Hobart to Melbourne is 384 miles (618 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
The left side wins because Mount Wellington and the Derwent estuary at takeoff offer more genuine terrain drama than the flatter bay-and-skyline view on landing, even though the right side has its own moment during the Melbourne approach. Most of the flight is over open Bass Strait, so the departure scenery carries the route.
Flight Path
Open water of Bass Strait for most of the cruise, with the low outline of the Victorian coast near Wilsons Promontory sometimes visible on the horizon to the right as the aircraft nears Melbourne.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from HBA
LEFTDeparting Hobart on a northwest track toward Melbourne, the aircraft's left side faces back across the city, giving a good look at Mount Wellington rising behind Hobart and the Derwent River estuary winding out to the sea. This is the most dramatic terrain of the whole short flight.
Landing at MEL
RIGHTOn approach into Melbourne from the south, the flight path tracks up toward the airport on the northwest side of the city, putting Port Phillip Bay and the Melbourne skyline off to the right. Passengers get a wide view of the bay's shoreline and the CBD towers before the final turn onto the runway.
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 International (MEL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Hobart to Melbourne. The left side wins because Mount Wellington and the Derwent estuary at takeoff offer more genuine terrain drama than the flatter bay-and-skyline view on landing, even though the right side has its own moment during the Melbourne approach. Most of the flight is over open Bass Strait, so the departure scenery carries the route.
What can I see during takeoff from Hobart in Hobart?
During takeoff from Hobart (HBA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing Hobart on a northwest track toward Melbourne, the aircraft's left side faces back across the city, giving a good look at Mount Wellington rising behind Hobart and the Derwent River estuary winding out to the sea. This is the most dramatic terrain of the whole short flight. Notable sights include: Mount Wellington (kunanyi), Hobart CBD, Derwent River estuary, Tasman Bridge.
What can I see when landing at Melbourne International in Melbourne?
When landing at Melbourne International (MEL), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into Melbourne from the south, the flight path tracks up toward the airport on the northwest side of the city, putting Port Phillip Bay and the Melbourne skyline off to the right. Passengers get a wide view of the bay's shoreline and the CBD towers before the final turn onto the runway. Notable sights include: Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne CBD skyline, Westgate Bridge area, Yarra River mouth.
How long is the flight from Hobart to Melbourne?
The flight from Hobart (HBA) to Melbourne International (MEL) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 384 miles (618 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Hobart to Melbourne flight path pass over?
Open water of Bass Strait for most of the cruise, with the low outline of the Victorian coast near Wilsons Promontory sometimes visible on the horizon to the right as the aircraft nears Melbourne.