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SYD → JNB
Which side of the plane to sit from Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (Sydney) to OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg)?
Right Side of the Plane
The Right Side offers a superior experience for this westbound transoceanic journey, providing extended vistas of the Australian continent's diverse geography and better lighting conditions for photography throughout the flight.
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Blue Mountains
Visible shortly after takeoff, featuring deep canyons and the hazy blue eucalyptus forests of New South Wales.
Nullarbor Plain
The world's largest flat karst limestone surface, appearing as a vast, reddish-brown expanse of nothingness.
WA Coastline
Striking views of the Great Australian Bight and the rugged coastline near Albany as the plane leaves the continent.
The Highveld
The golden grasslands and urban sprawl of the Gauteng province as the flight approaches OR Tambo.
The right side is ideal for avoiding direct sunlight, making it much easier to keep your window shade open for sightseeing. The first 3-4 hours of the flight are the most scenic as you cross the breadth of Australia. Keep your camera ready for the contrast between the red earth of the Nullarbor and the turquoise waters of the Western Australian coast before the long Indian Ocean crossing.
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Sydney Skyline
Exceptional views of the CBD, Sydney Harbour, and the Opera House depending on the departure runway.
Southern Ocean
A vast expanse of deep blue water, often featuring dramatic cloud formations and weather cells.
Antarctic Fringe
On extreme southerly flight paths, lucky passengers may spot distant sea ice or white caps near the southern latitudes.
Drakensberg Escarpment
The jagged eastern edges of the South African plateau visible during the initial descent phase into Johannesburg.
Choose the left side for the best chance of a 'scenic' takeoff from Sydney if the flight paths north. Be aware that since this is a westbound flight, the sun will be on the left (southern) side for much of the journey, which may cause glare and require window shades to be closed. During the final hour, watch for the dramatic rise of the South African interior from the coast.
Get eSIMs for Australia
Get eSIMs for South AfricaDistance: 11,024 km (6,850 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 12 hrs 58 min
Departure: SYD (-33.94609832763672, 151.177001953125)
Arrival: JNB (-26.1392, 28.246)
Route Type: International
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