Planespotting / Viewing Guides for Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane airports, and other airports and airfields in Australia

Planespotting Guides for Australia's Airfields and Airports

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Spotting locations, viewing areas, the best spotting hotel rooms and advice on access for plane spotters travelling to airports and airfields in Australia. Use the hotlinks above or scroll down for spotting information on spotting locations, airfield hangar access, aviation museums, preserved aircraft. Plus all the information has been plotted as Points of Interest and can be downloaded to your SatNavs, Google Earth and Google Maps to make planning your spotting trips abroad so much easier and helping you log many more

A note for those who collect gliders: Australian gliders that start VH-Gxx only need to display the last 2 letters on the aircraft. Beware though, as any gliders outside of the VH-Gxx range will still only show 2 letters on the tail, but have all 3 letters under the left wing. Make sure you're vigilant and note the full registration

Planespotting at Australia's Airports & Airfields has been plotted on Google Maps, Google Earth, and can be added to your SatNav - click to download
All 78 Australian locations - where they are, viewing spots, hotels and preserved aircraft, plus 12 wrecks and relics, can be seen on detailed satellite images, making planning your spotting trip exceptionally easy. All these spotting points of interest can be added to your SatNav to give you another excellent resource to make your trip that much easier and more enjoyable. Please read the Download Instructions for example screenshots and further details

PRESERVED & STORED AIRCRAFT IN AUSTRALIA - their locations are marked in the Spotting in Australia download

ADELAIDE AIRPORT

Spotting Info
At the southwestern corner of the airport, there is a viewing car park close to the 05 threshold. Great for photos and logging movements on runway 05 ops, when 23 is in use arrivals and departures can still be logged. Visible from this car park is the fuselage of F27 VH-MMO.

ADELAIDE-PARAFIELD AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
In the north of Adelaide, the entrance is off the A18. Lots of hangars in a large 'U' shape with the access road following all the way round behind them. The first hangar is home to the Classic Jets Fighter Museum, open daily 1000-1600 (unless it closes early due to extreme heat), admission is AU$9.

ALBURY AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
On the eastern perimeter of Albury town, alongside State Route 58. As well as the main terminal apron, there are a couple of other smaller aprons for the GA with side roads to turn down. There's also another entrance just west of the main entrance - this leads to another apron that may help you log a few more.

AMBERLEY AIR BASE

Spotting Info

Just west of Ipswich town, the main entrance is off Cunningham Highway 15/93 though you can't see anything from driving along the main base roads. Ignoring the right turn for the base, if you continue south along the highway towards the Albert Theater Park and Queensland Raceway, at a right turn onto Coopers Road towards Ebenezer, you'll find two Canberras by the roadside.

If you're able to plan your trip here in advance, your best bet is to contact them to arrange a tour. That way you can be certain to log everything based here. Weekdays are probably better.

To view aircraft inside the base, the only spots are on the eastern side of the base perimeter: in Leichhardt in Ipswich, Old Toowoomba Road leads directly to the eastern security gate. There are views across the base as you drive along Old Toowoomba Road. You can read everything under the sunsheds if the heathaze allows and you have a good pair of binoculars. There is also a sports field to the north (right side) of Old Toowoomba Road, and you can get better angles from here.

The best views are from the security gate and from turning right at the gate and following the fenceline. Park up next to the gate and talk to the security guards, requesting permission to view the aircraft. It's entirely up to them - it's unlikely that they'll be ok with you walking or driving along the fence, sometimes it's ok to view the stored aircraft directly across from the pull in, other times they'll ask you to leave. Sewell Street is the name of the dirt track that runs north from the security gate and along the fenceline. From the gate, you have views across to some of the preserved and stored aircraft and the sunsheds.

Some aircraft, including the F111s, park at the southern end of the base - your best chance of viewing these is to head away from the Old Toowoomba Road security gate, past the crossroads and take the next right onto Behms Street. Keep looking right, follow this round the end of the runway and the hangars and aircraft will hopefully come into view. There are a couple of sharp bends and then it heads away from the base altogether.

