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SYD â PER
Which side of the plane to sit from Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (Sydney) to Perth International Airport (Perth)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers the most diverse landmarks, including the Blue Mountains at departure, the massive Kalgoorlie Super Pit, and the best views of the Perth CBD and Swan River on a standard approach.
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Sydney Harbour
If taking off to the north, you may see the Harbour Bridge and Opera House shortly after lift-off.
Blue Mountains
Enjoy views of the rugged sandstone escarpments and deep eucalyptus valleys just west of the Sydney basin.
Salt Lake Systems
View the shimmering white and pastel-colored salt pans like Lake Lefroy as you cross into Western Australia.
Kalgoorlie Super Pit
Spot one of the world's largest open-cut gold mines, a massive man-made crater visible about 45 minutes before landing.
Darling Scarp
See the dramatic green ridge that separates the inland plateau from the Perth coastal plain during final descent.
Swan River and CBD
During the standard approach to Runway 21, get a perfect view of the winding river and the Perth city skyline.
The right side is unbeatable for iconic Australian landmarks. Aim for a morning departure to have the sun behind the aircraft, which illuminates the red desert sands and the Kalgoorlie Super Pit perfectly. The Super Pit is easily identifiable by its tiered orange walls and is a major highlight for geography enthusiasts.
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Botany Bay
Catch a glimpse of the historic bay and the Kurnell Peninsula immediately after takeoff from Sydney.
Nullarbor Plain
Experience the sheer scale of the world's largest flat karst limestone plateau from 30,000 feet.
Great Australian Bight
On more southerly flight paths, witness the dramatic limestone cliffs where the desert drops into the Southern Ocean.
Perth Southern Suburbs
View the expanding urban sprawl and the contrast between the dry land and the blue Indian Ocean on descent.
Choose the left side for afternoon flights to avoid the harsh northern sun glare. If the flight path tracks south, keep your eyes peeled for the Bunda Cliffs along the Great Australian Bight about mid-way through the journey. It is also the best side for seeing the coast if the pilot enters Perth from the south over Fremantle.
Get eSIMs for Australia
Get eSIMs for AustraliaDistance: 3,277 km (2,036 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 51 min
Departure: SYD (-33.94609832763672, 151.177001953125)
Arrival: PER (-31.94029998779297, 115.96700286865234)
Route Type: Domestic
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