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PTJ → MEB
Which side of the plane to sit from Portland Airport (Portland) to Melbourne Essendon Airport (Melbourne)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a spectacular view of the rugged Victorian coastline, the Great Otway National Park, and a stunning aerial perspective of Port Phillip Bay and the Melbourne CBD during the approach to Essendon.
Bass Strait Coastline
Enjoy views of the wild Southern Ocean meeting the limestone cliffs near Warrnambool and the Bay of Islands.
Great Otway National Park
Look for the dense, deep-green canopies of the Otway Ranges where the forest meets the sea along the Great Ocean Road.
Port Phillip Bay
As the flight nears Melbourne, the expansive blue of Port Phillip Bay dominates the view, often filled with large cargo ships.
Melbourne City Skyline
On the final approach to Essendon, the right side often gets a clear, panoramic view of the Melbourne CBD skyscrapers and Docklands.
The right side is the definitive choice for coastal lovers. For the best experience, choose a morning flight to avoid the glare of the southern sun reflecting off the Bass Strait. Watch for Southern Right Whales near Warrnambool if flying between June and September.
Mt Napier & Mt Rouse
Spot the distinctive dormant volcanic peaks of the Kanawinka Geopark rising from the flat surrounding plains shortly after takeoff.
Western District Plains
View the expansive and fertile agricultural heartland of Victoria, characterized by patchwork paddocks and historic homesteads.
Lake Corangamite
Glimpse Australia's largest permanent saltwater lake, known for its unique shoreline and surrounding volcanic craters.
Bacchus Marsh Valley
Observe the transition from the volcanic plains into the deep, fertile valley of Bacchus Marsh as you near the Melbourne metropolitan area.
Sit on the left if you are interested in geology; the volcanic craters of the Western District are world-class. Afternoon flights provide excellent lighting for these landforms as the sun sets behind the aircraft, highlighting the topography.
Distance: 308 km (191 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 31 min
Departure: PTJ (-38.31809997558594, 141.4709930419922)
Arrival: MEB (-37.7281, 144.901993)
Route Type: Domestic
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