Guangzhou to Melbourne is 4,690 miles (7,548 km), a flight of about 9 hours 50 minutes.
The left side wins narrowly on the strength of the Hong Kong/Pearl River Delta departure and the Melbourne CBD/Port Phillip Bay arrival, since the roughly nine-hour cruise over the South China Sea, Indonesian archipelago, and Australian outback offers little differentiated scenery on either side.
Flight Path
South China Sea, scattered islands of the Philippine and Indonesian archipelagos, Timor Sea, and the arid interior of Northern Territory and central Australia
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from CAN
LEFTDeparting CAN southbound, the initial turn toward the southeast puts the Pearl River Delta and Hong Kong's harbor skyline on the left side, offering a dramatic urban and coastal view before the aircraft heads out over open water.
Landing at MEL
LEFTOn approach into MEL from the north on runway 16, the left side faces east toward Melbourne's CBD skyline and the edge of Port Phillip Bay, giving passengers a clear view of the city before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) to Melbourne International (MEL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Guangzhou to Melbourne. The left side wins narrowly on the strength of the Hong Kong/Pearl River Delta departure and the Melbourne CBD/Port Phillip Bay arrival, since the roughly nine-hour cruise over the South China Sea, Indonesian archipelago, and Australian outback offers little differentiated scenery on either side.
What can I see during takeoff from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport in Guangzhou?
During takeoff from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing CAN southbound, the initial turn toward the southeast puts the Pearl River Delta and Hong Kong's harbor skyline on the left side, offering a dramatic urban and coastal view before the aircraft heads out over open water. Notable sights include: Pearl River Delta, Shenzhen/Hong Kong skyline, Humen Pearl River Bridge, South China Sea coastline.
What can I see when landing at Melbourne International in Melbourne?
When landing at Melbourne International (MEL), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into MEL from the north on runway 16, the left side faces east toward Melbourne's CBD skyline and the edge of Port Phillip Bay, giving passengers a clear view of the city before touchdown. Notable sights include: Melbourne CBD skyline, Port Phillip Bay, Yarra River, Dandenong Ranges foothills.
How long is the flight from Guangzhou to Melbourne?
The flight from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) to Melbourne International (MEL) takes about 9 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,690 miles (7,548 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Guangzhou to Melbourne flight path pass over?
South China Sea, scattered islands of the Philippine and Indonesian archipelagos, Timor Sea, and the arid interior of Northern Territory and central Australia