The departure view from YVR's North Shore Mountains is more dramatic and geographically distinctive than Bankstown's approach. The westbound routing over the Pacific also offers potential views of the Queen Charlotte Islands and Aleutian geography on clear days, though these are variable.
Flown YVR to BWU? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Vancouver to Sydney is 7,774 miles (12,511 km), a flight of about 14 hours.
This ultra-long-range flight crosses the North Pacific. Typical routing passes north of Hawaii (not visible at cruise altitude), crosses the International Date Line around 12 hours out, and approaches Australian airspace over the Coral Sea. The flight path generally follows great-circle routing at 35,000+ feet where ground features are not distinctly visible. Sunrise/sunset effects over the Pacific and the transition into Australian airspace near dawn are the primary en-route visual events.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from YVR
LEFTYVR typically departs runways 08L/R or 26L/R depending on wind. Left seats capture the North Shore Mountains immediately after climb-out, and the Georgia Strait opening up to the west. Right seats face the suburban sprawl of Richmond and the Fraser River delta.
Landing at BWU
RIGHTBankstown Airport (BWU) is located west of Sydney's CBD. Right-side seats on approach capture the Parramatta River, the Blue Mountains on the western horizon, and the sprawling western suburbs. Left seats face the inland plains with less distinctive features.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Vancouver International (YVR) to Sydney Bankstown (BWU)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Vancouver to Sydney. The departure view from YVR's North Shore Mountains is more dramatic and geographically distinctive than Bankstown's approach. The westbound routing over the Pacific also offers potential views of the Queen Charlotte Islands and Aleutian geography on clear days, though these are variable.
What can I see during takeoff from Vancouver International in Vancouver?
During takeoff from Vancouver International (YVR), sit on the Left side for the best views. YVR typically departs runways 08L/R or 26L/R depending on wind. Left seats capture the North Shore Mountains immediately after climb-out, and the Georgia Strait opening up to the west. Right seats face the suburban sprawl of Richmond and the Fraser River delta. Notable sights include: North Shore Mountains (Grouse, Seymour, Cypress peaks), Georgia Strait, Bowen Island, Vancouver Island distant horizon.
What can I see when landing at Sydney Bankstown in Sydney?
When landing at Sydney Bankstown (BWU), sit on the Right side for the best views. Bankstown Airport (BWU) is located west of Sydney's CBD. Right-side seats on approach capture the Parramatta River, the Blue Mountains on the western horizon, and the sprawling western suburbs. Left seats face the inland plains with less distinctive features. Notable sights include: Parramatta River, Blue Mountains (western horizon), Penrith Lakes, suburban grid of western Sydney.
How long is the flight from Vancouver to Sydney?
The flight from Vancouver International (YVR) to Sydney Bankstown (BWU) takes about 14 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 7,774 miles (12,511 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Vancouver to Sydney flight path pass over?
This ultra-long-range flight crosses the North Pacific. Typical routing passes north of Hawaii (not visible at cruise altitude), crosses the International Date Line around 12 hours out, and approaches Australian airspace over the Coral Sea. The flight path generally follows great-circle routing at 35,000+ feet where ground features are not distinctly visible. Sunrise/sunset effects over the Pacific and the transition into Australian airspace near dawn are the primary en-route visual events.