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OOL โ MEL
Which side of the plane to sit from Gold Coast Airport (Coolangatta) to Melbourne International Airport (Melbourne)?
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.
Wollumbin (Mt Warning)
Look for the sharp, distinctive peak of this ancient volcano rising from the green Tweed Valley hinterland.
Blue Mountains
Vast sandstone plateaus and deep, forested valleys that define the Great Dividing Range west of Sydney.
The Snowy Mountains
Home to Mt Kosciuszko; these peaks are spectacularly covered in white during the winter and spring months.
Yarra Valley
The patchwork of vineyards and rolling hills that characterize Victoria's premier wine region.
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 (JuneโAugust), the snow coverage on the mountains provides high-contrast, breathtaking photography opportunities.
Cape Byron
View the iconic lighthouse and the easternmost point of the Australian mainland shortly after takeoff.
Sydney Coastline
From a distance, you can often spot the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the sparkling waters of the city's eastern suburbs.
The Illawarra Coast
The dramatic meeting of the escarpment and the Pacific Ocean, featuring the Sea Cliff Bridge.
Gippsland Lakes
A vast network of lakes, marshes, and lagoons in eastern Victoria as you cross the state border.
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.
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
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