The left side wins both the departure (Sydney's coastline and Botany Bay) and arrival (Melbourne's bay and skyline) segments, giving it the stronger bookend scenery, while the right side offers only distant, hazy views of the Great Dividing Range during the flat inland cruise.
Flown SYD to MEB? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Sydney to Melbourne is 438 miles (705 km), a flight of about 1 hour 25 minutes.
The route crosses the Great Dividing Range and the edges of the Australian Alps near the Snowy Mountains region before descending toward Gippsland and Port Phillip Bay, though these are seen only briefly and distantly from cruising altitude.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from SYD
LEFTDeparting Sydney on the South Plan (runway 16), the initial southbound climb keeps Botany Bay, the Sydney Airport peninsula, and the Royal National Park's sandstone coastline on the left. The right side only shows the flat western suburbs receding into haze.
Landing at MEB
LEFTApproaches into Essendon from the north or east typically bring the aircraft over Port Phillip Bay and the Melbourne CBD skyline, visible on the left side as the plane turns toward runway 26. The right side shows mostly flat outer-suburban grid streets.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) to Melbourne Essendon (MEB)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Sydney to Melbourne. The left side wins both the departure (Sydney's coastline and Botany Bay) and arrival (Melbourne's bay and skyline) segments, giving it the stronger bookend scenery, while the right side offers only distant, hazy views of the Great Dividing Range during the flat inland cruise.
What can I see during takeoff from Kingsford Smith International Airport in Sydney?
During takeoff from Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing Sydney on the South Plan (runway 16), the initial southbound climb keeps Botany Bay, the Sydney Airport peninsula, and the Royal National Park's sandstone coastline on the left. The right side only shows the flat western suburbs receding into haze. Notable sights include: Botany Bay, Kurnell Peninsula, Royal National Park coastline, Cronulla beaches.
What can I see when landing at Melbourne Essendon in Melbourne?
When landing at Melbourne Essendon (MEB), sit on the Left side for the best views. Approaches into Essendon from the north or east typically bring the aircraft over Port Phillip Bay and the Melbourne CBD skyline, visible on the left side as the plane turns toward runway 26. The right side shows mostly flat outer-suburban grid streets. Notable sights include: Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne CBD skyline, Yarra River mouth, Docklands towers.
How long is the flight from Sydney to Melbourne?
The flight from Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) to Melbourne Essendon (MEB) takes about 1 hour 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 438 miles (705 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Sydney to Melbourne flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Great Dividing Range and the edges of the Australian Alps near the Snowy Mountains region before descending toward Gippsland and Port Phillip Bay, though these are seen only briefly and distantly from cruising altitude.