While takeoff favors the right for Canberra's immediate geography, the landing view from the left is significantly more dramatic and memorable, featuring the Swan River's distinctive meanders and Perth's skyline. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
Flown CBR to JAD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Canberra to Perth is 1,919 miles (3,088 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
The flight crosses inland New South Wales and South Australia, passing over the Great Dividing Range's western slopes, then the Murray River valley (visible as a green corridor through semi-arid terrain), and finally the Darling Range approaching Perth. The landscape transitions from temperate forest to grassland to semi-arid scrubland. At cruise altitude, the Murray River's course is often visible as a sinuous green line through brown terrain in the midpoint of the flight.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from CBR
RIGHTCanberra typically departs to the north or northeast. Right-side seats offer views of the Brindabella Range immediately west of the airport, and as you climb, you'll see Lake Burley Griffin and the city grid spreading below. Left side faces inland terrain with less distinctive features.
Landing at JAD
LEFTPerth Jandakot typically uses runways aligned north-south. Left-side seats during descent provide excellent views of the Swan River's distinctive meanders through Perth, the city skyline, and Rottnest Island visible offshore to the west. Right side faces inland suburban sprawl with less visual interest.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Canberra (CBR) to Perth Jandakot (JAD)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Canberra to Perth. While takeoff favors the right for Canberra's immediate geography, the landing view from the left is significantly more dramatic and memorable, featuring the Swan River's distinctive meanders and Perth's skyline. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
What can I see during takeoff from Canberra in Canberra?
During takeoff from Canberra (CBR), sit on the Right side for the best views. Canberra typically departs to the north or northeast. Right-side seats offer views of the Brindabella Range immediately west of the airport, and as you climb, you'll see Lake Burley Griffin and the city grid spreading below. Left side faces inland terrain with less distinctive features. Notable sights include: Brindabella Range (western escarpment), Lake Burley Griffin (central Canberra), Black Mountain Tower (city center landmark), Molonglo River valley.
What can I see when landing at Perth Jandakot in Perth?
When landing at Perth Jandakot (JAD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Perth Jandakot typically uses runways aligned north-south. Left-side seats during descent provide excellent views of the Swan River's distinctive meanders through Perth, the city skyline, and Rottnest Island visible offshore to the west. Right side faces inland suburban sprawl with less visual interest. Notable sights include: Swan River (multiple loops through Perth), Perth city skyline (CBD towers), Rottnest Island (offshore, visible as a small landmass), Darling Range (eastern escarpment, distant).
How long is the flight from Canberra to Perth?
The flight from Canberra (CBR) to Perth Jandakot (JAD) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,919 miles (3,088 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Canberra to Perth flight path pass over?
The flight crosses inland New South Wales and South Australia, passing over the Great Dividing Range's western slopes, then the Murray River valley (visible as a green corridor through semi-arid terrain), and finally the Darling Range approaching Perth. The landscape transitions from temperate forest to grassland to semi-arid scrubland. At cruise altitude, the Murray River's course is often visible as a sinuous green line through brown terrain in the midpoint of the flight.