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PER → MEL
Which side of the plane to sit from Perth International Airport (Perth) to Melbourne International Airport (Melbourne)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers breathtaking views of the Southern Ocean and the dramatic limestone cliffs of the Great Australian Bight, followed by coastal views of South Australia and Victoria.
Great Australian Bight
Spectacular views of the Bunda Cliffs where the Australian continent abruptly meets the Southern Ocean.
Kangaroo Island
Rugged coastlines and lush national parks visible as the flight tracks towards the South Australian coast.
Great Ocean Road
Potential sightings of the iconic Victorian coastline and the Twelve Apostles during the initial descent phase.
Port Phillip Bay
Sweeping aerial views of the bay, the Mornington Peninsula, and the Melbourne city skyline on the final approach.
The right side is the prime choice for this route. For the best view of the Bunda Cliffs, fly during the middle of the day for high-contrast lighting. Avoid wing rows (typically 15-25) to ensure a clear downward view of the coastline. Note that coastal visibility depends on the specific flight path, which can sometimes track further inland.
WA Wheatbelt
Geometric patterns of agricultural fields and shimmering salt pans shortly after departure from Perth.
Nullarbor Plain
The world's largest single exposure of limestone bedrock, showcasing a vast, treeless arid landscape.
Inland Salt Lakes
Views of massive white salt lakes like Lake Gairdner shimmering in the distance over South Australia.
Macedon Ranges
As you descend into Melbourne from the north or west, look for the rolling hills and forests of central Victoria.
Choose the left side for interesting terrestrial patterns and the arid beauty of the Nullarbor. It is often less affected by direct sun glare during morning flights heading east, though the scenery is more uniform than the coast.
Distance: 2,701 km (1,678 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 36 min
Departure: PER (-31.94029998779297, 115.96700286865234)
Arrival: MEL (-37.673302, 144.843002)
Route Type: Domestic
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