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MCY destination photo
SYD destination photo

MCYSYD

Our Recommendation
9.0

Left Side of the Plane

The left side provides a front-row seat to Australia's stunning east coast, featuring the Gold Coast skyline and the iconic Sydney Harbour approach.

Left Side Highlights
9.0
🏝️

Moreton Bay

Crystal clear waters and the sprawling sand islands of North Stradbroke and Moreton.

🏙️

Gold Coast Skyline

The dramatic wall of high-rises at Surfers Paradise nestled against the coastline.

🏖️

Byron Bay

Clear views of Cape Byron, the easternmost point of mainland Australia, and its lighthouse.

🌊

Port Stephens

The massive white sand dunes of Stockton Beach meeting the blue Pacific Ocean.

🌉

Sydney Harbour

The world-famous Opera House and Harbour Bridge visible on the standard northern approach.

Book a window seat on the left (Seat A) to see the coastline. On the standard northern approach to SYD (Runway 16R/L), this side offers the iconic harbour view of the Opera House and Bridge. Morning flights are ideal for ocean views, though the sun rises on this side. Look for the massive Stockton Beach dunes near Newcastle about 40 minutes into the flight.

Right Side Highlights
7.5
⛰️

Glass House Mountains

The ancient volcanic plugs rising abruptly from the Sunshine Coast hinterland plains.

🌲

Border Ranges

Dense, subtropical rainforests and rugged mountain ridges along the QLD/NSW border.

🍇

Hunter Valley

The patchwork quilt of vineyards and olive groves in Australia's oldest wine region.

🐍

Parramatta River

The winding river snaking through Sydney's western suburbs toward the CBD.

✈️

Botany Bay

Views of the historic bay and Kurnell Peninsula just before touching down at SYD.

The right side (Seat F) offers views of the Glass House Mountains shortly after takeoff. It provides a great perspective of the Great Dividing Range and the Hunter Valley. This side avoids glare on afternoon flights. During the descent, you will see the Parramatta River and Sydney's sprawling western geography.

Top Activities in Sydney
Route Information

Distance: 837 km (520 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 24 min

Departure: MCY (-26.6033, 153.091003)

Arrival: SYD (-33.94609832763672, 151.177001953125)

Route Type: Domestic

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