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MEL → MCY
Which side of the plane to sit from Melbourne International Airport (Melbourne) to Sunshine Coast Airport (Maroochydore)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side provides a superior vantage point for the Australian coastline, featuring the Victorian Alps, the glittering Gold Coast skyline, and the pristine blue waters of Moreton Bay.
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Melbourne CBD
A sweeping view of the city skyline and Port Phillip Bay if departing towards the south or east.
Victorian Alps
The eastern horizon features the peaks of the Great Dividing Range, often snow-capped in winter months.
Gold Coast Skyline
The famous high-rise towers of Surfers Paradise are visible as the flight transitions from NSW to QLD.
Moreton Bay
Vibrant turquoise waters, sandbanks, and the massive sand islands of Moreton and North Stradbroke.
Sunshine Coast Beaches
Aerial views of Bribie Island, Caloundra, and Mooloolaba just before the final approach.
The right side is unbeatable for coastal scenery lovers. Watch for the Gold Coast skyline approximately 20 minutes before landing. In winter, keep an eye out for humpback whale migrations visible as white splashes in the blue waters. Afternoon flights provide the best lighting on the Pacific coastline as the sun begins to set in the west.
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Macedon Ranges
Rugged hills and forest landscapes north of Melbourne shortly after takeoff.
Murray River
The winding lifeblood of the Australian interior visible as you cross the VIC/NSW border.
Glass House Mountains
Distinctive volcanic plugs rising abruptly from the coastal plain during the descent into Maroochydore.
Choose the left side if you want the best view of the iconic Glass House Mountains. Ensure you book a morning flight to have the sun behind the plane, illuminating the western hinterland without glare. This side is also excellent for seeing the inland agricultural patchwork of New South Wales.
Get eSIMs for Australia
Get eSIMs for AustraliaDistance: 1,454 km (903 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 56 min
Departure: MEL (-37.673302, 144.843002)
Arrival: MCY (-26.6033, 153.091003)
Route Type: Domestic
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