The entire route hugs the Queensland coastline heading north, so the right (east) side keeps passengers along beaches, bays, and reef-fringed waters from takeoff through landing, while the left side mostly shows repetitive hinterland ranges.
Flown OOL to CNS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Coolangatta to Cairns is 923 miles (1,486 km), a flight of about 2 hours 10 minutes.
Fraser Island and its sand cliffs, the Whitsunday Islands, and patches of the Great Barrier Reef visible along the coastal cruise track between Mackay and Townsville
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from OOL
RIGHTDeparting OOL on runway 14, the aircraft climbs out over the Gold Coast's coastline and turns north, putting the beaches, Surfers Paradise skyline, and Moreton Bay on the right side of the plane. The left side only shows the Gold Coast hinterland ranges, which are less distinctive.
Landing at CNS
RIGHTOn approach into Cairns via runway 15, the flight path tracks down the Queensland coast, keeping the Coral Sea, offshore reef patches, and Cairns' waterfront and Trinity Inlet visible on the right side as the plane turns to land. The left side mostly shows the forested Atherton Tablelands escarpment with fewer named features.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Gold Coast Coolangatta (OOL) to Cairns International (CNS)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Coolangatta to Cairns. The entire route hugs the Queensland coastline heading north, so the right (east) side keeps passengers along beaches, bays, and reef-fringed waters from takeoff through landing, while the left side mostly shows repetitive hinterland ranges.
What can I see during takeoff from Gold Coast Coolangatta in Coolangatta?
During takeoff from Gold Coast Coolangatta (OOL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing OOL on runway 14, the aircraft climbs out over the Gold Coast's coastline and turns north, putting the beaches, Surfers Paradise skyline, and Moreton Bay on the right side of the plane. The left side only shows the Gold Coast hinterland ranges, which are less distinctive. Notable sights include: Surfers Paradise skyline, Gold Coast beaches, Moreton Bay, South Stradbroke Island.
What can I see when landing at Cairns International in Cairns?
When landing at Cairns International (CNS), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into Cairns via runway 15, the flight path tracks down the Queensland coast, keeping the Coral Sea, offshore reef patches, and Cairns' waterfront and Trinity Inlet visible on the right side as the plane turns to land. The left side mostly shows the forested Atherton Tablelands escarpment with fewer named features. Notable sights include: Coral Sea and reef shoals, Cairns waterfront and Trinity Inlet, Double Island, Barron River mouth.
How long is the flight from Coolangatta to Cairns?
The flight from Gold Coast Coolangatta (OOL) to Cairns International (CNS) takes about 2 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 923 miles (1,486 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Coolangatta to Cairns flight path pass over?
Fraser Island and its sand cliffs, the Whitsunday Islands, and patches of the Great Barrier Reef visible along the coastal cruise track between Mackay and Townsville