The left (south) side wins on both ends of the flight — Port Phillip Bay and Melbourne's skyline at takeoff, and the Swan River, Perth CBD, and coastline at landing — while the right side offers only flat inland terrain throughout.
Flight Path
Vast flat expanse of the Nullarbor Plain and semi-arid South Australian outback; on some routings the Great Australian Bight's coastal cliffs are faintly visible to the south, though most of the cruise is over featureless desert and scrubland.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from MEL
LEFTDeparting Melbourne to the west, the initial turn and climb put Port Phillip Bay and the Melbourne CBD skyline on the left (south) side of the aircraft. The right side over the northern suburbs is flat and unremarkable.
Landing at PER
LEFTFlights into Perth typically approach from the east and bank south onto runway 21, bringing the Swan River, Perth CBD skyline, and the coastline near Fremantle into view on the left side during the turn and final descent. The right side shows only the flat Perth Hills and inland scrubland.
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 Perth International (PER)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Melbourne to Perth. The left (south) side wins on both ends of the flight — Port Phillip Bay and Melbourne's skyline at takeoff, and the Swan River, Perth CBD, and coastline at landing — while the right side offers only flat inland terrain throughout.
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 Melbourne to the west, the initial turn and climb put Port Phillip Bay and the Melbourne CBD skyline on the left (south) side of the aircraft. The right side over the northern suburbs is flat and unremarkable. Notable sights include: Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne CBD skyline, Westgate Bridge, St Kilda coastline.
What can I see when landing at Perth International in Perth?
When landing at Perth International (PER), sit on the Left side for the best views. Flights into Perth typically approach from the east and bank south onto runway 21, bringing the Swan River, Perth CBD skyline, and the coastline near Fremantle into view on the left side during the turn and final descent. The right side shows only the flat Perth Hills and inland scrubland. Notable sights include: Swan River, Perth CBD skyline, Kings Park, Indian Ocean coastline near Fremantle.
How long is the flight from Melbourne to Perth?
The flight from Melbourne International (MEL) to Perth International (PER) takes 4h 10m.
What does the Melbourne to Perth flight path pass over?
Vast flat expanse of the Nullarbor Plain and semi-arid South Australian outback; on some routings the Great Australian Bight's coastal cliffs are faintly visible to the south, though most of the cruise is over featureless desert and scrubland.