There are a couple of aprons at the northern end, usually where the C17s and A330s park, that are out of sight of those two roads - for these head back into Leichhardt the way you came and turn left at the roundabout onto Toongarra Road. Take the second left (at a large crossroads) onto Samford Street and at the end it bends right to become Chalk Street. The roads along here have reasonable views of these ramps - Chalk Street continues past the golf club and into the woods, with other tracks leading west off of it. Be careful if you walk down to the river from here, there ARE snakes in the grass.

ARCHERFIELD AIRFIELD (YBAF)

Spotting Info
A very large and busy GA airfield. 3 separate sides, no problems with driving round all the nooks and crannies and friendly, ask for access.

The main part is on the eastern side - lots of hangars and aprons, and lots of roads to drive down and car parks to stop in to read them off. Asking at the tower or clubhouse might get you airside access and walk along any open hangars for you to ask in there too.

The next part is on the southside - again there are a couple of different entrances for the various hangars in this part, and while there are still roads to drive along for you to log, there aren't any aprons to speak of, more taxiways that lead straight out of the hangars, therefore you may also get good views from the main eastern part described previously, and from the main Beatty Road as you approach this southern area.

The third area is on the west side, where you'll find MiG SBLim-1 050 pole mounted at the entrance to the Flying Fighters Museum, and a couple of other hangars and flying clubs.

ARMIDALE AIRPORT

Spotting Info
Southwest of Armidale town, on Highway 15. You probably won't get airside access but you can try asking at the various hangars to the right of the terminal and ramp. If it's a hot weekday, a lot of the hangar doors will open to look into from the road.

BATHURST AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
East of Bathurst town, just north of Raglan village and off the National Route A32. Friendly, ask for access though you will need to be escorted airside so it's best to arrange your visit in advance to ensure someone is available to take you round.

BRISBANE AIRPORT (YBBN/BNE) - TWR 120.5 / APP 123.5 & 124.7 / GND 121.7

Terminals & Spotting Info

Domestic terminal - you can head through security to airside without a boarding pass, and then head down each of the 3 piers, spotting as you go. Plenty of windows with good views of the main 01/19 runway and you can see across to the hangars beyond the runway. Any parked up can be logged with a good pair of binoculars. The International terminal is some distance away and many aircraft will park out of sight, but most should move if you are here for the day. Also the usual airport facilities, toilets, shops, food outlets. The top level of the multi-storey car park also has good views though there aren't any facilities. As you face east at both viewing spots, photographs are best in the afternoon, though you're obviously photographing through glass windows down the piers.

The International terminal has limited views - there is a Mezzanine level to see arriving aircraft. The viewing deck is on the top level on the right hand side. Very useful for 01 operations. You can see across to the southerly of the two maintenance hangar areas beyond the runway, but the main one away to the left is too far. As it faces east, the best time for photographs is in the afternoon.

Over the other side of the main runway are several hangars: Virgin Australia, Alliance, Boeing and Qantas. In the southwestern corner of the airport is another hangar complex where there are often stored airliners, biz and GA.

Viewing Area & GA

There is a viewing area next to the GA terminal on the west side of runway 19 threshold, which has great views over both runways and is also a good spot for photos. Turn right out of the Domestic terminal, head through the car parks keeping the airport on your right and follow the long straight road. Ignore the various right turns until you come to a crossroads. Straight over will take you to a crash gate overlooking the GA ramp. Most will be parked tail or nose on but you should be able to log a few. The GA terminal has a few seats, glass windows and toilets. If need be you can follow the fenceline and buildings round to the left to get better angles onto these aircraft, or you can continue to the right, logging as you go, as this leads to the viewing area on Acacia Street, known as "Spotters Corner". There is an area of hard standing here suitable for stepladders so you can get over the fenceline for photographs. The authorities are friendly towards spotters and understand our hobby, just check out the "Plane Spotters" page on the Brisbane Airport website, but always exercise caution. You won't need huge stepladders and keep the ladders well back from the fenceline. Photographs are best from around mid-morning onwards.

