Photo: Eugene Regis · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons
A 260 km fringing reef along Western Australia's coast, one of the few large reefs close to a continental landmass. The turquoise shallows and whale shark territory are visible on coastal flights.
12Flight Routes
4 miClosest Pass
🐋 WaterType
Routes that pass it12
ADL → DOH
Right
DOH → ADL
Left
PER → SGN
Right
JAD → SGN
Right
SGN → JAD
Left
DXB → MEB
Right
MEB → DXB
Left
DXB → MEL
Right
MEL → DXB
Left
MNL → LEA
Right
AUH → MEL
Left
MEL → AUH
Right
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 Ningaloo Reef from a plane?
Yes — 12 flight routes pass within 25 miles of Ningaloo Reef. The closest routes include Adelaide to Doha, Doha to Adelaide, Perth to Ho Chi Minh City. Sit on the Right side, with the landmark passing about 4 miles away.
Which side of the plane is best for viewing Ningaloo Reef?
The best side varies by route. For the most common routes near Ningaloo Reef: on a Adelaide to Doha flight, sit on the Right side; on a Doha to Adelaide flight, sit on the Left side; on a Perth to Ho Chi Minh City flight, sit on the Right side.