The right side delivers the trip's best moments: Perth's coastline and Swan River at takeoff, a glimpse of the Great Australian Bight's dramatic cliffs during cruise, and a textbook view of Sydney Harbour and the Opera House on arrival, while the left side sees mostly featureless outback throughout.
Flight Path
The flight crosses the Nullarbor Plain and skirts the northern edge of the Great Australian Bight near the WA/SA border, passing over the red sand dunes of the Great Victoria Desert and the salt lakes of outback South Australia before continuing over the plains of western New South Wales.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase

Takeoff from PER
RIGHTDeparting Perth, the aircraft climbs out over Fremantle and the Indian Ocean coastline before turning east, giving right-side passengers a clear view of the Swan River mouth, the port of Fremantle, and the turquoise coastal waters before the plane heads inland.

Landing at SYD
RIGHTOn approach into Sydney from the west, the aircraft typically aligns with the north-south runway system south of the CBD, putting Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, and the city skyline off to the right as the plane descends toward Botany Bay.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Perth International (PER) to Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Perth to Sydney. The right side delivers the trip's best moments: Perth's coastline and Swan River at takeoff, a glimpse of the Great Australian Bight's dramatic cliffs during cruise, and a textbook view of Sydney Harbour and the Opera House on arrival, while the left side sees mostly featureless outback throughout.
What can I see during takeoff from Perth International in Perth?
During takeoff from Perth International (PER), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing Perth, the aircraft climbs out over Fremantle and the Indian Ocean coastline before turning east, giving right-side passengers a clear view of the Swan River mouth, the port of Fremantle, and the turquoise coastal waters before the plane heads inland. Notable sights include: Swan River mouth, Fremantle Port, Indian Ocean coastline, Perth's southern suburbs.
What can I see when landing at Kingsford Smith International Airport in Sydney?
When landing at Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into Sydney from the west, the aircraft typically aligns with the north-south runway system south of the CBD, putting Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, and the city skyline off to the right as the plane descends toward Botany Bay. Notable sights include: Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, Botany Bay, Sydney CBD skyline.
How long is the flight from Perth to Sydney?
The flight from Perth International (PER) to Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) takes 4h 50m.
What does the Perth to Sydney flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Nullarbor Plain and skirts the northern edge of the Great Australian Bight near the WA/SA border, passing over the red sand dunes of the Great Victoria Desert and the salt lakes of outback South Australia before continuing over the plains of western New South Wales.