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MEL destination photo
AUH destination photo

MELAUH

Our Recommendation
8.5

Right Side of the Plane

The Right Side offers a spectacular perspective of Australia's red heart and salt lakes, followed by the vast dunes of the Empty Quarter and iconic Abu Dhabi landmarks on descent.

Right Side Highlights
8.5
🏙️

Melbourne Skyline

A clear view of the CBD and the Yarra River if the aircraft departs towards the north or performs a sweeping turn.

🏜️

Lake Eyre / Kati Thanda

The mesmerizing patterns of Australia's largest salt lake, often appearing as a shimmering white or pink expanse.

⛰️

Great Sandy Desert

Intricate longitudinal dune patterns and the remote wilderness areas of central and northwestern Australia.

🐪

Rub' al Khali

The 'Empty Quarter', featuring some of the world's highest and most geometrically beautiful sand dunes.

🏎️

Yas Island

Spot the bright red roof of Ferrari World and the Yas Marina F1 Circuit during the final descent into AUH.

This side is prime for daytime departures to see the shifting colors of the Australian Outback. For the arrival in Abu Dhabi, the Right Side typically provides the best view of the Yas Marina Circuit and the city's unique island geography. Use a polarizing filter for photos of the Australian salt lakes to cut through atmospheric haze.

Left Side Highlights
7.5
🌊

Port Phillip Bay

Aerial views of the Mornington Peninsula and the Victorian coastline immediately after takeoff from MEL.

🏖️

Great Australian Bight

Stunning views of the limestone cliffs and the southern edge of the Nullarbor Plain depending on the flight track.

🏜️

Western Australian Coast

The dramatic transition from the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean to the iron-rich red earth of the Pilbara.

🚢

Arabian Sea

Vast maritime vistas and the possibility of spotting large cargo vessels approaching the Strait of Hormuz.

🏙️

Abu Dhabi South

Views of the sprawling desert suburbs and solar farms as the aircraft aligns for its final landing sequence.

Keep your window shade up during the first 30 minutes to catch the Victorian coastline. On approach to Abu Dhabi, look for the rugged mountains of Oman if the flight path tracks slightly north. Night flights offer exceptionally clear views of the stars over the remote Indian Ocean segments.

Top Activities in Abu Dhabi
Route Information

Distance: 11,652 km (7,240 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 13 hrs 42 min

Departure: MEL (-37.673302, 144.843002)

Arrival: AUH (24.433000564575195, 54.651100158691406)

Route Type: International

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