. If the flight path takes a more westerly route, you might catch a distant glimpse of the MacDonnell Ranges near Alice Springs. During the descent, this side offers the best views of the Yorke Peninsula's cliffs.
Distance: 2,621 km (1,629 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 30 min
Departure: DRW (-12.41469955444336, 130.87699890136722)
Arrival: ADL (-34.945, 138.53100600000002)
Route Type: Domestic
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