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PQQ → BNE
Which side of the plane to sit from Port Macquarie Airport (Port Macquarie) to Brisbane International Airport (Brisbane)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers unparalleled views of the Australian coastline, including the iconic Cape Byron lighthouse, the glittering Gold Coast skyline, and the sand islands of Moreton Bay.
Solitary Islands
A chain of pristine islands and reefs scattered along the coast near Coffs Harbour.
Cape Byron
Australia's most easterly point, featuring the famous white lighthouse and crashing surf.
Gold Coast Skyline
The spectacular high-rise towers of Surfers Paradise meeting the edge of the Pacific.
Stradbroke Islands
Expansive views of North and South Stradbroke Islands and their unique coastal lagoons.
Pacific Ocean
Deep blue vistas where you can often spot whale migrations between May and November.
The right side is unbeatable for morning flights as the sun rises over the water. For the best views of the Gold Coast and Byron Bay, sit in a window seat well clear of the wing. Keep your camera ready as you pass the New South Wales-Queensland border for the most photogenic stretch of the trip.
Great Dividing Range
Dramatic views of the ancient mountain range and lush hinterland forests stretching inland.
Clarence River
The largest coastal river in New South Wales, snaking through the landscape near Grafton.
Mount Warning (Wollumbin)
The central volcanic plug of an ancient caldera, visible as a prominent, sharp peak near the border.
Lamington National Park
Dense, subtropical rainforests and high plateaus along the McPherson Range.
Brisbane CBD
Bird's-eye views of the river-looping city center during the final approach into BNE.
Choose the left side for afternoon flights to enjoy the golden hour light hitting the hinterland without ocean glare. Watch for the 'plug' shape of Mt Warning, which is the first place on mainland Australia to see the sunrise.
Distance: 451 km (280 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 45 min
Departure: PQQ (-31.435800552399996, 152.863006592)
Arrival: BNE (-27.38419914245605, 153.11700439453125)
Route Type: Domestic
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