The left side provides the more dynamic view throughout the flight—coastal cliffs and escarpments near Sydney at takeoff, glimpses of the Australian Alps' foothills during cruise, and a scenic Melbourne skyline and bay approach at landing—while the right side stays largely over flat inland plains.
Flown BWU to MEB? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Sydney to Melbourne is 430 miles (693 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Southern NSW tablelands and the northern foothills of the Australian Alps near the Snowy Mountains, visible to the south of the flight path in clear conditions.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from BWU
LEFTDeparting BWU on runway 29 and turning south toward Melbourne, the left side offers a good look back over the Sydney basin, the Royal National Park coastline, and the sandstone escarpment near Wollongong before the aircraft turns inland. The right side mostly shows the flat western Sydney suburbs and Blue Mountains foothills fading into haze.
Landing at MEB
LEFTOn approach into MEB from the northeast toward runway 26, the left side of the aircraft faces south, giving passengers a clear view of Melbourne's CBD skyline, Port Phillip Bay, and the Dandenong Ranges rising in the distance. The right side mostly overlooks flat farmland and outer suburban sprawl north of the airport.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Sydney Bankstown (BWU) to Melbourne Essendon (MEB)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Sydney to Melbourne. The left side provides the more dynamic view throughout the flight—coastal cliffs and escarpments near Sydney at takeoff, glimpses of the Australian Alps' foothills during cruise, and a scenic Melbourne skyline and bay approach at landing—while the right side stays largely over flat inland plains.
What can I see during takeoff from Sydney Bankstown in Sydney?
During takeoff from Sydney Bankstown (BWU), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing BWU on runway 29 and turning south toward Melbourne, the left side offers a good look back over the Sydney basin, the Royal National Park coastline, and the sandstone escarpment near Wollongong before the aircraft turns inland. The right side mostly shows the flat western Sydney suburbs and Blue Mountains foothills fading into haze. Notable sights include: Royal National Park coastline, Illawarra escarpment, Botany Bay, Wollongong coastal cliffs.
What can I see when landing at Melbourne Essendon in Melbourne?
When landing at Melbourne Essendon (MEB), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into MEB from the northeast toward runway 26, the left side of the aircraft faces south, giving passengers a clear view of Melbourne's CBD skyline, Port Phillip Bay, and the Dandenong Ranges rising in the distance. The right side mostly overlooks flat farmland and outer suburban sprawl north of the airport. Notable sights include: Melbourne CBD skyline, Port Phillip Bay, Dandenong Ranges, Yarra River mouth.
How long is the flight from Sydney to Melbourne?
The flight from Sydney Bankstown (BWU) to Melbourne Essendon (MEB) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 430 miles (693 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Sydney to Melbourne flight path pass over?
Southern NSW tablelands and the northern foothills of the Australian Alps near the Snowy Mountains, visible to the south of the flight path in clear conditions.