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DRW destination photo
TSV destination photo

DRWTSV

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side provides a superior mix of tropical coastal vistas, the vastness of the Gulf of Carpentaria, and the iconic approach over Magnetic Island into Townsville.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🌊

Van Diemen Gulf

Immediately after departure from Darwin, witness the turquoise waters and intricate mangrove systems of the Northern Territory coast.

🐊

Alligator River Systems

Aerial views of the winding, tea-colored rivers that snake through the floodplains toward Kakadu National Park.

🏖️

Gulf of Carpentaria

The flight crosses the southern edge of the Gulf, offering views of the vast salt pans and the changing colors of the shoreline.

⛰️

Gregory Range

Observe the ancient sandstone escarpments and rugged terrain as you cross into North Queensland.

🏝️

Magnetic Island

On final approach, look out for the granite peaks and sandy bays of this island paradise sitting in the Coral Sea.

Book a window seat on the left (port) side for the best approach views. Morning flights are ideal as the sun will be behind you, highlighting the colors of the Gulf and the coral reefs. Watch for the 'braided' river patterns near Karumba which look like abstract art from 30,000 feet.

Right Side Highlights
6.8
🏜️

Northern Territory Outback

Vast stretches of red earth and scrubland that define the Australian interior.

🐂

Barkly Tableland

The flight passes the northern edge of these famous grasslands, where enormous cattle stations are occasionally visible.

🏗️

Mining Landscapes

Occasional views of open-cut mines and geometric patterns of exploration tracks in the Selwyn Range area.

🛤️

Flinders Highway

The long, straight stretch of road and rail connecting the coast to the interior becomes visible during the descent.

🏙️

Townsville Hinterland

Views of the scrub-covered hills and the sprawling suburbs of Townsville as the plane aligns for landing.

If flying in the late afternoon, the right side may experience significant sun glare. However, this side provides the best view of the sun setting over the desert landscape. Look for the massive circular irrigation plots on stations near the Queensland border.

Top Activities in Townsville
Route Information

Distance: 1,860 km (1,156 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 29 min

Departure: DRW (-12.41469955444336, 130.87699890136722)

Arrival: TSV (-19.252500534057617, 146.76499938964844)

Route Type: Domestic

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