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HKG → MEL
Which side of the plane to sit from Hong Kong International Airport (Hong Kong) to Melbourne International Airport (Melbourne)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers superior views during the approach into Melbourne, often providing a stunning panorama of Port Phillip Bay and the city skyline, along with better sunset vistas over the Australian Outback on daylight flights.
Lantau Island
Direct views of the Big Buddha and the rolling green peaks of Lantau Island during departure from HKG.
Sulu Sea
Expansive views of the deep blue Sulu Sea and the distant coastlines of Palawan and Mindanao.
Makassar Strait
A major maritime corridor between Borneo and Sulawesi, often dotted with cargo ships and local vessels.
Outback Sunset
Spectacular golden hour views over the vast Australian wilderness on afternoon departures.
Melbourne City Skyline
Dramatic views of the CBD, the Yarra River, and Port Phillip Bay during the descent into Tullamarine.
The right side is ideal for catching the sunset over the Indian Ocean/Outback interface if flying during the day. On arrival into Melbourne, flights often circle the bay, giving this side a front-row seat to the city's skyscrapers. Use a flight tracker to see if the path goes near Uluru, which is occasionally visible in the distance to the right.
Hong Kong Southside
Aerial views of Lamma Island and the rugged coastline of Hong Kong Island immediately after takeoff.
Philippine Archipelago
Gliding over the western islands of the Philippines, featuring emerald waters and coral reefs.
Sulawesi Landscapes
The mountainous terrain and deep green forests of central Indonesia as the flight heads south.
The Red Centre
Deep red sands and iron-rich rock formations of the Great Sandy Desert and Gibson Desert in Australia.
Salt Lakes of South Australia
The stark white basins of Lake Eyre or Lake Gairdner, reflecting sunlight across the arid landscape.
Choose the left side for morning flights to see the desert colors illuminated by the early sun. This side is also excellent for spotting the vastness of the Great Dividing Range as you approach the Victorian border. Ensure your window is clean to capture the subtle color shifts of the outback salt pans.
Distance: 7,413 km (4,606 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 8 hrs 43 min
Departure: HKG (22.308901, 113.915001)
Arrival: MEL (-37.673302, 144.843002)
Route Type: International
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