As well as great views of the runways, you have views of the Domestic terminal to the south, and across the main runway to the Virgin Australia and Alliance hangar and maintenance areas. QANTAS' and Boeing's hangar areas are away to the south and possibly only visible from the International terminal and it's car park. If they're landing on 01, some will turn off early and head into the Domestic terminal so keep an eye on these, or head back and spot from the terminals or car parks.

Planespotting Hotels - their locations are marked in the Spotting in Australia download

The Ibis Budget Hotel does have a shuttle service at $15 each way but you'll need to call the hotel for this. It's just off State Route 20 and away from the airport and runway centreline so views are unlikely. Be aware that reception closes at 10pm but even if it's earlier and they don't answer, you'll have to take a taxi, which is usually around $22. If you do have to check in after 10pm (not advised!), there is an emergency phone number next to the door to call.
The Ibis Budget Hotel features on

for reviews, prices and room availability

The Novotel is slightly closer than the Ibis Budget and southeast facing rooms may have views of aircraft arriving on 01 or departing off 19.
The Novotel features on

for reviews, prices and room availability
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BUNDABERG AIRPORT

Spotting Info
In the southwest of Bundaberg town, alongside Highway 3. Anything parked out on the main ramp can be logged from the carparks and hangar area. Lots of hangars to ask for access at. The Hinkler Hall of Aviation Museum is north of the Burnett River on Mount Perry Road. Open daily 0900-1600, admission is AU$15.

CABOOLTURE AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
East of Caboolture town, off Route 85. Lots of hangars to ask for access at. Also home of the Caboolture Warplane Museum - open daily 0900-1500, admission is AU$10. The Beaufort Restoration hangar is also well worth visiting. On leaving the airfield, just after you take the sharp left bend, turn right down a track - sometimes there are a few aircraft parked out here. If you can't get down here, take the road on the right as there are a couple of sideroads down here with views, and maybe a hangar or two to ask at.

CAIRNS AIRPORT

Spotting Info
Just north of Cairns off Highway 1. The large GA area is across the runway from the terminal. It's a long walk (approximately 4km each way around the perimeter road and along Highway 1), or you can get a taxi or hitch a ride with one of the motor home courtesy vans - several of them have their offices and vehicles over on that side. If you do get a taxi, either take the driver's number so you can get back to the terminal, or do a deal with him to wait for you while you check out the GA so that he can bring you back to the terminal - you will need a good 60-90 mins to check out all the aprons. If you hire a car and drive round, make sure you're always at least 3 metres away from the fence and that the car is always parked facing in the right direction of travel on the road. No problems spotting around the perimeter, if you're approached by security or the police, it's usually just as part of their patrol - they're very polite and are usually happy for you to continue spotting so please be courteous. Heat haze is definitely a problem - you'll miss out on a lot if you stay at the terminal.

CALOUNDRA AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
Alongside Highway 6 in Caloundra town. Home of the Queensland Air Museum, it's open daily 1000-1600, admission is AU$12.

CAMDEN AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
Friendly airfield, ask for access at the flying clubs and at each of the hangars. The gliders are on the other side of the grass runway - it's best to drive over to them as it would be quite a walk, but make sure you get permission to drive over there first.

CANBERRA AIRPORT

Terminal Area Spotting Info

At the terminal, gates 1-8 look over the western part of the shorter 12/30 runway and the GA area, and are used by Virgin Australia and Tiger; gates 9-12 look over the main runway and are used by QANTAS. You can go airside without a boarding pass after a security check and then wander along all the gates, however this isn't really necessary as anything at the terminal can be seen from the outside. There is a road to the long term car park immediately to the south of the terminal (next to gate 12) and all the Qantas aircraft can be seen from there.

