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OOL → CNS
Which side of the plane to sit from Gold Coast Airport (Coolangatta) to Cairns International Airport (Cairns)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side of the aircraft offers unparalleled views of the Coral Sea, the Great Barrier Reef, and Australia's most iconic tropical islands, including the Whitsundays and K'gari.
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K'gari (Fraser Island)
The world's largest sand island, featuring perched lakes and vast stretches of golden beach.
Whitsunday Islands
Stunning views of Hamilton Island, Whitsunday Island, and the swirling sands of Hill Inlet.
Great Barrier Reef
Vibrant coral formations and turquoise lagoons visible for hundreds of miles during the cruise phase.
Hinchinbrook Island
Australia's largest island national park, known for its rugged mountains and the narrow Hinchinbrook Channel.
Moreton Bay
Crystal clear waters and sand banks around North Stradbroke and Moreton Islands shortly after takeoff.
The right side is essential for maritime scenery. For the best color saturation of the Great Barrier Reef, book a flight departing between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM when the sun is high. Avoid sitting directly over the wing to ensure clear views of the intricate reef patterns and island shorelines during the descent into Cairns.
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Glass House Mountains
Spectacular ancient volcanic plugs rising abruptly from the Sunshine Coast lowlands.
Sunshine Coast Hinterland
Lush subtropical rainforests and rolling green hills extending toward the Great Dividing Range.
Townsville & Castle Hill
A clear view of the coastal city dominated by the massive pink granite monolith of Castle Hill.
Atherton Tablelands
Rolling tropical highlands and dense rainforest canopies as you descend into the Far North.
Great Dividing Range
The rugged spine of the continent provides a dramatic backdrop of peaks and deep valleys.
Choose the left side for afternoon flights to avoid the harsh glare of the sun reflecting off the Pacific. It provides a better perspective of the inland mountain ranges and the transition from subtropical to tropical vegetation. Watch for the dramatic shift in landscape as you cross the Tropic of Capricorn near Rockhampton.
Get eSIMs for Australia
Get eSIMs for AustraliaDistance: 1,484 km (922 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 59 min
Departure: OOL (-28.1644001007, 153.505004883)
Arrival: CNS (-16.885799408, 145.755004883)
Route Type: Domestic
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