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MEL → HTI
Which side of the plane to sit from Melbourne International Airport (Melbourne) to Hamilton Island Airport (Hamilton Island)?
Right Side of the Plane
While both sides offer views of the Australian interior, the Right Side is vastly superior for the spectacular arrival into the Whitsunday Islands, featuring turquoise waters and coral formations.
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Victorian Alps
Distant views of the snow-capped or rugged peaks of the Great Dividing Range early in the flight.
Pacific Horizon
Expansive views toward the Tasman Sea and the eastern coastline as the flight progresses north.
Whitsunday Islands
Breathtaking views of Pentecost Island and the Lindeman Group during the descent.
Great Barrier Reef
Vibrant turquoise coral structures and shallow reefs visible in the surrounding sapphire waters.
Hamilton Island Marina
A close-up view of the island's luxury resorts and yacht-filled marina just before touchdown.
The right side is the 'money side' for this route. For the best experience, book a window seat away from the wing to ensure an unobstructed view of the Whitsunday Islands. The final 15 minutes of the flight are the most scenic; have your camera ready as the plane descends over the reef systems. Morning flights offer the best lighting for the turquoise water colors.
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Melbourne Suburbs
Bird's eye view of the northern sprawl and Tullamarine region immediately after takeoff.
Macedon Ranges
Rugged volcanic peaks and forested ridges located just north of the Melbourne metropolitan area.
Agricultural Heartlands
The intricate patchwork of Victorian and New South Wales farming plains stretching toward the horizon.
Inland Queensland
Red-hued earth and scrubland typical of the Queensland interior as you head north.
Airlie Beach Coastline
Glimpses of the mainland Whitsunday coast and Shute Harbour during the initial descent phase.
The left side is ideal for afternoon flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun. It provides a great perspective of the Great Dividing Range's western slopes. Watch for the change from the green Victorian landscape to the drier, redder tones of Queensland. During the final approach, you will see the mainland coastline before the aircraft banks toward the island.
Get eSIMs for Australia
Get eSIMs for AustraliaDistance: 1,966 km (1,222 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 37 min
Departure: MEL (-37.673302, 144.843002)
Arrival: HTI (-20.3581008911, 148.95199585)
Route Type: Domestic
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