The left side captures both cities' skylines and coastal water features during the climb out of Adelaide and the descent into Melbourne, while the right side mostly faces open farmland with only distant, fleeting terrain interest.
Flight Path
Flat agricultural plains of the Murray Mallee and Wimmera, a crossing near the Murray River around Murray Bridge/Tailem Bend, with the Grampians National Park's low mountain ranges visible in the distance to the south.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from ADL
LEFTDeparting Adelaide on runway 23 (into the prevailing southwesterly), the aircraft climbs out over Gulf St Vincent before banking left to head toward Melbourne. That left turn puts Adelaide's CBD, the Torrens estuary, and the Mount Lofty Ranges right in view on the left side.
Landing at MEL
LEFTArriving from the northwest, flights into Melbourne commonly line up for runway 16, descending southward past the city. This puts Melbourne's CBD skyline and the northern edge of Port Phillip Bay on the left side during the final approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Adelaide International (ADL) to Melbourne International (MEL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Adelaide to Melbourne. The left side captures both cities' skylines and coastal water features during the climb out of Adelaide and the descent into Melbourne, while the right side mostly faces open farmland with only distant, fleeting terrain interest.
What can I see during takeoff from Adelaide International in Adelaide?
During takeoff from Adelaide International (ADL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing Adelaide on runway 23 (into the prevailing southwesterly), the aircraft climbs out over Gulf St Vincent before banking left to head toward Melbourne. That left turn puts Adelaide's CBD, the Torrens estuary, and the Mount Lofty Ranges right in view on the left side. Notable sights include: Adelaide CBD skyline, Gulf St Vincent coastline, Mount Lofty Ranges, Torrens River mouth.
What can I see when landing at Melbourne International in Melbourne?
When landing at Melbourne International (MEL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Arriving from the northwest, flights into Melbourne commonly line up for runway 16, descending southward past the city. This puts Melbourne's CBD skyline and the northern edge of Port Phillip Bay on the left side during the final approach. Notable sights include: Melbourne CBD skyline, Port Phillip Bay, Yarra River, Dandenong Ranges (distant).
How long is the flight from Adelaide to Melbourne?
The flight from Adelaide International (ADL) to Melbourne International (MEL) takes 1h 25m.
What does the Adelaide to Melbourne flight path pass over?
Flat agricultural plains of the Murray Mallee and Wimmera, a crossing near the Murray River around Murray Bridge/Tailem Bend, with the Grampians National Park's low mountain ranges visible in the distance to the south.