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MKY → TSV
Which side of the plane to sit from Mackay Airport (Mackay) to Townsville Airport (Townsville)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers spectacular panoramas of the North Queensland coastline, featuring turquoise coral reefs, rugged tropical islands, and the vast expanse of the Coral Sea.
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Whitsunday Fringe
Distant views of the northern Whitsunday Islands and the turquoise waters of the Molle Group shortly after departure.
Cape Upstart
A prominent, rugged headland that juts out into the Coral Sea, surrounded by pristine blue waters.
Bowling Green Bay
Vast coastal wetlands and salt pans that create unique geometric patterns and color shifts from above.
Cleveland Bay
On the final descent, enjoy views of the Townsville Port and the iconic silhouette of Magnetic Island.
Choose the right side for the most iconic 'tropical North Queensland' experience. Mid-morning flights offer the best lighting to penetrate the water and reveal reef structures. If the plane lands from the south (the most common path), you will get a perfect view of the Strand and Magnetic Island just before touchdown.
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Pioneer Valley
Expansive views of the emerald-green sugar cane fields and the winding Pioneer River just after takeoff from Mackay.
Eungella National Park
The misty, forest-clad peaks of the Clarke Range forming a dramatic western horizon.
Burdekin River Delta
The intricate network of one of Australia's largest river systems near the towns of Ayr and Home Hill.
Mount Elliot
A massive granite monolith rising 1,234 meters from the coastal plains as you approach Townsville.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid the direct glare of the rising sun over the ocean. This side is ideal for seeing the vast agricultural patterns of the 'Sugar Capital' and the rugged Great Dividing Range. Watch for the massive Burdekin Bridge as a landmark near the halfway point.
Get eSIMs for Australia
Get eSIMs for AustraliaDistance: 330 km (205 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 33 min
Departure: MKY (-21.171699523900003, 149.179992676)
Arrival: TSV (-19.252500534057617, 146.76499938964844)
Route Type: Domestic
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