Melbourne to Hobart is 379 miles (610 km), a flight of about 1 hour.
While takeoff favors the right, the landing view of the Derwent River estuary and Mount Wellington is more dramatic and geographically distinctive. The approach into Hobart offers superior scenic value for the majority of passengers.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses the Bass Strait at roughly 37.8°S latitude. At cruise altitude (around 20,000 feet), the strait itself is visible as open water with occasional shipping traffic. The Furneaux Islands (northeast of Tasmania) may be visible to the right on clear days, appearing as small dark specks on the horizon. The flight passes over open water for most of the crossing before approaching Tasmania's northern coast near Cape Barren Island and the Tasman Peninsula.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from MEB
RIGHTRight side offers views of Port Phillip Bay and the Dandenong Ranges to the east. Essendon typically departs to the north or northeast, so right-side seats capture the bay's western shoreline and suburban sprawl expanding eastward.
Landing at HBA
LEFTLeft side provides views of the Derwent River estuary and Hobart's waterfront as the aircraft descends into Hobart Airport. Typical approach vectors from the north mean left-side seats see the river, city center, and surrounding hills during final descent.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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 Essendon (MEB) to Hobart (HBA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Melbourne to Hobart. While takeoff favors the right, the landing view of the Derwent River estuary and Mount Wellington is more dramatic and geographically distinctive. The approach into Hobart offers superior scenic value for the majority of passengers.
What can I see during takeoff from Melbourne Essendon in Melbourne?
During takeoff from Melbourne Essendon (MEB), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers views of Port Phillip Bay and the Dandenong Ranges to the east. Essendon typically departs to the north or northeast, so right-side seats capture the bay's western shoreline and suburban sprawl expanding eastward. Notable sights include: Port Phillip Bay (immediate view), Dandenong Ranges (eastern horizon), Melbourne CBD skyline (southern distance), Western suburbs grid pattern.
What can I see when landing at Hobart in Hobart?
When landing at Hobart (HBA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side provides views of the Derwent River estuary and Hobart's waterfront as the aircraft descends into Hobart Airport. Typical approach vectors from the north mean left-side seats see the river, city center, and surrounding hills during final descent. Notable sights include: Derwent River estuary (dominant feature), Mount Wellington (background), Hobart CBD waterfront, Eastern Shore hills.
How long is the flight from Melbourne to Hobart?
The flight from Melbourne Essendon (MEB) to Hobart (HBA) takes about 1 hour. The shortest flight path between them is 379 miles (610 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Melbourne to Hobart flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Bass Strait at roughly 37.8°S latitude. At cruise altitude (around 20,000 feet), the strait itself is visible as open water with occasional shipping traffic. The Furneaux Islands (northeast of Tasmania) may be visible to the right on clear days, appearing as small dark specks on the horizon. The flight passes over open water for most of the crossing before approaching Tasmania's northern coast near Cape Barren Island and the Tasman Peninsula.