Melbourne to Brisbane is 867 miles (1,395 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
Right-side seats capture the most dramatic scenery: Port Phillip Bay and the Dandenong Ranges during takeoff, then the New South Wales coast and Great Dividing Range during the cruise, and finally the Brisbane River's meanders during descent. Left seats miss the coastal views during the middle portion of the flight.
Flight Path
The flight path travels north-northeast over inland New South Wales. Notable features visible from altitude include the Illawarra escarpment (coastal ridge south of Sydney), the Hawkesbury River valley, and the Blue Mountains' western slopes as distant ridges. The Great Dividing Range runs parallel to the coast throughout the flight, visible as a series of forested ridges and valleys. Lake Macquarie and Newcastle's industrial areas appear briefly on the left (east) side during the northern portion of the cruise. The landscape transitions from coastal ranges to inland plateau as you progress north toward Brisbane.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from MBW
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of Port Phillip Bay and the Dandenong Ranges as the aircraft climbs northward from Moorabbin. The bay's distinctive shape and the forested ridgeline provide strong visual landmarks during the initial climb.
Landing at BNE
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during descent into Brisbane. You'll see the Brisbane River's distinctive loops and meanders, the city's high-rise core, and Moreton Bay with its islands as you approach from the south.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Melbourne Moorabbin (MBW) to Brisbane International (BNE)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Melbourne to Brisbane. Right-side seats capture the most dramatic scenery: Port Phillip Bay and the Dandenong Ranges during takeoff, then the New South Wales coast and Great Dividing Range during the cruise, and finally the Brisbane River's meanders during descent. Left seats miss the coastal views during the middle portion of the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Melbourne Moorabbin in Melbourne?
During takeoff from Melbourne Moorabbin (MBW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of Port Phillip Bay and the Dandenong Ranges as the aircraft climbs northward from Moorabbin. The bay's distinctive shape and the forested ridgeline provide strong visual landmarks during the initial climb. Notable sights include: Port Phillip Bay, Dandenong Ranges, Melbourne CBD (distant), Yarra River estuary.
What can I see when landing at Brisbane International in Brisbane?
When landing at Brisbane International (BNE), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during descent into Brisbane. You'll see the Brisbane River's distinctive loops and meanders, the city's high-rise core, and Moreton Bay with its islands as you approach from the south. Notable sights include: Brisbane River, Brisbane CBD, Moreton Bay, D'Aguilar National Forest (distant).
How long is the flight from Melbourne to Brisbane?
The flight from Melbourne Moorabbin (MBW) to Brisbane International (BNE) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 867 miles (1,395 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Melbourne to Brisbane flight path pass over?
The flight path travels north-northeast over inland New South Wales. Notable features visible from altitude include the Illawarra escarpment (coastal ridge south of Sydney), the Hawkesbury River valley, and the Blue Mountains' western slopes as distant ridges. The Great Dividing Range runs parallel to the coast throughout the flight, visible as a series of forested ridges and valleys. Lake Macquarie and Newcastle's industrial areas appear briefly on the left (east) side during the northern portion of the cruise. The landscape transitions from coastal ranges to inland plateau as you progress north toward Brisbane.