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WIN → TSV
Which side of the plane to sit from Winton Airport (Winton) to Townsville Airport (Townsville)?
Right Side of the Plane
While both sides offer a stark look at the Queensland outback, the right side is superior for the arrival into Townsville, offering iconic views of Magnetic Island, Cleveland Bay, and the granite monolith of Castle Hill.
Jump-up Mesas
Ancient flat-topped hills rising sharply from the outback floor near Winton.
Charters Towers
Historic gold-rush town layout visible mid-flight.
Ross River Dam
The massive reservoir that serves as the primary water source for the region.
Cleveland Bay
The stunning transition from the dusty interior to the turquoise Coral Sea.
Magnetic Island
Uninterrupted views of the island's granite peaks and secluded bays on approach.
Castle Hill
Townsville's iconic pink granite monolith standing tall in the city center.
The right side is the clear winner for the descent. For the best experience, try to fly in the morning when the sun illuminates the red earth of the jump-ups and highlights the blue of the Coral Sea. Ensure you are looking out at least 15 minutes before landing to catch the full coastal panorama.
Dinosaur Trail
Vast prehistoric landscapes where Australia's most significant fossils are found.
Flinders Highway
The 'Overlander's Way' road snaking through the arid interior.
Porcupine Gorge
Distant views of deep basalt canyons and rugged sandstone cliffs.
Northern Suburbs
The sprawl of Townsville's western residential areas as you descend.
The left side is preferable for afternoon flights as you will be facing away from the harsh western sun. Watch for the dramatic change in vegetation as you cross the Great Dividing Range, moving from sparse desert scrub to more dense tropical savanna.
Distance: 516 km (321 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 52 min
Departure: WIN (-22.36359977722168, 143.08599853515625)
Arrival: TSV (-19.252500534057617, 146.76499938964844)
Route Type: Domestic
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