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GTE → GOV
Which side of the plane to sit from Groote Eylandt Airport (Groote Eylandt) to Gove Airport (Gove)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers the most consistent views of the rugged Groote Eylandt coastline upon departure and provides a direct perspective of the Nhulunbuy township and the industrial infrastructure of the Gove Peninsula during arrival.
Groote Eylandt Beaches
Pristine, uninhabited white sand beaches and turquoise bays visible immediately after takeoff from Alyangula.
GEMCO Mining Operations
Large-scale manganese mining pits and infrastructure that dominate the western landscape of the island.
Melville Bay
A deep-water harbor often filled with bulk carriers and local vessels servicing the regional alumina refinery.
Nhulunbuy Township
The geometric layout of the regional hub nestled between the red earth and the blue waters of the Arafura Sea.
Mount Saunders
A prominent local landmark near the Gove Airport that signals the final stages of the approach.
Sit on the left for the best land-based views. For morning flights, this side avoids the direct glare of the sun over the Gulf of Carpentaria. During the approach to Gove, look for the contrast between the vibrant red bauxite soil and the deep blue ocean.
Gulf of Carpentaria
A vast, shimmering expanse of tropical water that constitutes the majority of the flight path.
Winchelsea Island
A rugged island located just north of Groote Eylandt, featuring dramatic rocky coastlines.
Bremer Island
A remote island visible in the distance to the northeast during the final descent into the Gove Peninsula.
Marine Life Spotting
In clear conditions at lower altitudes, look for large marine shadows which may be dugongs or sea turtles in the shallows.
The right side is best for capturing the sunrise on early morning departures. While it offers more open-water views, it provides an excellent sense of the scale of the Gulf. Use polarized sunglasses to better see through the water's surface reflection when near the coast.
Distance: 194 km (121 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 19 min
Departure: GTE (-13.9750003815, 136.460006714)
Arrival: GOV (-12.269399642899998, 136.817993164)
Route Type: Domestic
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