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PER → KTA
Which side of the plane to sit from Perth International Airport (Perth) to Karratha Airport (Karratha)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers spectacular views of the turquoise Indian Ocean coastline and the unique geological formations of Shark Bay and the Ningaloo coast.
Perth Coastline
Aerial views of the white sands of Cottesloe and Scarborough beaches shortly after takeoff.
Rottnest Island
The iconic island sanctuary is often visible to the west as the aircraft gains altitude and heads north.
Shark Bay UNESCO Area
Vibrant turquoise waters, salt pans, and the distinctive Peron Peninsula and Dirk Hartog Island.
Ningaloo Reef Fringe
The world-famous coral reef system can be spotted where the deep blue ocean meets the lighter coastal waters.
Exmouth Gulf
Wide expanses of deep blue water and mangrove-lined creeks as you approach the Pilbara region.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid the harsh glare of the eastern sun. The coastal contrast is most vibrant around midday when the sun is high, highlighting the turquoise shallows of the Gascoyne coast. Keep your camera ready for the dramatic transition from ocean blue to Pilbara red near the end of the flight.
Darling Scarp
The ancient edge of the plateau rising abruptly from the Swan Coastal Plain during departure.
The Wheatbelt
A patchwork quilt of agricultural fields that transition into the arid goldfields and mid-west.
Gascoyne Outback
Vast, uninhabited stretches of red earth and scrubland that represent the classic Australian interior.
Pilbara Mining Pits
Massive open-cut iron ore mines appearing as bright red scars on the landscape with intricate haul roads.
Hamersley Range
Ancient, rugged mountain formations that glow deep orange in the late afternoon light.
The right side is ideal for afternoon flights to watch the sun set over the Indian Ocean behind you, casting long shadows across the Pilbara ranges. This side provides the best view of Western Australia's massive mining infrastructure. In winter, look for the 'green' outback following seasonal rains.
Distance: 1,251 km (777 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 40 min
Departure: PER (-31.94029998779297, 115.96700286865234)
Arrival: KTA (-20.712200164799995, 116.773002625)
Route Type: Domestic
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