Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Melbourne to Port-vila. While takeoff favors left, the landing view is significantly more dramatic and visually rewarding. The coral reefs and turquoise waters of the approach to Vanuatu provide superior window-seat geography compared to Melbourne's departure.

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's western shoreline and the You Yangs ranges during climb-out. Right seats face inland toward the Dandenong Ranges, which are less visually distinctive from altitude. Notable sights include: Port Phillip Bay (expansive water body immediately west), You Yangs volcanic peaks (low but distinctive ridges), Geelong urban sprawl (southern shore), Western suburbs grid extending inland.

When landing at Port Vila Bauerfield (VLI), sit on the Right side for the best views. Approaching Bauerfield typically uses runway 20 (southwesterly heading). Right seats provide views of Efate Island's eastern coastline, coral reefs, and the approach over the Coral Sea. Left seats face inland toward forested terrain with less visual interest. Notable sights include: Coral Sea (turquoise shallow waters), Efate Island's eastern reef line (white-water breaker patterns), Port Vila harbor (concentrated development on western coast), Mele Bay (southern approach).

The flight from Melbourne International (MEL) to Port Vila Bauerfield (VLI) takes Approximately 2 hours 45 minutes.

The flight path crosses the Tasman Sea and enters the South Pacific. Notable features include the Bass Strait (visible during initial climb), the Coral Sea's transition from deep blue to turquoise as you approach Vanuatu, and the New Hebrides volcanic arc becoming visible roughly 30 minutes before landing. Efate Island's position within the archipelago becomes apparent during descent, with neighboring islands visible to the north and south.