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DRW → ASP
Which side of the plane to sit from Darwin International Airport (Darwin) to Alice Springs Airport (Alice Springs)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior view of the iconic Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge and the unique granite formations of the Devil's Marbles, providing a classic cross-section of the Northern Territory's diverse geography.
Darwin Harbour
Aerial views of the Northern Territory capital's coastline and turquoise harbour waters shortly after takeoff.
Adelaide River
Snake-like river systems cutting through the lush tropical floodplains of the Top End.
Nitmiluk National Park
Dramatic sandstone walls and the winding Katherine River gorge system visible to the east.
Karlu Karlu
Also known as the Devil's Marbles, these massive granite boulders are a distinct landmark in the desert.
Barkly Tableland
The transition into vast, open cattle country characterized by golden grasslands and red earth.
Book an early morning flight to see the Katherine Gorge area with soft shadows, enhancing the depth of the canyons. Keep your camera ready about 70 minutes into the flight for the Devil's Marbles; they are small but distinct from altitude. Use polarized lenses to cut the haze over the desert.
Litchfield Escarpment
The rugged western edge of the Tabletop Range, home to hidden waterfalls and monsoon forests.
Tanami Desert Edge
The deep red sands and circular spinifex patterns of the eastern Tanami desert stretch to the horizon.
Stuart Highway
Follow the lonely ribbon of asphalt that serves as the main artery through Australia's Red Centre.
West MacDonnell Ranges
Ancient, jagged mountain ridges that provide a spectacular backdrop during the descent into Alice Springs.
Alice Springs Approach
A clear view of the township nestled between the spectacular gaps of the MacDonnell Ranges.
On afternoon flights, the right side is best to avoid the harsh glare of the eastern sun. This side offers the most dramatic views of the MacDonnell Ranges' vertical rock layers during the final 10 minutes of flight. Sit behind the wing to ensure the engine doesn't block the desert landscape patterns.
Distance: 1,306 km (812 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 44 min
Departure: DRW (-12.41469955444336, 130.87699890136722)
Arrival: ASP (-23.806699752807617, 133.90199279785156)
Route Type: Domestic
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