The world's largest coral reef system, stretching 2,300 km along Australia's Queensland coast. Its brilliant turquoise shallows are visible from cruising altitude on many Australian routes.
Routes that pass it79
Tip: Visibility depends on cloud cover, time of day, and how close the flight path comes. Sit on the listed side for the best chance of a view. Morning and evening flights often offer the best lighting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you see Great Barrier Reef from a plane?
Yes — 79 flight routes pass within 250 km of Great Barrier Reef. The closest routes include Shanghai to Brisbane, Brisbane to Shanghai, Shanghai to Brisbane. Sit on the Right side, with the landmark passing about 6 km away.
Which side of the plane is best for viewing Great Barrier Reef?
The best side varies by route. For the most common routes near Great Barrier Reef: on a Shanghai to Brisbane flight, sit on the Right side; on a Brisbane to Shanghai flight, sit on the Left side; on a Shanghai to Brisbane flight, sit on the Right side.