The right side captures the two most striking landmarks of the entire flight: Uluru and Kata Tjuta at departure, and Port Phillip Bay with the Melbourne skyline at arrival, giving it a clear scenic edge over the left side's largely flat, featureless views.
Flown AYQ to MEL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Yulara to Melbourne is 1,185 miles (1,908 km), a flight of about 3 hours.
Flat outback plains and scattered salt lakes of central Australia, transitioning to the agricultural grasslands and low ranges of northwestern Victoria before descent into Melbourne.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from AYQ
RIGHTDeparting AYQ toward the southeast, the right side offers a dramatic farewell view of both Uluru and the domed rock formations of Kata Tjuta as the aircraft climbs over the red desert plain. The left side shows only featureless scrubland stretching to the horizon.
Landing at MEL
RIGHTOn approach into Melbourne from the north, the turn to align with the main runway typically brings Port Phillip Bay and the city's skyline into view on the right side of the aircraft. The left side mostly shows flat farmland and outer suburbs.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ayers Rock Connellan Airport (AYQ) to Melbourne International (MEL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Yulara to Melbourne. The right side captures the two most striking landmarks of the entire flight: Uluru and Kata Tjuta at departure, and Port Phillip Bay with the Melbourne skyline at arrival, giving it a clear scenic edge over the left side's largely flat, featureless views.
What can I see during takeoff from Ayers Rock Connellan Airport in Yulara?
During takeoff from Ayers Rock Connellan Airport (AYQ), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing AYQ toward the southeast, the right side offers a dramatic farewell view of both Uluru and the domed rock formations of Kata Tjuta as the aircraft climbs over the red desert plain. The left side shows only featureless scrubland stretching to the horizon. Notable sights include: Uluru, Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), red sand dune fields, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.
What can I see when landing at Melbourne International in Melbourne?
When landing at Melbourne International (MEL), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into Melbourne from the north, the turn to align with the main runway typically brings Port Phillip Bay and the city's skyline into view on the right side of the aircraft. The left side mostly shows flat farmland and outer suburbs. Notable sights include: Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne CBD skyline, Yarra River mouth, Bellarine Peninsula coastline.
How long is the flight from Yulara to Melbourne?
The flight from Ayers Rock Connellan Airport (AYQ) to Melbourne International (MEL) takes about 3 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 1,185 miles (1,908 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Yulara to Melbourne flight path pass over?
Flat outback plains and scattered salt lakes of central Australia, transitioning to the agricultural grasslands and low ranges of northwestern Victoria before descent into Melbourne.