The left side wins on both ends of the flight — Melbourne's skyline and bay at departure, and Hong Kong's dramatic island terrain and harbor skyline on arrival — while the right side spends most of the flight over featureless ocean and flat delta terrain.
Flown MEB to HKG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Melbourne to Hong Kong is 4,611 miles (7,421 km), a flight of about 8 hours 45 minutes.
Northern Australian outback and Arnhem Land coastline, the Timor Sea, and the mountainous islands of eastern Indonesia (Timor, Flores, Sulawesi) beneath the flight path before crossing into the South China Sea.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from MEB
LEFTDeparting Essendon and turning north, the left side gives a clear view back over Melbourne's CBD skyline and Port Phillip Bay before the aircraft settles onto its northbound track. The right side shows only Melbourne's flat eastern suburbs fading into farmland.
Landing at HKG
LEFTOn the approach into Hong Kong from the south over the Pearl River Delta, the left side offers views of Lantau Island's mountains, the South China Sea coastline, and Hong Kong Island's skyline and harbor as the aircraft banks toward the runway. The right side mostly faces inland haze over Guangdong's flat delta terrain.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Melbourne Essendon (MEB) to Hong Kong International (HKG)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Melbourne to Hong Kong. The left side wins on both ends of the flight — Melbourne's skyline and bay at departure, and Hong Kong's dramatic island terrain and harbor skyline on arrival — while the right side spends most of the flight over featureless ocean and flat delta terrain.
What can I see during takeoff from Melbourne Essendon in Melbourne?
During takeoff from Melbourne Essendon (MEB), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing Essendon and turning north, the left side gives a clear view back over Melbourne's CBD skyline and Port Phillip Bay before the aircraft settles onto its northbound track. The right side shows only Melbourne's flat eastern suburbs fading into farmland. Notable sights include: Melbourne CBD skyline, Port Phillip Bay, Yarra River mouth, Dandenong Ranges (distant).
What can I see when landing at Hong Kong International in Hong Kong?
When landing at Hong Kong International (HKG), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the approach into Hong Kong from the south over the Pearl River Delta, the left side offers views of Lantau Island's mountains, the South China Sea coastline, and Hong Kong Island's skyline and harbor as the aircraft banks toward the runway. The right side mostly faces inland haze over Guangdong's flat delta terrain. Notable sights include: Lantau Island peaks, Hong Kong Island skyline, Victoria Harbour, Pearl River Delta coastline.
How long is the flight from Melbourne to Hong Kong?
The flight from Melbourne Essendon (MEB) to Hong Kong International (HKG) takes about 8 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,611 miles (7,421 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Melbourne to Hong Kong flight path pass over?
Northern Australian outback and Arnhem Land coastline, the Timor Sea, and the mountainous islands of eastern Indonesia (Timor, Flores, Sulawesi) beneath the flight path before crossing into the South China Sea.