The right side wins because the flight path generally tracks up Australia's east coast, giving right-side passengers repeated glimpses of bays, beaches, and river mouths during both takeoff and landing, while the left side only shows inland plains and low hills with little variation.
Flight Path
During cruise near the NSW/QLD border, the route passes inland of the coast over the northern Great Dividing Range foothills, with only occasional glimpses of the Pacific coastline to the right through breaks in cloud cover.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from MEL
RIGHTDeparting MEL northbound on runway 34, the right side offers a good look back over Port Phillip Bay and Melbourne's bayside suburbs before the aircraft turns northeast to parallel the coast. The left side shows only flat, featureless farmland stretching toward the Great Dividing Range's low foothills.
Landing at MCY
RIGHTMCY's runway 13/31 approach typically brings aircraft in along the coast from the south, giving right-side passengers a clear view of the Sunshine Coast's beaches, the Maroochy River mouth, and Mooloolaba's coastline just before touchdown. The left side during this phase only shows the Sunshine Coast hinterland's low hills and hinterland farmland.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Melbourne International (MEL) to Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Melbourne to Maroochydore. The right side wins because the flight path generally tracks up Australia's east coast, giving right-side passengers repeated glimpses of bays, beaches, and river mouths during both takeoff and landing, while the left side only shows inland plains and low hills with little variation.
What can I see during takeoff from Melbourne International in Melbourne?
During takeoff from Melbourne International (MEL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing MEL northbound on runway 34, the right side offers a good look back over Port Phillip Bay and Melbourne's bayside suburbs before the aircraft turns northeast to parallel the coast. The left side shows only flat, featureless farmland stretching toward the Great Dividing Range's low foothills. Notable sights include: Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne CBD skyline, Western Port Bay, Mornington Peninsula coastline.
What can I see when landing at Sunshine Coast Airport in Maroochydore?
When landing at Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY), sit on the Right side for the best views. MCY's runway 13/31 approach typically brings aircraft in along the coast from the south, giving right-side passengers a clear view of the Sunshine Coast's beaches, the Maroochy River mouth, and Mooloolaba's coastline just before touchdown. The left side during this phase only shows the Sunshine Coast hinterland's low hills and hinterland farmland. Notable sights include: Maroochy River mouth, Mooloolaba Beach, Point Cartwright, Sunshine Coast hinterland ridges.
How long is the flight from Melbourne to Maroochydore?
The flight from Melbourne International (MEL) to Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY) takes 2h 10m.
What does the Melbourne to Maroochydore flight path pass over?
During cruise near the NSW/QLD border, the route passes inland of the coast over the northern Great Dividing Range foothills, with only occasional glimpses of the Pacific coastline to the right through breaks in cloud cover.