While takeoff favors the right for the MacDonnell Ranges, the landing approach on the left provides more dramatic and sustained views of the Blue Mountains and the approach into Sydney's geography. The left side captures the most visually distinctive terrain on this route.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses central New South Wales inland, passing over the Warrumbungle Range (visible from altitude as a small volcanic plateau around 1.5 hours into flight), then the New England Plateau region. The landscape transitions from red desert through semi-arid scrubland to increasingly green agricultural country as you approach the coast. The Macquarie River and its valley are visible in the final approach phase. No major water bodies are crossed until the final descent when you may see small reservoirs and the Nepean River system.
Great circle distance and headings ›
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ASP
RIGHTAlice Springs typically departs to the east or northeast. Right-side seats capture the MacDonnell Ranges immediately adjacent to the airport, with the West MacDonnell Range visible to the left as you climb. The right side gives you the closer, more dramatic view of the eastern ranges as they rise from the red desert floor.
Landing at SYD
LEFTSydney typically lands on runways 34L/R (northeast approach) or occasionally 16L/R. On a northeast approach descent, left-side seats offer views of the Blue Mountains as you approach from the west, and then the Nepean River valley. You'll also see the Cumberland Plain and early views of Sydney's western suburbs before turning toward the airport.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
Will your flight be in sunlight?
See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Alice Springs (ASP) to Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Alice Springs to Sydney. While takeoff favors the right for the MacDonnell Ranges, the landing approach on the left provides more dramatic and sustained views of the Blue Mountains and the approach into Sydney's geography. The left side captures the most visually distinctive terrain on this route.
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. Alice Springs typically departs to the east or northeast. Right-side seats capture the MacDonnell Ranges immediately adjacent to the airport, with the West MacDonnell Range visible to the left as you climb. The right side gives you the closer, more dramatic view of the eastern ranges as they rise from the red desert floor. Notable sights include: West MacDonnell Range, East MacDonnell Range, Alice Springs township, red desert terrain.
What can I see when landing at Kingsford Smith International Airport in Sydney?
When landing at Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Sydney typically lands on runways 34L/R (northeast approach) or occasionally 16L/R. On a northeast approach descent, left-side seats offer views of the Blue Mountains as you approach from the west, and then the Nepean River valley. You'll also see the Cumberland Plain and early views of Sydney's western suburbs before turning toward the airport. Notable sights include: Blue Mountains, Nepean River, Cumberland Plain, Sydney's western suburbs.
How long is the flight from Alice Springs to Sydney?
The flight from Alice Springs (ASP) to Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) takes Approximately 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours.
What does the Alice Springs to Sydney flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses central New South Wales inland, passing over the Warrumbungle Range (visible from altitude as a small volcanic plateau around 1.5 hours into flight), then the New England Plateau region. The landscape transitions from red desert through semi-arid scrubland to increasingly green agricultural country as you approach the coast. The Macquarie River and its valley are visible in the final approach phase. No major water bodies are crossed until the final descent when you may see small reservoirs and the Nepean River system.