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HID → CNS
Which side of the plane to sit from Horn Island Airport (Horn Island) to Cairns International Airport (Cairns)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a front-row seat to the Great Barrier Reef. As the aircraft tracks south along the coast of the Cape York Peninsula, passengers on the left can witness the stunning transition from the deep blue Coral Sea to the vibrant turquoise lagoons and white sand cays of the outer reef systems.
Torres Strait Islands
Immediately after takeoff, view the scattered islands and shallow turquoise channels separating Horn Island from the mainland.
Great Barrier Reef
Aerial perspectives of the massive ribbon reefs and coral formations that parallel the Queensland coast for hundreds of miles.
Cape Flattery
Stunning views of the bright white silica sand dunes contrasting against the deep blue waters of the Pacific.
Lizard Island
A glimpse of this remote and exclusive granite island surrounded by its own private lagoon and reef system.
Trinity Bay
The approach into Cairns offers views of the wide bay and the various vessels heading out to the reef.
For the best photography, choose a morning flight when the sun is behind the aircraft, illuminating the reef colors without reflection. The left side is consistently superior for oceanic views. Try to sit forward of the wing to avoid engine heat haze distorting the intricate coral patterns below.
Cape York Wilderness
The rugged and remote landscape of Australia's northernmost tip, featuring iron-rich red soil and dense scrubland.
Jardine River
The winding, snake-like path of the Jardine River as it cuts through the pristine tropical landscape toward the coast.
Daintree Rainforest
Approaching Cairns, the terrain shifts to the lush, ancient green canopy of the world's oldest surviving rainforest.
Great Dividing Range
The dramatic mountain backdrop that follows the coast, often shrouded in mist or tropical clouds.
Port Douglas
A distant view of the famous resort town nestled between the rainforest and the sea just before the descent into Cairns.
Geology lovers should choose the right side to observe the dramatic 'Red Dirt' landscape of Far North Queensland. This side is particularly scenic during sunset flights as the low sun highlights the contours of the Great Dividing Range. Keep an eye out for the massive river deltas that flow into the Gulf of Carpentaria side during the wet season.
Distance: 794 km (493 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 19 min
Departure: HID (-10.586400032, 142.289993286)
Arrival: CNS (-16.885799408, 145.755004883)
Route Type: Domestic
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