The landing approach into Moorabbin offers more dramatic and distinctive scenery—Port Phillip Bay, the Dandenong Ranges, and Melbourne's urban landscape are far more visually compelling than the takeoff views from London. The right side captures these features directly.
Flown LHR to MBW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Melbourne is 10,531 miles (16,948 km), a flight of about 17 hours 15 minutes.
This ultra-long-haul route crosses the Mediterranean (Suez Canal region), Red Sea, Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean, and approaches Australia across the Great Australian Bight. Notable midpoint features include the Suez Canal and Red Sea (8-10 hours into flight), the Arabian Peninsula and Persian Gulf region, vast stretches of open Indian Ocean, and the Australian coastline approaching from the southwest. The flight typically passes south of India and Sri Lanka, over the Indian Ocean for 10+ hours, then approaches Australia's southern coast near the Great Australian Bight before turning northeast toward Melbourne.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LHR
LEFTLeft-side seats offer views of the Thames estuary and London's urban sprawl during climb-out. Right-side seats face inland toward less distinctive terrain.
Landing at MBW
RIGHTRight-side seats provide views of Port Phillip Bay, the Dandenong Ranges, and Melbourne's urban grid during descent into Moorabbin. Left-side seats face the less dramatic inland plains.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Heathrow (LHR) to Melbourne Moorabbin (MBW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Melbourne. The landing approach into Moorabbin offers more dramatic and distinctive scenery—Port Phillip Bay, the Dandenong Ranges, and Melbourne's urban landscape are far more visually compelling than the takeoff views from London. The right side captures these features directly.
What can I see during takeoff from Heathrow in London?
During takeoff from Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer views of the Thames estuary and London's urban sprawl during climb-out. Right-side seats face inland toward less distinctive terrain. Notable sights include: Thames estuary, Greater London urban area, North Downs ridge.
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. Right-side seats provide views of Port Phillip Bay, the Dandenong Ranges, and Melbourne's urban grid during descent into Moorabbin. Left-side seats face the less dramatic inland plains. Notable sights include: Port Phillip Bay, Dandenong Ranges, Melbourne CBD skyline, Yarra River.
How long is the flight from London to Melbourne?
The flight from Heathrow (LHR) to Melbourne Moorabbin (MBW) takes about 17 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 10,531 miles (16,948 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Melbourne flight path pass over?
This ultra-long-haul route crosses the Mediterranean (Suez Canal region), Red Sea, Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean, and approaches Australia across the Great Australian Bight. Notable midpoint features include the Suez Canal and Red Sea (8-10 hours into flight), the Arabian Peninsula and Persian Gulf region, vast stretches of open Indian Ocean, and the Australian coastline approaching from the southwest. The flight typically passes south of India and Sri Lanka, over the Indian Ocean for 10+ hours, then approaches Australia's southern coast near the Great Australian Bight before turning northeast toward Melbourne.