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DRW → MCV
Which side of the plane to sit from Darwin International Airport (Darwin) to McArthur River Mine Airport (McArthur River Mine)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a superior vantage point for witnessing the dramatic transition from the lush wetlands of the Top End to the rugged sandstone escarpments of Arnhem Land and the stunning coastline of the Gulf of Carpentaria.
Search flights from DRW to MCV
Kakadu Floodplains
Early in the flight, observe the vast, intricate river systems and seasonal wetlands of the South Alligator River region.
Arnhem Land Escarpment
View the ancient, weathered sandstone plateaus and deep hidden gorges that define this culturally significant landscape.
Gulf of Carpentaria
Stunning views of the turquoise waters meeting the red earth as the flight path parallels the western coastline of the Gulf.
The Lost City
Look for the spectacular sandstone pillars and monoliths of Limmen National Park that resemble a ruined ancient city from above.
Roper River
A massive, winding waterway that snakes through the tropical savanna toward the sea, often appearing silver in the sunlight.
For the best visibility of the Arnhem Land plateau and the Gulf coast, choose a morning flight to have the sun behind the aircraft. The contrast between the red soil and the blue ocean is most vivid during the dry season (May to October). Bring a zoom lens to capture the unique patterns of the 'Lost City' rock formations near the end of the journey.
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Pine Creek District
View the historical gold and iron ore mining areas characterized by colorful tailing dams and excavated pits.
Sturt Plateau
An endless expanse of tropical savanna woodland that showcases the sheer scale and isolation of the Northern Territory interior.
Katherine Region
Visible in the distance to the west, the area surrounding Katherine marks a major crossroads of the Australian outback.
Stuart Highway
The iconic 'Explorer's Way' road appears as a thin, straight line cutting through the vast wilderness.
McArthur River Mine
As the plane descends, you get a clear view of one of the world's largest zinc, lead, and silver mines.
The right side is ideal for afternoon flights to experience a classic outback sunset over the desert horizon. During the dry season, watch for the smoke plumes of controlled savanna burns, which create dramatic atmospheric effects. On the final approach to MCV, the right side often offers a direct look at the massive scale of the open-cut mining operations.
Book Hotels in McArthur River MineDistance: 718 km (446 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 12 min
Departure: DRW (-12.41469955444336, 130.87699890136722)
Arrival: MCV (-16.4424991608, 136.083999634)
Route Type: Domestic
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