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SYD destination photo
APW destination photo

SYDAPW

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers superior views of the Sydney coastline upon departure and a spectacular perspective of the Samoan archipelago, including Savai'i and the Apolima Strait, during the final approach.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🏙️

Sydney Northern Beaches

Panoramic views of the iconic Manly to Palm Beach coastline shortly after takeoff from SYD.

🏝️

Lord Howe Island

Depending on the flight track, a possible glimpse of this UNESCO World Heritage-listed volcanic remnant.

🌋

Savai'i Island

A stunning view of Samoa's largest island, featuring Mount Matavanu and vast lava fields.

🛶

Apolima Strait

Clear views of the tiny, picturesque islands of Apolima and Manono nestled between the main islands.

🌊

Mulifanua Lagoons

Vibrant turquoise reef systems and white sandbars as the plane aligns for the runway at Faleolo.

For the best experience, choose an early morning departure to see the Sydney coastline illuminated by the rising sun. During the arrival phase into APW, stay alert about 20 minutes before landing to catch the volcanic silhouette of Savai'i.

Right Side Highlights
7.2
🏖️

Botany Bay & Cronulla

Views of the southern Sydney coastline and the deep green of the Royal National Park during ascent.

☁️

Pacific Cloudscapes

Unique tropical cloud formations and the deep blue of the South Pacific's deepest trenches.

🏝️

Lau Group (Fiji)

Distant sightings of Fiji's easternmost islands depending on the specific seasonal air corridor used.

⛰️

Upolu Interior

The lush, mountainous backbone of the island of Upolu as the aircraft makes its final bank.

🏡

Coastal Villages

A bird's-eye view of traditional Samoan 'fale' and villages along the southern Upolu coastline.

The right side is excellent for photography if you are flying in the late afternoon, as it avoids direct glare from the sun. It provides a great perspective of the island's mountainous interior just before touchdown.

Top Activities in Faleolo
Route Information

Distance: 4,324 km (2,687 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 5 hrs 5 min

Departure: SYD (-33.94609832763672, 151.177001953125)

Arrival: APW (-13.829999923706056, -172.00799560546875)

Route Type: International

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