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PHE → MEL
Which side of the plane to sit from Port Hedland International Airport (Port Hedland) to Melbourne International Airport (Melbourne)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side provides an exceptional view of the Pilbara's mining landscapes and the expansive Great Victoria Desert, followed by a scenic approach over Port Phillip Bay into Melbourne.
Search flights from PHE to MEL
Pilbara Mining Sites
Spectacular aerial views of massive open-cut iron ore pits and industrial infrastructure.
Great Victoria Desert
Mesmerizing patterns of red longitudinal dunes and vast, uninhabited wilderness.
Nullarbor Plain
The distant, flat expanse of the world's largest single exposure of limestone bedrock.
The Grampians
Majestic sandstone peaks rising sharply from the flat Victorian agricultural plains.
Port Phillip Bay
Sweeping views of the coastline and bay during the final descent into Melbourne.
The right side is ideal for morning departures to avoid direct sun glare. During the descent into MEL, look for the transition from the golden Victorian wheatbelt into the rugged sandstone ridges of the Grampians National Park.
Book Hotels in MelbourneHamersley Range
Vibrant red earth and ancient mountain ridges shortly after takeoff from the Pilbara.
Lake Torrens
A massive, shimmering salt lake in the South Australian outback often appearing as a white void.
Flinders Ranges
Jagged silhouettes of the ancient mountain range visible to the east in South Australia.
Murray River
The serpentine path of Australia's longest river as it marks the border transition.
Melbourne Suburbs
Extensive views of the urban landscape during the northern approach to the airport.
Opt for an afternoon flight to see the Flinders Ranges catching the golden evening light. A window seat forward of the wing is best to avoid engine heat distortion when photographing the salt pans of South Australia.
Get eSIMs for Australia
Get eSIMs for AustraliaDistance: 3,174 km (1,972 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 44 min
Departure: PHE (-20.3777999878, 118.625999451)
Arrival: MEL (-37.673302, 144.843002)
Route Type: Domestic
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