Loading map...

OOL destination photo
MEL destination photo

OOL โ†’ MEL

Our Recommendation
8.7

Right Side of the Plane

While the left side offers stunning coastline, the right side provides a more diverse and dramatic sequence of landscapes, including the ancient volcanic plugs of the Gold Coast hinterland, the vast Blue Mountains, and the majestic snow-capped peaks of the Australian Alps.

Right Side Highlights
8.7
โ›ฐ๏ธ

Wollumbin (Mt Warning)

Look for the sharp, distinctive peak of this ancient volcano rising from the green Tweed Valley hinterland.

๐Ÿ”๏ธ

Blue Mountains

Vast sandstone plateaus and deep, forested valleys that define the Great Dividing Range west of Sydney.

โ„๏ธ

The Snowy Mountains

Home to Mt Kosciuszko; these peaks are spectacularly covered in white during the winter and spring months.

๐Ÿ‡

Yarra Valley

The patchwork of vineyards and rolling hills that characterize Victoria's premier wine region.

๐Ÿ™๏ธ

Melbourne CBD

Depending on the runway approach, you often get a perfect view of the city's skyscraper skyline just before landing.

The right side is unbeatable for sunset views on late afternoon flights. Keep your camera ready about 45-60 minutes into the flight for the Australian Alps. In winter (Juneโ€“August), the snow coverage on the mountains provides high-contrast, breathtaking photography opportunities.

Left Side Highlights
8.2
๐ŸŒŠ

Cape Byron

View the iconic lighthouse and the easternmost point of the Australian mainland shortly after takeoff.

๐Ÿ™๏ธ

Sydney Coastline

From a distance, you can often spot the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the sparkling waters of the city's eastern suburbs.

๐Ÿ–๏ธ

The Illawarra Coast

The dramatic meeting of the escarpment and the Pacific Ocean, featuring the Sea Cliff Bridge.

๐Ÿ›ถ

Gippsland Lakes

A vast network of lakes, marshes, and lagoons in eastern Victoria as you cross the state border.

๐Ÿ›ฅ๏ธ

Port Phillip Bay

The expansive blue waters and the Mornington Peninsula as the aircraft begins its final descent into Melbourne.

Sit on the left side during morning flights (before 10 AM) to enjoy the sun illuminating the coastline without glare. This side is also better if the flight path tracks slightly offshore, providing a sweeping panorama of the NSW South Coast.

Top Activities in Melbourne
Route Information

Distance: 1,330 km (826 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 46 min

Departure: OOL (-28.1644001007, 153.505004883)

Arrival: MEL (-37.673302, 144.843002)

Route Type: Domestic

Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.