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PER → DRW
Which side of the plane to sit from Perth International Airport (Perth) to Darwin International Airport (Darwin)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side of the aircraft offers an unparalleled view of Australia's most rugged and colorful landscapes, including the iron-rich Pilbara and the ancient Kimberley region.
The Pilbara
Witness the dramatic, rust-red earth and ancient mountain ranges of one of the world's oldest geological regions.
Mining Landscapes
Large-scale open-cut iron ore mines are visible as geometric scars and vibrant pits across the desert floor.
The Kimberley
A breathtaking expanse of sandstone plateaus, deep gorges, and seasonal river systems unique to Northern WA.
Victoria River
The massive, winding serpent-like path of the NT's longest river as it snakes through the rugged escarpments.
Darwin Harbour
Final approach views of the Darwin peninsula, the CBD skyline, and the lush green mangrove systems.
The right side is superior for daylight flights. The morning sun illuminates the red landscapes perfectly without glare. During the wet season (December to March), watch for massive, towering cumulonimbus clouds and distant lightning storms common in the Top End.
Indian Ocean Coastline
Stunning views of the deep blue ocean meeting the white sands of the Western Australian coast during the initial ascent.
Shark Bay & Ningaloo
Distant but visible turquoise waters of the World Heritage-listed marine parks if the flight path tracks slightly west.
Joseph Bonaparte Gulf
The transition from the arid mainland to the tropical Timor Sea as the plane begins its descent into Darwin.
Maritime Sunset
On evening flights, the left side provides a front-row seat to the sun sinking into the Indian Ocean.
Choose the left side for afternoon or evening departures to enjoy the sunset over the water. Be aware that once the plane turns inland toward the Northern Territory, much of the view is open ocean or distant coastline.
Distance: 2,652 km (1,648 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 32 min
Departure: PER (-31.94029998779297, 115.96700286865234)
Arrival: DRW (-12.41469955444336, 130.87699890136722)
Route Type: Domestic
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