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PER destination photo
DCN destination photo

PERDCN

Which side of the plane to sit from Perth International Airport (Perth) to RAAF Base Curtin (Derby)?

Our Recommendation
8.8

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a stunning and continuous view of Western Australia's dramatic coastline, transitioning from the turquoise waters of the Gascoyne to the endless white sands of Eighty Mile Beach.

Left Side Highlights
8.8
🌊

Indian Ocean Coastline

Stunning views of the rugged coastline as the flight heads north, featuring pristine white beaches and turquoise lagoons.

🐬

Shark Bay & Denham

Glimpses of the World Heritage-listed area known for its unique geography and vibrant marine colors.

⚓

Port Hedland

A massive industrial landscape visible from above, featuring giant iron ore carriers and salt evaporation ponds.

🏝️

Eighty Mile Beach

A breathtaking 220km stretch of white sand where the Great Sandy Desert meets the Indian Ocean.

🌅

Broome & Roebuck Bay

As the flight approaches the Kimberley, look for the deep red pindan cliffs contrasting with the bright blue bay.

Sit on the left (Window A) for coastal views. On morning flights, the sun will be behind you, providing the best lighting for photography of the ocean. Watch for the 'Staircase to the Moon' effect if flying during a full moon near Broome.

Right Side Highlights
7.5
⛰️

Darling Scarp

Immediately after takeoff from Perth, view the lush forest and granite outcrops of the hills region.

🚜

Pilbara Mining Hubs

Look down upon massive open-cut iron ore mines that look like giant red stepped craters from the air.

🏜️

Hamersley Range

The ancient, weathered mountains of the Pilbara provide a dramatic landscape of deep gorges and red plateaus.

🌵

Great Sandy Desert

Vast, undulating sand dunes and salt lakes stretching toward the center of the Australian continent.

🐊

Fitzroy River Meanders

Near the descent into Curtin, the winding path of the Fitzroy River carves through the Kimberley landscape.

The right side (Window F) is superior for seeing the scale of Australia's outback and mining operations. This side can be quite bright in the morning; afternoon flights offer softer light for the red earth tones. Look for the massive dust clouds of mining machinery.

Top Activities in Derby
Route Information

Distance: 1,781 km (1,107 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 22 min

Departure: PER (-31.94029998779297, 115.96700286865234)

Arrival: DCN (-17.5813999176, 123.82800293)

Route Type: Domestic

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