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MKY destination photo
ROK destination photo

MKYROK

Which side of the plane to sit from Mackay Airport (Mackay) to Rockhampton Airport (Rockhampton)?

Our Recommendation
7.8

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers spectacular views of the Queensland coastline, the southern reaches of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, and the unique tidal patterns of Broad Sound.

Left Side Highlights
7.8
🚢

Hay Point Coal Terminals

Witness the massive industrial scale of one of the world's largest coal export ports shortly after takeoff from Mackay.

🏝️

Northumberland Islands

A stunning archipelago of pristine islands scattered across the turquoise waters of the Coral Sea.

🌊

Broad Sound

Famous for its massive tidal range, providing intricate patterns of sandbanks and deep blue channels visible from high altitude.

🏖️

Shoalwater Bay

A large, protected wilderness area and military training zone with untouched coastal landscapes.

🏙️

Yeppoon and Keppel Bay

Glance at the coastal town of Yeppoon and the distant Great Keppel Island as the plane begins its descent.

Choose the left side for afternoon flights to keep the sun behind you, illuminating the vibrant turquoise waters of the coast. Watch closely during the mid-flight phase for the swirling patterns in Broad Sound, which are most dramatic during low tide.

Right Side Highlights
5.4
⛰️

Connors Range

The rugged spine of the Great Dividing Range provides a consistent backdrop of peaks and valleys to the west.

📐

Mount Funnel

A distinctive, hat-shaped peak that stands out prominently against the surrounding coastal plains.

🚜

Agriculture Transition

Observe the change from the lush green sugar cane fields near Mackay to the vast cattle grazing lands of the Capricorn region.

🐍

Fitzroy River

On final approach, follow the winding curves of Queensland's largest river system as it snakes toward Rockhampton.

The right side is ideal for morning flights to avoid the harsh glare from the Coral Sea. It provides a better perspective of the interior's topography and the winding path of the Fitzroy River as you align with the runway at Rockhampton.

Top Activities in Rockhampton
Route Information

Distance: 280 km (174 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 28 min

Departure: MKY (-21.171699523900003, 149.179992676)

Arrival: ROK (-23.3819007874, 150.475006104)

Route Type: Domestic

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