While Sydney's harbour departure favors the right side briefly, the long cruise segment tips the balance: the great-circle route bows south across the continent, tracking near the Great Australian Bight's white Bunda Cliffs and turquoise Southern Ocean waters, visible on the left. Combined with a scenic Swan River approach into Perth, the left side offers more sustained visual interest.
Flight Path
Great Australian Bight coastline and Bunda Cliffs, Nullarbor Plain, Eyre Peninsula, western edge of the Great Victoria Desert
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from SYD
RIGHTDeparting Sydney to the west, the initial turn typically swings the aircraft over the harbour and city before settling on a westbound heading, putting the CBD skyline and Harbour Bridge on the right side. The Blue Mountains' sandstone escarpment then appears ahead as the climb continues inland.
Landing at PER
LEFTOn approach into Perth from the east, the aircraft crosses the Darling Range foothills before descending over the Swan Valley and Perth's CBD, with the Swan River and Indian Ocean coastline visible to the left as the plane lines up for landing.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) to Perth International (PER)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Sydney to Perth. While Sydney's harbour departure favors the right side briefly, the long cruise segment tips the balance: the great-circle route bows south across the continent, tracking near the Great Australian Bight's white Bunda Cliffs and turquoise Southern Ocean waters, visible on the left. Combined with a scenic Swan River approach into Perth, the left side offers more sustained visual interest.
What can I see during takeoff from Kingsford Smith International Airport in Sydney?
During takeoff from Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing Sydney to the west, the initial turn typically swings the aircraft over the harbour and city before settling on a westbound heading, putting the CBD skyline and Harbour Bridge on the right side. The Blue Mountains' sandstone escarpment then appears ahead as the climb continues inland. Notable sights include: Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House, Sydney CBD skyline, Botany Bay, Blue Mountains escarpment.
What can I see when landing at Perth International in Perth?
When landing at Perth International (PER), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into Perth from the east, the aircraft crosses the Darling Range foothills before descending over the Swan Valley and Perth's CBD, with the Swan River and Indian Ocean coastline visible to the left as the plane lines up for landing. Notable sights include: Swan River, Perth CBD skyline, Kings Park, Indian Ocean coastline near Fremantle.
How long is the flight from Sydney to Perth?
The flight from Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) to Perth International (PER) takes 5h 00m.
What does the Sydney to Perth flight path pass over?
Great Australian Bight coastline and Bunda Cliffs, Nullarbor Plain, Eyre Peninsula, western edge of the Great Victoria Desert