About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Melbourne International (MEL) to Alice Springs (ASP)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Melbourne to Alice Springs. While left offers good takeoff views of Port Phillip Bay and the Dandenong Ranges, right seats provide superior views during the longer and more visually interesting descent into Alice Springs, where the MacDonnell Ranges create a dramatic framing of the approach.
What can I see during takeoff from Melbourne International in Melbourne?
During takeoff from Melbourne International (MEL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Melbourne typically departs runways 09 or 27 depending on wind. Left seats offer views of Port Phillip Bay and the Dandenong Ranges to the east during initial climb. Right seats face inland toward less distinctive terrain. Notable sights include: Port Phillip Bay (immediate left, water body), Dandenong Ranges (eastern horizon, forested ridgeline), Yarra River valley (winding through suburbs below), Melbourne CBD skyline (receding behind during climb).
What can I see when landing at Alice Springs in Alice Springs?
When landing at Alice Springs (ASP), sit on the Right side for the best views. Descent into Alice Springs typically uses runways 09 or 27. Right seats capture the MacDonnell Ranges as they become prominent during final approach, with the West MacDonnell Range visible to the west and the East MacDonnell Range to the east framing the descent path. Notable sights include: West MacDonnell Range (right side, rocky ridgeline), East MacDonnell Range (left side, parallel ridgeline), Alice Springs township (small cluster in valley floor), Todd River (dry riverbed cutting through red earth).
How long is the flight from Melbourne to Alice Springs?
The flight from Melbourne International (MEL) to Alice Springs (ASP) takes Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes.
What does the Melbourne to Alice Springs flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses inland from Melbourne across Victoria's western plains, then transitions into New South Wales and South Australia. Notable features include the Murray River valley (visible around 1 hour into flight as a green corridor through brown plains), the Grampians National Park (rocky ranges in western Victoria, visible on left during early cruise), and the transition into the red earth and sparse vegetation of South Australia's interior. The landscape becomes progressively more arid and sparsely populated. No major cities are visible along the direct route; the flight passes over remote bushland and pastoral country for most of the journey.