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NRT → MEL
Which side of the plane to sit from Narita International Airport (Tokyo) to Melbourne International Airport (Melbourne)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers superior views of the Japanese coastline upon departure, the rugged Owen Stanley Range in Papua New Guinea, and the breathtaking transition from the Great Barrier Reef to the Australian outback.
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Izu Peninsula
Dramatic coastal views of Honshu shortly after departing Narita.
Owen Stanley Range
The jagged, cloud-shrouded peaks of Papua New Guinea's central spine.
Great Barrier Reef
Aerial perspective of the world's largest reef system near the Queensland coast.
Australian Outback
The striking transition to red earth and vast desert landscapes as you head south.
Victorian Alps
The rolling hills and high country of Victoria during the final descent.
The right side is ideal for daytime observations of landmasses. Keep your window shade open during the crossing of Papua New Guinea for some of the world's most remote mountain scenery. As you enter Australian airspace, the interplay of the reef and the arid interior is best captured from this side. Watch for the 'red center' colors as you pass over Queensland.
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Pacific Sunrise
Stunning morning light over the open ocean as you cross the equator.
Mariana Islands
Bird's-eye views of Guam and the surrounding turquoise atolls in Micronesia.
The Coral Sea
Deep blue waters contrasting with the lighter turquoise of the continental shelf.
Gold Coast Skyline
Distant views of Surfers Paradise skyscrapers when tracking along the eastern coast.
Melbourne City
If landing from the north, views of the MCG and CBD skyline on the approach.
Choose the left side for spectacular sunrises over the Pacific. As most NRT-MEL flights depart in the evening or night, the sunrise occurs approximately 6-7 hours into the flight. For the best views of Melbourne on arrival, hope for a runway 16 or 27 approach which can provide a sweeping look at Port Phillip Bay.
Get eSIMs for Japan
Get eSIMs for AustraliaDistance: 8,179 km (5,082 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 9 hrs 37 min
Departure: NRT (35.764701843299996, 140.386001587)
Arrival: MEL (-37.673302, 144.843002)
Route Type: International
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