Right-side seats capture the MacDonnell Ranges at takeoff (Alice Springs' most distinctive feature) and maintain reasonable views across central Australia's interior. While left wins on landing, the takeoff scenery from Alice Springs is more dramatic and geographically significant.
Flown ASP to BNE? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Alice Springs to Brisbane is 1,221 miles (1,965 km), a flight of about 2 hours 45 minutes.
The flight path crosses the MacDonnell Ranges west of Alice Springs, then traverses the flat, sparsely vegetated interior plateau of central Australia. Around the midpoint near Longreach area, the landscape remains predominantly flat red desert with scattered spinifex grassland. As the aircraft approaches Queensland's more populated regions beyond Toowoomba, vegetation gradually increases and the terrain becomes slightly more undulating. The Great Dividing Range becomes visible on the eastern horizon approximately 1 hour before landing, appearing as a distant ridge line. No major water bodies are crossed during the flight; the landscape is predominantly arid to semi-arid throughout the journey.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from ASP
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the MacDonnell Ranges immediately west of Alice Springs during climb-out, with the town grid visible below. Left side faces inland desert with minimal visual interest.
Landing at BNE
LEFTLeft-side seats offer views of Brisbane's river system and urban sprawl during approach. The Brisbane River's distinctive loops and the city's eastern suburbs are clearly visible on descent into Brisbane International.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Alice Springs (ASP) to Brisbane International (BNE)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Alice Springs to Brisbane. Right-side seats capture the MacDonnell Ranges at takeoff (Alice Springs' most distinctive feature) and maintain reasonable views across central Australia's interior. While left wins on landing, the takeoff scenery from Alice Springs is more dramatic and geographically significant.
What can I see during takeoff from Alice Springs in Alice Springs?
During takeoff from Alice Springs (ASP), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the MacDonnell Ranges immediately west of Alice Springs during climb-out, with the town grid visible below. Left side faces inland desert with minimal visual interest. Notable sights include: MacDonnell Ranges (west), Alice Springs township grid, Heavitree Gap, desert plains extending east.
What can I see when landing at Brisbane International in Brisbane?
When landing at Brisbane International (BNE), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer views of Brisbane's river system and urban sprawl during approach. The Brisbane River's distinctive loops and the city's eastern suburbs are clearly visible on descent into Brisbane International. Notable sights include: Brisbane River (multiple meanders), Moreton Bay, Brisbane CBD skyline, coastal suburbs and bayside residential areas.
How long is the flight from Alice Springs to Brisbane?
The flight from Alice Springs (ASP) to Brisbane International (BNE) takes about 2 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,221 miles (1,965 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Alice Springs to Brisbane flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the MacDonnell Ranges west of Alice Springs, then traverses the flat, sparsely vegetated interior plateau of central Australia. Around the midpoint near Longreach area, the landscape remains predominantly flat red desert with scattered spinifex grassland. As the aircraft approaches Queensland's more populated regions beyond Toowoomba, vegetation gradually increases and the terrain becomes slightly more undulating. The Great Dividing Range becomes visible on the eastern horizon approximately 1 hour before landing, appearing as a distant ridge line. No major water bodies are crossed during the flight; the landscape is predominantly arid to semi-arid throughout the journey.