About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Melbourne Moorabbin (MBW) to Perth International (PER)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Melbourne to Perth. Right-side seats capture the superior scenery at both ends: Port Phillip Bay and Melbourne's geography on departure, and the approach to Perth's coastal features during landing. The westbound flight path itself offers less dramatic midpoint scenery, making the terminal views the deciding factor.
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 Melbourne metropolitan area during climb-out. The aircraft typically departs to the west or northwest, giving right-side passengers clear sightlines across the bay and inner suburbs. Notable sights include: Port Phillip Bay, Dandenong Ranges (distant, southeast), Melbourne CBD skyline, Williamstown and bay suburbs.
What can I see when landing at Perth International in Perth?
When landing at Perth International (PER), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide views of the Swan River, Perth city center, and the Indian Ocean coastline during descent into Perth. The approach typically comes from the east, positioning left-side passengers to see the river system and coastal features clearly. Notable sights include: Swan River, Perth CBD, Scarp escarpment (eastern horizon), Indian Ocean and coastal beaches.
How long is the flight from Melbourne to Perth?
The flight from Melbourne Moorabbin (MBW) to Perth International (PER) takes Approximately 5 hours.
What does the Melbourne to Perth flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Grampians National Park (western Victoria) around the midpoint—visible as a low mountain range with distinctive ridges running northeast-southwest. Further west, the landscape becomes increasingly arid, transitioning to the semi-desert plains of South Australia and the Nullarbor Plain. The Eyre Peninsula appears as a distinctive triangular landform jutting into the Indian Ocean. These features are visible but relatively subtle from cruising altitude; the Grampians are the most visually distinctive midpoint landmark. The flight then crosses the Nullarbor's flat, treeless expanse before approaching Western Australia's coastal region.