The entire route hugs the NSW coastline, so the left (east) side offers continuous ocean and beach scenery during takeoff and cruise, capped by a classic Sydney Harbour approach, while the right side shows only inland forest and farmland with no comparable landmarks.
Flown BNK to SYD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Ballina to Sydney is 380 miles (612 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Coffs Harbour's coastline and marina, the mouth of the Hastings River near Port Macquarie, and the low ranges of the Great Dividing Range visible inland to the west
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from BNK
LEFTDeparting BNK, the left (east) side looks out over Cape Byron, Byron Bay's beaches, and the Pacific coastline, while the right side only shows the flat, forested Richmond River hinterland with no strong landmarks.
Landing at SYD
LEFTArriving from the north, flights into Sydney commonly track down the coast past Manly and Sydney Harbour before turning onto final approach, giving left-side passengers views of the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, and CBD skyline just before landing.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ballina Byron Gateway Airport (BNK) to Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Ballina to Sydney. The entire route hugs the NSW coastline, so the left (east) side offers continuous ocean and beach scenery during takeoff and cruise, capped by a classic Sydney Harbour approach, while the right side shows only inland forest and farmland with no comparable landmarks.
What can I see during takeoff from Ballina Byron Gateway Airport in Ballina?
During takeoff from Ballina Byron Gateway Airport (BNK), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing BNK, the left (east) side looks out over Cape Byron, Byron Bay's beaches, and the Pacific coastline, while the right side only shows the flat, forested Richmond River hinterland with no strong landmarks. Notable sights include: Cape Byron lighthouse, Byron Bay beaches, Richmond River mouth, Ballina's coastal headlands.
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. Arriving from the north, flights into Sydney commonly track down the coast past Manly and Sydney Harbour before turning onto final approach, giving left-side passengers views of the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, and CBD skyline just before landing. Notable sights include: Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, Sydney CBD skyline, Botany Bay.
How long is the flight from Ballina to Sydney?
The flight from Ballina Byron Gateway Airport (BNK) to Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 380 miles (612 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Ballina to Sydney flight path pass over?
Coffs Harbour's coastline and marina, the mouth of the Hastings River near Port Macquarie, and the low ranges of the Great Dividing Range visible inland to the west