The GA area is within walking distance from the terminal, just turn right out of the terminal, keep the airport on your right and follow the internal road, not the main dual carriageway. If you're driving into the airport, the GA area has its own entrance road from the west, just follow the signs for GA. Views can be had looking back over the stands and there are also sufficent roads leading to security gates for all of the GA outside to be logged. This should include the Cessna 441s and Metros of the based Corporate Air plus the Metros and Jetstream 41s of Brindabella Airlines. The NE corner of the airfield is RAAF Fairnbairn, home to the RAAF VIP squadron of BBJs and CL604s. If they are outside they can be logged from the civilian side. Both ends of the main runway are accessible by road and landing shots can be obtained.

In the northeast part of the airport is RAAF Fairnbairn - if anything is outside, they can be logged from the vantage points around the terminal.
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CANBERRA-AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL MUSEUM

Spotting Info
In the northeast of Canberra city. Anzac Parade leads to the Australian War Memorial and it's at the intersection of Limestone Avenue and Fairbairn Avenue. It's open daily 1000-1700, admission is free. More aircraft are in store at the restoration centre, which is not open to the public but if you contact them in advance you might be able to arrange a tour.

COFFS HARBOUR AIRPORT

Spotting Info
Just southeast of Coffs Harbour town, alongside the Tasman Sea. Follow the approach road straight ahead to the terminal to see if anything's parked on the ramp - they may only be visible from an access road to the right of the terminal. They may also be visible from the GA area but it's a fair distance away. For the hangars and GA, head away from the terminal, and turn right before you reach the roundabout. Follow this around the GA runway and ask at each of the hangars here. Be aware that one of the owners here is not friendly towards visitors. Follow the road round to the left and you'll see more hangars off to the right. Turn right on the left bend and ask at each of these too.

COOTAMUNDRA AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
In the northeastern part of Cootamundra town, entrance is off the National Route 41. Friendly, ask for access at the main clubhouse and hangar area. You may be allowed to walk over, or it may be easier to drive round, to the other area with several smaller hangars..

COROWA AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
West of Corowa town, on Redlands Road. In Corowa town, outside the Returned Servicemans League Club at the southern end of Whitehead Street, you'll find the preserved Vampire A79-529.

COWRA AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
On the western edge of Cowra town, the entrance is on Airport Drive off National Route 24. Very friendly, ask for access.

DALBY AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
In the north of Dalby town, the airfield entrance is through the housing estates off Route 49. Friendly, ask for access at the various hangars.

DUBBO AIRFIELD & MILITARY MUSEUM

Spotting Info
Northwest of Dubbo town, alongside Highway 32. There may be one or two parked out on the terminal apron but these will only be visible from the hangar areas. As you drive along the approach road, turn left to take you towards the hangars - ask at each for access. Then follow the road past the hangars and to the right, following the fenceline - you'll then see another row of hangars to ask at. If you're unable to drive to them, exit the airport, turn right, then take the next right - this also leads to these hangars.

Just a few miles away and therefore worth stopping at, south of Dubbo town along Highway 39, is the Dubbo Military Museum, housing various aircraft including Neptune A89-279 outside. The fuselage of Wessex N7-219 is also supposed to be here.

ECHUCA AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
Just south of Echuca town, alongside the C351. Around 10 hangars to ask for access at, the northern set of hangars has its own separate entrance just to the north of the main entrance.

EGLINTON-PIPERS AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
Home of the Bathurst Soaring Club, this glider strip is just west of Eglinton village off Freemantle Road.

FORBES AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
A couple of miles west of Forbes town.

GAWLER AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
In the west of Gawler town and alongside the highway but there is no access off it. You have to leave via the junction to the north. Lots of hangars to ask for access at.

GLADSTONE AIRPORT

Spotting Info
In the west of Gladstone town, alongside Highway 60. Various carparks to read anything parked on the terminal ramps. If you follow the road past the terminal buildings you'll reach a hangar with an apron, and a GA apron beyond that. This road then leads to a line of smaller hangars. There are a couple of hangars on the north side of the airport - head back to the highway and turn left to head into Gladstone. At the second roundabout turn left, follow the road and you'll see the hangars.

