The right side delivers the flight's best terrain from start to finish: the Scenic Rim and Great Dividing Range on departure, glimpses of the New England Tablelands and Liverpool Range during cruise, and the Brindabella Ranges framing the descent into Canberra. The left side's coastal and lake-bed views are pleasant but flatter and less varied.
Flown BNE to CBR? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Brisbane to Canberra is 594 miles (956 km), a flight of about 1 hour 45 minutes.
The route's midpoint lies over the New England Tablelands and the Great Dividing Range near Tamworth and Tenterfield, a high plateau of eucalypt woodland and grazing country cut by river valleys, with the Liverpool Range visible further south toward the Hunter Valley.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from BNE
RIGHTDeparting Brisbane southbound, the right side looks west toward the Great Dividing Range and the Scenic Rim, including the rugged peaks of Mount Barney and the Lamington Plateau rainforest country. The left side does offer Moreton Bay and the Gold Coast skyline, but the mountainous Scenic Rim is more visually dramatic and holds interest longer during the climb.
Landing at CBR
RIGHTOn the approach into Canberra from the north, the right side faces west toward the Brindabella Ranges, the forested mountain backdrop that frames the city and Lake Burley Griffin. The left side mainly shows the flat, dry bed of Lake George and open Southern Tablelands grazing country, which is far less striking.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Brisbane International (BNE) to Canberra (CBR)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Brisbane to Canberra. The right side delivers the flight's best terrain from start to finish: the Scenic Rim and Great Dividing Range on departure, glimpses of the New England Tablelands and Liverpool Range during cruise, and the Brindabella Ranges framing the descent into Canberra. The left side's coastal and lake-bed views are pleasant but flatter and less varied.
What can I see during takeoff from Brisbane International in Brisbane?
During takeoff from Brisbane International (BNE), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing Brisbane southbound, the right side looks west toward the Great Dividing Range and the Scenic Rim, including the rugged peaks of Mount Barney and the Lamington Plateau rainforest country. The left side does offer Moreton Bay and the Gold Coast skyline, but the mountainous Scenic Rim is more visually dramatic and holds interest longer during the climb. Notable sights include: Scenic Rim escarpment, Mount Barney, Lamington National Park plateau, Great Dividing Range foothills.
What can I see when landing at Canberra in Canberra?
When landing at Canberra (CBR), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the approach into Canberra from the north, the right side faces west toward the Brindabella Ranges, the forested mountain backdrop that frames the city and Lake Burley Griffin. The left side mainly shows the flat, dry bed of Lake George and open Southern Tablelands grazing country, which is far less striking. Notable sights include: Brindabella Ranges, Molonglo River valley, Black Mountain Tower, Lake Burley Griffin (distant).
How long is the flight from Brisbane to Canberra?
The flight from Brisbane International (BNE) to Canberra (CBR) takes about 1 hour 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 594 miles (956 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Brisbane to Canberra flight path pass over?
The route's midpoint lies over the New England Tablelands and the Great Dividing Range near Tamworth and Tenterfield, a high plateau of eucalypt woodland and grazing country cut by river valleys, with the Liverpool Range visible further south toward the Hunter Valley.