The right side delivers a stronger overall experience: Melbourne's skyline and bay on departure, a distant look at the Australian Alps during cruise, and a coastal approach past Botany Bay into Sydney with skyline views on landing, compared to the flatter, less distinctive inland scenery on the left.
Flown MEB to SYD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Melbourne to Sydney is 438 miles (705 km), a flight of about 1 hour 25 minutes.
Australian Alps and Snowy Mountains to the south of the flight path, the Murray River near Albury-Wodonga, and the Southern Tablelands near Canberra
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from MEB
RIGHTClimbing out of Essendon and turning onto the northeast track toward Sydney, the right side faces south over Melbourne's CBD and Port Phillip Bay, with the Dandenong Ranges visible further east. The left side only shows the flat northern suburbs and farmland fading into haze.
Landing at SYD
RIGHTOn the descent into Sydney the typical arrival path tracks up the coast and over Botany Bay, giving right-side passengers a clear view of the Tasman Sea coastline, Botany Bay, and a glimpse of the city skyline and harbour as the aircraft lines up for landing. The left side instead faces inland over western Sydney's suburban sprawl.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Melbourne Essendon (MEB) to Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Melbourne to Sydney. The right side delivers a stronger overall experience: Melbourne's skyline and bay on departure, a distant look at the Australian Alps during cruise, and a coastal approach past Botany Bay into Sydney with skyline views on landing, compared to the flatter, less distinctive inland scenery on the left.
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. Climbing out of Essendon and turning onto the northeast track toward Sydney, the right side faces south over Melbourne's CBD and Port Phillip Bay, with the Dandenong Ranges visible further east. The left side only shows the flat northern suburbs and farmland fading into haze. Notable sights include: Melbourne CBD skyline, Port Phillip Bay, Dandenong Ranges, Yarra River.
What can I see when landing at Kingsford Smith International Airport in Sydney?
When landing at Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the descent into Sydney the typical arrival path tracks up the coast and over Botany Bay, giving right-side passengers a clear view of the Tasman Sea coastline, Botany Bay, and a glimpse of the city skyline and harbour as the aircraft lines up for landing. The left side instead faces inland over western Sydney's suburban sprawl. Notable sights include: Botany Bay, Sydney CBD skyline, Royal National Park coastline, Tasman Sea.
How long is the flight from Melbourne to Sydney?
The flight from Melbourne Essendon (MEB) to Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) takes about 1 hour 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 438 miles (705 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Melbourne to Sydney flight path pass over?
Australian Alps and Snowy Mountains to the south of the flight path, the Murray River near Albury-Wodonga, and the Southern Tablelands near Canberra