While left offers better views during Melbourne departure, right seats provide superior scenery during the longer Hong Kong approach and descent, where Victoria Harbour and the Hong Kong skyline are the flight's most visually distinctive features. The approach phase lasts longer and offers more dramatic urban and water scenery than the departure.
Flown MBW to HKG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Melbourne to Hong Kong is 4,631 miles (7,453 km), a flight of about 9 hours 30 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Tasman Sea (no visible landmarks), then passes over or near the Coral Sea and Great Barrier Reef region (weather permitting, visible as turquoise waters and reef patterns around 6-8 hours into flight), continues across the Australian continent's interior, then over the Indian Ocean toward Southeast Asia. Around 7-8 hours in, the flight enters airspace over the Andaman Sea and approaches the Malay Peninsula. The Strait of Malacca and northern Sumatra may be visible during the final 2-3 hours before reaching Hong Kong airspace.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from MBW
LEFTLeft seats face northwest on departure from Moorabbin, offering views of Port Phillip Bay's western shoreline and the Dandenong Ranges inland. Right seats look toward the bay's eastern side with less dramatic terrain.
Landing at HKG
RIGHTRight seats face the approach corridor into Hong Kong International from the southwest. This angle provides views of Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong Island's skyline, and Kowloon Peninsula during descent. Left seats would see the New Territories and less dramatic urban scenery.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Melbourne Moorabbin (MBW) to Hong Kong International (HKG)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Melbourne to Hong Kong. While left offers better views during Melbourne departure, right seats provide superior scenery during the longer Hong Kong approach and descent, where Victoria Harbour and the Hong Kong skyline are the flight's most visually distinctive features. The approach phase lasts longer and offers more dramatic urban and water scenery than the departure.
What can I see during takeoff from Melbourne Moorabbin in Melbourne?
During takeoff from Melbourne Moorabbin (MBW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left seats face northwest on departure from Moorabbin, offering views of Port Phillip Bay's western shoreline and the Dandenong Ranges inland. Right seats look toward the bay's eastern side with less dramatic terrain. Notable sights include: Port Phillip Bay (immediate foreground), Dandenong Ranges (inland to the northwest), Melbourne CBD skyline (visible to the north), Yarra River estuary.
What can I see when landing at Hong Kong International in Hong Kong?
When landing at Hong Kong International (HKG), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right seats face the approach corridor into Hong Kong International from the southwest. This angle provides views of Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong Island's skyline, and Kowloon Peninsula during descent. Left seats would see the New Territories and less dramatic urban scenery. Notable sights include: Victoria Harbour (central feature), Hong Kong Island skyline (Peak District visible), Kowloon Peninsula, Lantau Island (where airport is located).
How long is the flight from Melbourne to Hong Kong?
The flight from Melbourne Moorabbin (MBW) to Hong Kong International (HKG) takes about 9 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,631 miles (7,453 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Melbourne to Hong Kong flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Tasman Sea (no visible landmarks), then passes over or near the Coral Sea and Great Barrier Reef region (weather permitting, visible as turquoise waters and reef patterns around 6-8 hours into flight), continues across the Australian continent's interior, then over the Indian Ocean toward Southeast Asia. Around 7-8 hours in, the flight enters airspace over the Andaman Sea and approaches the Malay Peninsula. The Strait of Malacca and northern Sumatra may be visible during the final 2-3 hours before reaching Hong Kong airspace.