The northbound routing keeps the Indian Ocean coastline — including Shark Bay, Ningaloo Reef, and the Kimberley's rugged coast — on the left for most of the cruise, while the right side over the Great Sandy Desert offers flat, largely featureless terrain.
Flown PER to DRW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Perth to Darwin is 1,648 miles (2,653 km), a flight of about 3 hours 45 minutes.
Shark Bay and Ningaloo Reef along the mid-west coast, the Pilbara's red iron-ore ranges, Eighty Mile Beach, and the deeply indented Kimberley coastline with its tidal inlets near the Buccaneer Archipelago
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from PER
LEFTDeparting PER northbound, the climb-out passes over the Perth CBD, Swan River, and Indian Ocean coastline on the left, giving a brief but distinct city-and-coast view before the aircraft turns north over the water and coastal plain.
Landing at DRW
LEFTOn approach into Darwin, the flight path typically curves in from the south over the Timor Sea side of the peninsula, giving passengers on the left a view of Darwin Harbour, its mangrove-lined inlets, and the city's coastal skyline before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Perth International (PER) to Darwin International Airport / RAAF Darwin (DRW)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Perth to Darwin. The northbound routing keeps the Indian Ocean coastline — including Shark Bay, Ningaloo Reef, and the Kimberley's rugged coast — on the left for most of the cruise, while the right side over the Great Sandy Desert offers flat, largely featureless terrain.
What can I see during takeoff from Perth International in Perth?
During takeoff from Perth International (PER), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing PER northbound, the climb-out passes over the Perth CBD, Swan River, and Indian Ocean coastline on the left, giving a brief but distinct city-and-coast view before the aircraft turns north over the water and coastal plain. Notable sights include: Perth CBD skyline, Swan River mouth, Fremantle Harbour, Indian Ocean coastline.
What can I see when landing at Darwin International Airport / RAAF Darwin in Darwin?
When landing at Darwin International Airport / RAAF Darwin (DRW), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into Darwin, the flight path typically curves in from the south over the Timor Sea side of the peninsula, giving passengers on the left a view of Darwin Harbour, its mangrove-lined inlets, and the city's coastal skyline before touchdown. Notable sights include: Darwin Harbour, East Point mangroves, Darwin CBD waterfront, Timor Sea coastline.
How long is the flight from Perth to Darwin?
The flight from Perth International (PER) to Darwin International Airport / RAAF Darwin (DRW) takes about 3 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,648 miles (2,653 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Perth to Darwin flight path pass over?
Shark Bay and Ningaloo Reef along the mid-west coast, the Pilbara's red iron-ore ranges, Eighty Mile Beach, and the deeply indented Kimberley coastline with its tidal inlets near the Buccaneer Archipelago