Melbourne to Alice Springs flight path: MEL to ASP

Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Melbourne to Alice Springs. While takeoff is fairly flat on both sides, the left side dominates the cruise phase with views of Lake Eyre's vast white salt pans and the Flinders Ranges, then finishes strong with the dramatic MacDonnell Ranges approach into Alice Springs.

During takeoff from Melbourne International (MEL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Climbing out on runway 34, passengers on the right can catch a brief glimpse of the Dandenong Ranges' forested hills to the east before the aircraft turns onto its northbound track. The left side mostly shows flat western suburbs and paddocks with little relief. Notable sights include: Dandenong Ranges foothills, outer Melbourne suburbs, Yarra Valley farmland.

When landing at Alice Springs (ASP), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into Alice Springs from the south, the aircraft descends toward the MacDonnell Ranges, and the left side offers the clearest view of the rugged red-rock ridgelines and the gap where the town sits nestled between them. The right side mostly faces open desert plain with less definition. Notable sights include: West MacDonnell Ranges, Heavitree Gap, Alice Springs township, dry Todd River bed.

The flight from Melbourne International (MEL) to Alice Springs (ASP) takes 2h 55m.

Murray River near Mildura, Flinders Ranges, and the salt flats of Lake Eyre basin lie along the route's western side as the flight crosses into South Australia and the Northern Territory.