While takeoff offers good views of Canberra and the Brindabella Range, the landing approach into Adelaide provides more dramatic and sustained visual interest with the Adelaide Hills escarpment and the Torrens River valley clearly visible during descent. Right seats capture both the geographic transition and the city's defining landscape features.
Flown CBR to ADL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Canberra to Adelaide is 603 miles (970 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Southern Tablelands and Slopes region of New South Wales, passing over the Snowy Mountains foothills to the south (visible as elevated terrain with scattered peaks). The Murray River valley lies to the west of the direct track. The landscape transitions from temperate forest and grassland in NSW to the drier, more open terrain of western Victoria and South Australia. No major cities lie directly on the route, but the terrain gradually flattens as you approach Adelaide, with the Mount Lofty Ranges becoming increasingly prominent on the eastern horizon during descent.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from CBR
LEFTCanberra typically departs runway 09 (westbound) or 27 (eastbound). Left seats face north during westbound departures, offering views of the Australian Capital Territory's rolling terrain, Lake Burley Griffin, and the city grid layout. This orientation captures the Brindabella Range to the west and the transition from urban to rural landscape.
Landing at ADL
RIGHTApproach to Adelaide typically uses runway 03 (northbound) or 21 (southbound). Right seats on a runway 03 approach face east, providing views of the Adelaide Hills and the city's eastern suburbs as you descend. The Hills' escarpment is a prominent visual feature during final approach, and you'll see the Torrens River valley and parklands that define Adelaide's layout.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Canberra (CBR) to Adelaide International (ADL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Canberra to Adelaide. While takeoff offers good views of Canberra and the Brindabella Range, the landing approach into Adelaide provides more dramatic and sustained visual interest with the Adelaide Hills escarpment and the Torrens River valley clearly visible during descent. Right seats capture both the geographic transition and the city's defining landscape features.
What can I see during takeoff from Canberra in Canberra?
During takeoff from Canberra (CBR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Canberra typically departs runway 09 (westbound) or 27 (eastbound). Left seats face north during westbound departures, offering views of the Australian Capital Territory's rolling terrain, Lake Burley Griffin, and the city grid layout. This orientation captures the Brindabella Range to the west and the transition from urban to rural landscape. Notable sights include: Lake Burley Griffin (central Canberra), Brindabella Range (western horizon), Canberra's geometric street pattern, Black Mountain Tower.
What can I see when landing at Adelaide International in Adelaide?
When landing at Adelaide International (ADL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Approach to Adelaide typically uses runway 03 (northbound) or 21 (southbound). Right seats on a runway 03 approach face east, providing views of the Adelaide Hills and the city's eastern suburbs as you descend. The Hills' escarpment is a prominent visual feature during final approach, and you'll see the Torrens River valley and parklands that define Adelaide's layout. Notable sights include: Adelaide Hills (eastern escarpment), Torrens River valley, Gulf St Vincent (western side), Adelaide city center and parkland grid.
How long is the flight from Canberra to Adelaide?
The flight from Canberra (CBR) to Adelaide International (ADL) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 603 miles (970 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Canberra to Adelaide flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Southern Tablelands and Slopes region of New South Wales, passing over the Snowy Mountains foothills to the south (visible as elevated terrain with scattered peaks). The Murray River valley lies to the west of the direct track. The landscape transitions from temperate forest and grassland in NSW to the drier, more open terrain of western Victoria and South Australia. No major cities lie directly on the route, but the terrain gradually flattens as you approach Adelaide, with the Mount Lofty Ranges becoming increasingly prominent on the eastern horizon during descent.