While takeoff offers good views of Port Phillip Bay and the Dandenong Ranges, the landing approach into Launceston provides more dramatic and distinctive scenery with the Tamar River's serpentine path and valley setting being highly photogenic and geographically striking.
Flown MEB to LST? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Melbourne to Launceston is 291 miles (468 km), a flight of about 55 minutes.
Bass Strait crossing (open water, no major landmarks), Furneaux Group islands visible to the northeast (small islands scattered across the strait), transition from Victorian to Tasmanian airspace over water, occasional glimpses of Tasmania's northern coast as aircraft approaches from the northwest
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from MEB
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of Port Phillip Bay and the Dandenong Ranges as the aircraft climbs northeast from Essendon. The bay's distinctive shape and the forested ridge line are clearly visible during the initial climb-out.
Landing at LST
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during descent into Launceston, with clear sightlines of the Tamar River estuary, the city itself nestled in the river valley, and the surrounding hills. The river's distinctive serpentine path is particularly striking at lower altitudes.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Melbourne Essendon (MEB) to Launceston (LST)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Melbourne to Launceston. While takeoff offers good views of Port Phillip Bay and the Dandenong Ranges, the landing approach into Launceston provides more dramatic and distinctive scenery with the Tamar River's serpentine path and valley setting being highly photogenic and geographically striking.
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 seats offer views of Port Phillip Bay and the Dandenong Ranges as the aircraft climbs northeast from Essendon. The bay's distinctive shape and the forested ridge line are clearly visible during the initial climb-out. Notable sights include: Port Phillip Bay (immediate west and south), Dandenong Ranges (southeast, forested ridge), Melbourne CBD skyline (south), Yarra River valley (south-southwest).
What can I see when landing at Launceston in Launceston?
When landing at Launceston (LST), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during descent into Launceston, with clear sightlines of the Tamar River estuary, the city itself nestled in the river valley, and the surrounding hills. The river's distinctive serpentine path is particularly striking at lower altitudes. Notable sights include: Tamar River estuary (central feature, winding through valley), Launceston city center (in river bend), surrounding hills and farmland (rolling terrain), Bass Strait coastline to the north (distant).
How long is the flight from Melbourne to Launceston?
The flight from Melbourne Essendon (MEB) to Launceston (LST) takes about 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 291 miles (468 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Melbourne to Launceston flight path pass over?
Bass Strait crossing (open water, no major landmarks), Furneaux Group islands visible to the northeast (small islands scattered across the strait), transition from Victorian to Tasmanian airspace over water, occasional glimpses of Tasmania's northern coast as aircraft approaches from the northwest