GOLD COAST (COOLANGATTA) AIRPORT (YBCG/OOL)

Spotting Info
One main Terminal but no landside views. The locals seem to go to the old Aero club to get views back towards the main terminal and from here you also get the best views of the based light aircraft, biz and helicopters. From the old Aero club you can take a walk along the rear of the hangers, and you will get further views onto the field. Ask at each hangar for access, with varying degrees of success.

GOONDIWINDI AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
North of Goondiwindi town, the entrance is off Highway 42. A couple of small hangars and usually several parked outside.

GOULBURN AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
South of Goulburn town. Head over National Route 31 on Windellama Road and it's a mile or so on the right.

GRIFFITH AIRPORT

Spotting Info
North of Griffith town and alongside the racetrack. One small terminal apron, but lots of hangars housing different companies. You can try asking for access at one of the companies and hopefully you'll get a visitors pass so you can wander freely airside.

GYMPIE AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
Several miles south of Gympie town, alongside Highway A1. YJ-RV3 Be95 marked VH-VIV is the gate guard. A fair number of hangars here to ask for access at. If you can't get access or no one's around, there's a track that runs south and then west along the perimeter providing views across the airfield.

HAMILTON AIRPORT

Spotting Info
North of Hamilton town and signposted off the A200.

HERVEY BAY AIRPORT

Spotting Info
In the southeast of Hervey Bay town. Along the airport approach road, you'll pass various hangars to stop off at and ask for access. There are places either side of the terminal for views of the main ramps.

HOLBROOK AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
North of Holbrook town alongside Wagga Wagga-Holbrook Road. If you approach the airfield from National Route 31 in Holbrook, you'll see the club's microlight pole-mounted and serving as a 3km signpost pointing to the airfield.

LATROBE VALLEY AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
West of Traralgon town, just off the M1. A lot of hangars here to work your way round.

LISMORE AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
Southwest of Lismore town, alongside Highway 44. It's only worth pulling into the main entrance at the southern end by runway 33 threshold if there's anything parked on the main terminal ramp. Most of the residents are parked in the northern hangar complex alongside runway 15 threshold. Lots of hangars here to ask for access at.

LITTLE HARTLEY AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
Very near Mount York, Little Hartley airfield is alongside National Route A32, just north of Little Hartley village. Very friendly, ask for access.

MACKAY AIRPORT

Spotting Info
In the south of Mackay town, near to the ocean. As you drive along the approach road, turn left to get good of views of anything parked on the western apron and there are a few hangars to ask at. From here, if you look across runway 05/23 to the northwest, you'll see VH-KRA AC680 on the fire dump. At the end of this road there may be views back to the terminal apron but there are probably better views from the GA area on the north side of the airport. Turn right out of the airport entrance, past the runway end and turn right again to follow the perimeter road. Turn right at the roundabout, past runway 14 and turn right at the roundabout. Follow to the end for the large GA area. Ask for access to the ramps and hangars.

MAROOCHYDORE/SUNSHINE COAST AIRPORT (YBMC)

Spotting Info
A GA airfield home of the Learjets of the Singapore Airlines training academy as well as numerous twin props. A lot of different hangars and aprons that run alongside both runways and roads to drive down to log what's parked outside. You can try asking at the various hangars for access. Some may allow access and I would like further details on these please. Views from the terminal are limited, but to the right of the terminal is a small grass area which gives good views of the flight line. You can drive up to the Singapore Airlines hangar for their Learjets but it's hit and miss if any will be seen. Driving back past the terminal on your left are the local flight training schools. Just south of the main terminal, and easy visible from the road, is VH-MHK PA38 marked "SH-ACE", preserved at the Shell fuel compound.

MARYBOROUGH AIRPORT

Spotting Info
In the north of Maryborough town, access is off Route 57. Anything parked out on the ramps are easily logged from the car park and access roads. You can also drive over to the hangars and ask for access.

