The left side scores higher due to the superior takeoff experience from Congonhas, where the Pinheiros River corridor and São Paulo skyline provide genuine urban and geographic interest during climb-out. While the landing at Melbourne Moorabbin offers Port Phillip Bay views on the right, the overall flight is dominated by 13+ hours of open ocean with minimal scenic variation on either side. The takeoff advantage on the left outweighs the modest landing benefit on the right.
Flown CGH to MBW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Sao Paulo to Melbourne is 8,112 miles (13,056 km), a flight of about 13 hours 45 minutes.
This ultra-long-range flight crosses the Indian Ocean for approximately 10 hours with no significant landmarks. Passengers will see open ocean, occasional weather systems, and cloud formations. The route passes south of the African continent (no land visible), crosses the southern Indian Ocean, and approaches Australia from the southeast. No mountain ranges, islands, or coastal features are visible during the cruise phase. The flight is essentially an ocean crossing with scenic value concentrated at the departure and arrival airports only.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from CGH
LEFTDeparting southbound from runway 17, the left (west) side offers views of São Paulo's urban sprawl and the Pinheiros River corridor as the aircraft climbs. The right side faces inland residential areas with minimal visual interest.
Landing at MBW
RIGHTApproaching Melbourne Moorabbin from the northeast typically involves descent over Port Phillip Bay and the southeastern suburbs. The right (east) side captures the bay's blue water, coastal suburbs, and the approach path over Sandringham and Brighton beaches. The left side faces inland flat terrain with minimal visual distinction.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Congonhas (CGH) to Melbourne Moorabbin (MBW)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Sao Paulo to Melbourne. The left side scores higher due to the superior takeoff experience from Congonhas, where the Pinheiros River corridor and São Paulo skyline provide genuine urban and geographic interest during climb-out. While the landing at Melbourne Moorabbin offers Port Phillip Bay views on the right, the overall flight is dominated by 13+ hours of open ocean with minimal scenic variation on either side. The takeoff advantage on the left outweighs the modest landing benefit on the right.
What can I see during takeoff from Congonhas in Sao Paulo?
During takeoff from Congonhas (CGH), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing southbound from runway 17, the left (west) side offers views of São Paulo's urban sprawl and the Pinheiros River corridor as the aircraft climbs. The right side faces inland residential areas with minimal visual interest. Notable sights include: Pinheiros River, São Paulo city skyline, Imigrantes Highway corridor, Atlantic coastal escarpment in distance.
What can I see when landing at Melbourne Moorabbin in Melbourne?
When landing at Melbourne Moorabbin (MBW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Approaching Melbourne Moorabbin from the northeast typically involves descent over Port Phillip Bay and the southeastern suburbs. The right (east) side captures the bay's blue water, coastal suburbs, and the approach path over Sandringham and Brighton beaches. The left side faces inland flat terrain with minimal visual distinction. Notable sights include: Port Phillip Bay, Sandringham Beach, Brighton Beach, Dandenong Ranges in distance.
How long is the flight from Sao Paulo to Melbourne?
The flight from Congonhas (CGH) to Melbourne Moorabbin (MBW) takes about 13 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 8,112 miles (13,056 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Sao Paulo to Melbourne flight path pass over?
This ultra-long-range flight crosses the Indian Ocean for approximately 10 hours with no significant landmarks. Passengers will see open ocean, occasional weather systems, and cloud formations. The route passes south of the African continent (no land visible), crosses the southern Indian Ocean, and approaches Australia from the southeast. No mountain ranges, islands, or coastal features are visible during the cruise phase. The flight is essentially an ocean crossing with scenic value concentrated at the departure and arrival airports only.