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MKY → SYD
Which side of the plane to sit from Mackay Airport (Mackay) to Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (Sydney)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a front-row seat to the stunning Australian coastline, including the southern Great Barrier Reef islands, Fraser Island, and the iconic Sydney Harbour during certain approach patterns.
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Northumberland Islands
Aerial views of the remote and rugged island chain shortly after departing Mackay.
Fraser Island (K'gari)
The world's largest sand island, showcasing its unique perched lakes and expansive 75-mile beach.
Gold Coast Skyline
The dense cluster of skyscrapers at Surfers Paradise framed by the Pacific Ocean.
Byron Bay
Clear views of Cape Byron and the lighthouse, the easternmost point of the Australian mainland.
Sydney Harbour
If the aircraft enters a northern approach to Runway 16 or 34, you may see the Bridge and Opera House.
Sit on the left for morning flights to see the sunrise over the Pacific without glare. This side is also superior for the classic coastal approach into Sydney. Request a seat ahead of the wing to avoid engine heat distortion during photography of the Great Sandy Biosphere.
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Great Dividing Range
Continuous views of the rugged mountain spine and plateau systems of Eastern Australia.
Darling Downs
The fertile, patchwork agricultural plains of Southern Queensland.
Hunter Valley
Lush vineyard landscapes and rolling hills as you descend toward the New South Wales coast.
Blue Mountains
Distant views of the iconic sandstone cliffs and hazy eucalyptus forests west of the Sydney basin.
Gladstone Industry
The massive scale of the industrial shipping ports and alumina refineries shortly after takeoff.
The right side is ideal for late afternoon flights to enjoy the sunset over the inland ranges. It provides a better perspective of the vastness of the Australian bush and the intense green of the Hunter Valley during the spring months.
Book Hotels in SydneyDistance: 1,434 km (891 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 55 min
Departure: MKY (-21.171699523900003, 149.179992676)
Arrival: SYD (-33.94609832763672, 151.177001953125)
Route Type: Domestic
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