MELBOURNE AIRPORT (YMML/MEL)

Terminal Spotting Info
Terminal 2 is the international terminal, with Terminals 1, 3 and 4 for domestic flights. QANTAS and Jetstar use Terminal 1, Virgin Australia and Regional Express use Terminal 3 and Tiger Airways use Terminal 4. The piers are randomly patrolled by the Australian Federal Police, who at times may ask you what you are doing but there are generally no problems encountered. Unless there are strong winds, both runways are used simultaneously so you'll need to keep a good lookout. The use of airband radios in the terminal buildings is not permitted, please adhere to this. There is, of course, no problem in discreetly using your laptop and radar box.

You can clear security in the domestic Terminal 1 without a boarding pass and spot from the piers. This is only useful if runway 09/27 is in use. 09 is rarely used, only if there are strong winds. Viewing from Terminal 1 is best for 27 arrivals and departures. 16/34 arrivals and departures can be seen but may be difficult to read.

You can only access the international Terminal 2 (and domestic Terminal 4) if you have a boarding pass and are flying out of that terminal. There is an area of seating between gates 16-18 which overlooks the main runway 16/34. From here all arrivals on land past you - aircraft using the Virgin Australia terminal will taxi past on their way to depart whilst QANTAS and international flights taxi past on their way to stand. The only problem is the area faces west so gets the sun in the afternoon, making it troublesome for photography.

You can clear security in the domestic Terminal 3 without a boarding pass and spot from the end of either pier. The northern of the two piers, gates 1-10, is longer and therefore closer to the main runway, with gate 10 being the best place. There are some views of the international Terminal 2 but the other side of the other Terminal 3 pier, Terminal 4 and Terminal 1 are out of sight. However, if you're here for any length of time, most aircraft will move into view at some point. Most of 27 is obscured by Terminal 2 - Terminal 1 departures off 27 are usually impossible to read from here, whilst arrivals for Terminal 1 can be difficult. Obviously an SBS box will help with this. The pier has full-length windows, comfortable chairs and you shouldn't have any hassle either. The southern of the two piers, gates 11-19, has views of part of the northern pier of Terminal 3, views of Terminal 4 and of cargo. However, Terminal 2 and Terminal are out of sight, but again, most should move into view at some point. It may be better to visit the southern pier first to log anything at Terminal 4 and cargo, and you may have views down to the GA hangar area beyond where the DC3s often park, and then settle at the northern pier for the duration of your stay.

Off Airport Viewing Areas & Photography

If you have transport, there is a viewing area on the west side and adjacent to the main runway. Don't exit the terminal area via the main road, head south, keeping Terminal 4 and cargo on your right. Take Melrose Drive / Route 39, over the roundabout and then take the next right. Follow this round and turn right at the roundabout.
- This is the southern hangar complex where the GA park and you may find one or two DC3s - VH-ABR is in Ansett Airways colours. Plenty of side roads to turn down and log anything parked out on the aprons and with views into any open hangars. One of the last buildings before you reach the runway landing lights, is the QANTAS Apprentice Training Centre, where you'll find Be24 VH-DJD preserved outside, marked "VH-ATC".
- Back to the main road and just before the end of the runway, there's a sizeable area to pull over and park up. This is great for arrivals on short finals to runway 34 - a 200mm lens is adequate for most aircraft types. No problems from security for staying here, though take care after rain as it can get very muddy here.
- For the viewing area, continue past the end of the runway and past the golf club on the left. Just up on the left, you'll find the dedicated viewing car park, with plenty of room for cars. Good for photos, it looks towards the east so good from mid-morning onwards, and it overlooks a good portion of the terminal area, namely cargo, Terminal 4, Terminal 3 and part of Terminal 2. If 16 is in use, log as many as you can when they taxi out as it can be difficult to log them once they're airbourne and they're quite high by the time they reach you. Just make sure you keep well back from the fence. There are regular patrols and they will enforce this.

