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ISA → CNJ
Which side of the plane to sit from Mount Isa Airport (Mount Isa) to Cloncurry Airport (Cloncurry)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers the most iconic views of the Mount Isa mining stacks and the city center immediately after takeoff, providing a clear perspective of the 'Oasis of the Outback' against the rugged terrain.
Mount Isa Mines
Bird's eye view of one of the world's most productive single mines, including the landmark copper and lead smelter stacks.
Mount Isa CBD
A rare glimpse of the compact city center nestled among the orange-hued hills of the Selwyn Range.
Leichhardt River
The winding path of the river, often a dry sandy bed, snaking through the arid landscape north of the city.
North Selwyn Range
Ancient, weathered quartzite ridges and spinifex-covered hills that define the region's unique geology.
Cloncurry Township
Clear views of the historic town, known as the birthplace of the Royal Flying Doctor Service, during the final approach.
Ensure you are seated on the left for the departure to see the scale of the mining operations. As this flight is exceptionally short (often under 25 minutes) and flies at a lower altitude, geographic details are highly visible. Afternoon flights provide the best lighting for the red rock formations without glare.
Southern Selwyn Range
Dramatic, rugged vistas of the ancient mountain ranges extending toward the southern horizon.
Barkly Highway
The thin ribbon of the highway cutting through the vast, sparsely populated outback terrain.
Mary Kathleen Region
The general area of the historic abandoned uranium mine, visible as disturbed earth and tracks to the south of the flight path.
Outback Horizon
Vast, uninterrupted views of the Mitchell grass downs and the iconic red-dirt expanse of Northwest Queensland.
Cloncurry River Bed
Sparse vegetation and eucalypt-lined creek beds that become visible as the aircraft descends into Cloncurry.
The right side is excellent for photographers interested in the textures of the outback. Morning flights are particularly beautiful as the low sun creates long shadows across the ridges of the Selwyn Range, highlighting the topographical complexity of the landscape.
Distance: 106 km (66 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 11 min
Departure: ISA (-20.6639003754, 139.488998413)
Arrival: CNJ (-20.6686000824, 140.503997803)
Route Type: Domestic
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