The bearing is computed via the great-circle initial bearing formula from Sydney's coordinates (-33.87°N, 151.21°E) to the Ka'bah (21.422°N, 39.826°E) in Makkah. This is the shortest real-world path across Earth's surface — the same direction a plane would fly. On a flat Mercator map this line often appears curved; on a globe it's a straight arc. Standing in Sydney and facing 277° clockwise from true north orients you toward the Ka'bah for prayer.
Location
Sydney
Australia
NESW
🕋
Bearing
277.5°W
Distance
13,236KM
From Sydney, face 277° clockwise from true north — roughly west. The Ka'bah lies 13,236 kilometres away in Makkah.
About this direction
Frequently Asked
What direction is the Qibla from Sydney?+
From Sydney (-33.87°N, 151.21°E), the Qibla is 277.5° clockwise from true north — roughly west. The straight-line distance to the Ka'bah is 13,236 kilometres.
How do I use the live compass?+
Tap "Enable compass" above. On iPhone, Safari will prompt for motion-sensor permission once — tap Allow. On Android Chrome it works immediately. Then hold your phone flat in front of you; the dial rotates with your physical heading, and the arrow points toward the Ka'bah. When your direction matches (within 5°) the indicator turns green.
Is this bearing the same one my mosque uses?+
Essentially yes. All standard Qibla calculations use the great-circle (spherical) initial bearing formula. Small differences of under a degree can occur depending on rounding and whether Ka'bah coordinates are taken from the black-stone corner or the Ka'bah centre; the practical impact on prayer direction is zero.
Why doesn't the bearing match a straight line on Google Maps?+
Google Maps uses a Mercator projection, which distorts direction at large distances. The true shortest path — the great-circle route that planes fly — often curves noticeably on a flat map. The bearing shown here is the correct real-world direction to face.