Loading map...
MEL → MKY
Which side of the plane to sit from Melbourne International Airport (Melbourne) to Mackay Airport (Mackay)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a spectacular vantage point of the East Coast, featuring iconic sand islands, coastal cities, and the beginning of the Great Barrier Reef.
Search flights from MEL to MKY
Melbourne CBD
Aerial views of the city skyline and Port Phillip Bay depending on takeoff direction.
Glass House Mountains
Ancient volcanic peaks rising dramatically from the Sunshine Coast hinterland.
Fraser Island (K'gari)
The world's largest sand island, showcasing incredible white dunes and blue lakes.
Southern Reef
The beginning of the Great Barrier Reef with visible coral cays and turquoise waters.
Mackay Coastline
Final views of the coal terminals and the turquoise Whitsunday fringe during descent.
The right side is significantly more scenic for this coastal route. To avoid glare, fly in the morning. Keep your camera ready as you pass the Sunshine Coast for clear views of K'gari. During the descent into Mackay, you'll often see the vast bulk-carrier ships waiting offshore.
Book Hotels in Mackay
Macedon Ranges
Lush forested hills and regional parks visible shortly after departure from Melbourne.
Murray River
The serpent-like winding of Australia's longest river marking the state border.
Darling Downs
A patchwork quilt of agricultural fields and fertile plains in Southern Queensland.
Great Dividing Range
Rugged inland peaks and valleys stretching along the western horizon.
Sit on the left for a view of the sunset if flying late in the day. This side is better for observing the sheer scale of the Australian agricultural interior and the rugged textures of the Great Dividing Range's western slopes.
Get eSIMs for Australia
Get eSIMs for AustraliaDistance: 1,882 km (1,169 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 31 min
Departure: MEL (-37.673302, 144.843002)
Arrival: MKY (-21.171699523900003, 149.179992676)
Route Type: Domestic
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.