While the takeoff offers some Thames estuary interest, the landing approach into Melbourne provides far superior scenery—Port Phillip Bay, the Dandenong Ranges, and the city approach are visually distinctive and dramatic. Right-side seats capture this better.
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Flight Path
London to Melbourne is 10,506 miles (16,908 km), a flight of about 22 hours.
The flight path typically routes southeast over continental Europe, the Mediterranean, Egypt (Nile Delta visible on descent toward Middle East hub), the Arabian Peninsula, the Arabian Sea, and across the Indian Ocean. Major midpoint viewing opportunities include the Suez Canal region, the Persian Gulf, and the Indian subcontinent's western coast. The Indian Ocean crossing offers minimal landmarks but clear water and occasional weather systems. Approaching Australia, the Great Australian Bight and South Australian coastline become visible before the descent into Melbourne.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LHR
LEFTLeft-side seats offer views of the Thames estuary and the Kent coastline as the aircraft climbs westward out of Heathrow. You'll see the river's distinctive meanders and the North Sea coast receding below.
Landing at MEL
RIGHTRight-side seats provide excellent views during descent into Melbourne. You'll see Port Phillip Bay's distinctive shape, the Dandenong Ranges to the east, and the sprawling Melbourne metropolitan area before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Heathrow (LHR) to Melbourne International (MEL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Melbourne. While the takeoff offers some Thames estuary interest, the landing approach into Melbourne provides far superior scenery—Port Phillip Bay, the Dandenong Ranges, and the city approach are visually distinctive and dramatic. Right-side seats capture this better.
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 the Kent coastline as the aircraft climbs westward out of Heathrow. You'll see the river's distinctive meanders and the North Sea coast receding below. Notable sights include: River Thames estuary, Kent coastline, Essex marshlands, North Sea.
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. Right-side seats provide excellent views during descent into Melbourne. You'll see Port Phillip Bay's distinctive shape, the Dandenong Ranges to the east, and the sprawling Melbourne metropolitan area before touchdown. Notable sights include: Port Phillip Bay, Dandenong Ranges, Yarra River, Melbourne CBD skyline.
How long is the flight from London to Melbourne?
The flight from Heathrow (LHR) to Melbourne International (MEL) takes about 22 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 10,506 miles (16,908 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Melbourne flight path pass over?
The flight path typically routes southeast over continental Europe, the Mediterranean, Egypt (Nile Delta visible on descent toward Middle East hub), the Arabian Peninsula, the Arabian Sea, and across the Indian Ocean. Major midpoint viewing opportunities include the Suez Canal region, the Persian Gulf, and the Indian subcontinent's western coast. The Indian Ocean crossing offers minimal landmarks but clear water and occasional weather systems. Approaching Australia, the Great Australian Bight and South Australian coastline become visible before the descent into Melbourne.