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MEL → NTL
Which side of the plane to sit from Melbourne International Airport (Melbourne) to Newcastle Airport (Newcastle)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior visual experience, featuring a continuous panorama of the New South Wales coastline, a distant glimpse of the Sydney skyline, and the dramatic white sand dunes of Stockton Beach during the final approach.
Dandenong Ranges
Lush forest views and rolling hills east of Melbourne immediately after departure.
Sydney Coastal View
On clear days, see the iconic Sydney skyline and harbor in the distance while tracking north along the coast.
Central Coast Lakes
Brilliant turquoise waters of Lake Macquarie and Tuggerah Lake contrast sharply with the coastal scrub.
Stockton Beach Dunes
The massive, moving sand dunes of Stockton Bight are a highlight just before touchdown at Williamtown.
The right side is essential for maritime scenery. Look out for Sydney roughly 15 minutes before landing. In the afternoon, the coastline is bathed in warm golden light, making it the best time for photography. Ensure you look out for the massive sand dunes near NTL.
Melbourne Skyline
Excellent views of the CBD and northern suburbs shortly after takeoff from Tullamarine.
Great Dividing Range
The rugged peaks and valleys of Australia's longest mountain range dominate the middle segment of the flight.
Blue Mountains
Dense eucalyptus forests and deep sandstone canyons are visible as the flight traverses the NSW interior.
Hunter Valley
Verdant landscapes and structured vineyards appear as the aircraft descends towards Newcastle from the west.
Choose the left side for morning flights to keep the sun behind you, providing better visibility of the inland terrain. It is particularly good for spotting the deep green canopies of the national parks and the inland river systems of the Southern Tablelands.
Distance: 835 km (519 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 24 min
Departure: MEL (-37.673302, 144.843002)
Arrival: NTL (-32.794998168945305, 151.83399963378906)
Route Type: Domestic
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