The left side combines a strong departure view of Melbourne's skyline and bay with the standout arrival view of Uluru and Kata Tjuta, while the right side sees mostly featureless outback plains during both takeoff and landing.
Flown MEL to AYQ? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Melbourne to Yulara is 1,185 miles (1,908 km), a flight of about 2 hours 55 minutes.
Vast flat mallee and desert scrubland of western Victoria and South Australia, dry salt lakes, and the reddish sand plains of the central Australian outback approaching the Northern Territory border.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from MEL
LEFTDeparting MEL on runway 34, the aircraft climbs north over the city before banking west toward the outback, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view back over Melbourne's CBD skyline, Port Phillip Bay, and the Dandenong Ranges foothills as the turn unfolds.
Landing at AYQ
LEFTOn the descent into AYQ, arriving from the southeast and turning to align with the runway, the flight path passes close to Uluru, which sits southwest of the airport and appears prominently on the left side as the plane banks in for landing.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Melbourne International (MEL) to Ayers Rock Connellan Airport (AYQ)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Melbourne to Yulara. The left side combines a strong departure view of Melbourne's skyline and bay with the standout arrival view of Uluru and Kata Tjuta, while the right side sees mostly featureless outback plains during both takeoff and landing.
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. Departing MEL on runway 34, the aircraft climbs north over the city before banking west toward the outback, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view back over Melbourne's CBD skyline, Port Phillip Bay, and the Dandenong Ranges foothills as the turn unfolds. Notable sights include: Melbourne CBD skyline, Port Phillip Bay, Dandenong Ranges, Yarra River mouth.
What can I see when landing at Ayers Rock Connellan Airport in Yulara?
When landing at Ayers Rock Connellan Airport (AYQ), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the descent into AYQ, arriving from the southeast and turning to align with the runway, the flight path passes close to Uluru, which sits southwest of the airport and appears prominently on the left side as the plane banks in for landing. Notable sights include: Uluru (Ayers Rock), Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), red desert dune fields, Yulara resort township.
How long is the flight from Melbourne to Yulara?
The flight from Melbourne International (MEL) to Ayers Rock Connellan Airport (AYQ) takes about 2 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,185 miles (1,908 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Melbourne to Yulara flight path pass over?
Vast flat mallee and desert scrubland of western Victoria and South Australia, dry salt lakes, and the reddish sand plains of the central Australian outback approaching the Northern Territory border.