Hobart to Melbourne is 379 miles (610 km), a flight of about 1 hour 10 minutes.
While takeoff from Hobart favors the right, the landing approach into Melbourne Essendon on the left side is more visually rewarding—you get the Yarra River, CBD, and Port Phillip Bay geography. The left side also captures more of the flight path's notable features during descent.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses the Bass Strait heading northwest. At cruise altitude (around 20,000-25,000 feet), you'll see the Strait as open water with occasional shipping traffic visible as small white dots. The Victorian coastline becomes visible about 30 minutes into the flight—the Gippsland Lakes region appears as a series of shallow lagoons and barrier islands along the coast. Further west, the You Yangs volcanic hills rise as low, dark mounds inland from the coast near Geelong. The Dandenong Ranges become visible as a forested ridge inland from Melbourne as you approach descent.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from HBA
RIGHTRight side captures the Derwent River estuary and the city of Hobart spreading south along the coast. You'll see the urban sprawl against the backdrop of kunanyi (Mount Wellington) dominating the western skyline. Left side shows only open water and distant coastline with less visual interest.
Landing at MEB
LEFTLeft side on approach to Melbourne Essendon gives you the Yarra River winding through central Melbourne, the CBD skyline, and the Port Phillip Bay shoreline. You'll see the urban grid of inner Melbourne and the distinctive geography of the bay. Right side shows outer suburbs and less distinctive terrain.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Hobart (HBA) to Melbourne Essendon (MEB)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Hobart to Melbourne. While takeoff from Hobart favors the right, the landing approach into Melbourne Essendon on the left side is more visually rewarding—you get the Yarra River, CBD, and Port Phillip Bay geography. The left side also captures more of the flight path's notable features during descent.
What can I see during takeoff from Hobart in Hobart?
During takeoff from Hobart (HBA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side captures the Derwent River estuary and the city of Hobart spreading south along the coast. You'll see the urban sprawl against the backdrop of kunanyi (Mount Wellington) dominating the western skyline. Left side shows only open water and distant coastline with less visual interest. Notable sights include: Derwent River estuary, kunanyi (Mount Wellington, 1,271 m), Hobart city center, Storm Bay to the southeast.
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. Left side on approach to Melbourne Essendon gives you the Yarra River winding through central Melbourne, the CBD skyline, and the Port Phillip Bay shoreline. You'll see the urban grid of inner Melbourne and the distinctive geography of the bay. Right side shows outer suburbs and less distinctive terrain. Notable sights include: Yarra River (central Melbourne reach), Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne CBD skyline, Dandenong Ranges to the east (distant).
How long is the flight from Hobart to Melbourne?
The flight from Hobart (HBA) to Melbourne Essendon (MEB) takes about 1 hour 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 379 miles (610 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Hobart to Melbourne flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Bass Strait heading northwest. At cruise altitude (around 20,000-25,000 feet), you'll see the Strait as open water with occasional shipping traffic visible as small white dots. The Victorian coastline becomes visible about 30 minutes into the flight—the Gippsland Lakes region appears as a series of shallow lagoons and barrier islands along the coast. Further west, the You Yangs volcanic hills rise as low, dark mounds inland from the coast near Geelong. The Dandenong Ranges become visible as a forested ridge inland from Melbourne as you approach descent.