If 16 is in use, departures are often difficult to log from the viewing car park down near the golf course. An alternative is the lay-by by the C743 alongside the runway 16 threshold. Turn left out of the main terinal area, keep the airport on your left and you'll pass the fire area containing VH-FKJ F28 fuselage marked "VH-SCX". Just up on the left is the lay-by. Park sensibly and there's a large crash gate where you can easily log all arrivals and departures on runway 16.

For photographs of arrivals on 16, continue north along the C743 Sunbury Road past the crash gate and there are spots on either side of the road to pull over, just before you get to the roundabout, where excellent photos can be taken up to 1200-1300. After 1300, continue through the roundabout and take the first turning on the right, Uniting Lane and park in front of the church. This is a popular area for local spotters on Sunday afternoons when 16 is in use.

Public Transport
Visiting the airport from Melbourne city means using the Tullamarine Freeway and paying the toll. There are options to avoid the tollway if staying in the city:

An express bus service, SkyBus operates from Southern Cross Railway Station at the western end of the city in Spencer Street that operates 24/7. The single fare is AU$17 and a return ticket AU$28

A more cost effective (but longer) alternative to the Skybus is to take a Metro train from Southern Cross or Flinders St Stations to Broadmeadows on the Craigieburn line and then bus 901 from Broadmeadows Station to the airport. A new public transport ticketing system (Myki) is similar to Oyster and Octopus in London and Hong Kong. You may need to purchase a Visitors Welcome Pack which will include a Myki card that will need to be loaded with credit before use. It seems this will be the only method of accessing public transport and casual tickets will not be available once the Myki system replaces paper tickets. Car parking at the airport terminals is comparatively expensive.
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MELBOURNE-ESSENDON AIRPORT (YMEN/MEB)

Spotting Info
The large GA field serving Melbourne is only around a ten minute drive from the International airport and hosts a wide range of bizjets and turboprops. It is also easily accessible from Melbourne city by tram No.59 from the Elizabeth St terminus (opposite Flinders St Station). There are so many hangars and parking areas and so many side roads to drive down that this airport will take a lot longer to do than you think, so allow plenty of time. Ask in the hangars for access too. Some may allow access and I would like further details on these please.

Take the main entrance into the airport and there are plenty of hangars on your right, roads to drive down and gaps between buildings to look through. You can also see into the hangars if the doors are open.

Follow the road down and round to the left, logging as you go. Look across runway 17/35 and you'll see the stored AC500s VH-UJG and VH-YJF. Now that you've turned left, again you'll see plenty more hangars, aprons, side roads and gaps.

Up head, the road goes over a taxiway, if you turn left before you get to this, you'll find a couple of hangars on your right and sometimes there are biz parked outside it too. Turn right after these hangars and the road takes you round past this apron and over to some more hangars. Again, requests here may get you access.

Head back to the taxiway, go straight over it and turn right at the roundabout. This takes you round to the terminal area where the southern end of this car park may have views onto the aprons and into the hangars. Upon leaving the terminal, you can turn right and head round past the runway 17 threshold. This area will also give views back across to the various aprons and hangars.
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MERIMBULA AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
South of Merimbula, alongside Merimbula Lake.

MILDURA AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
Southwest of Mildura town, alongside the A20.

MITTAGONG AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
East of Mittagong town, it's alongside Old South Road that runs between Bowral and Yerrinbool. Park up and ask access as you'll need to cross the runway to visit the hangars.

MOORABBIN AIRPORT

Spotting Info
In the south of Melbourne, alongside Route 10, Moorabbin airport is a huge GA airport and you'll need to allow a lot of time to visit every hangar and apron along Bundora Parade, First Avenue, Second Avenue and Northern Avenue. Very, very friendly here, make sure you ask for access at every hangar, there will be the odd refusal but you'll come away with a huge log. Along Second Avenue you'll also find the Australian National Aviation Museum - open weekends 1000-1700 and Wednesday-Friday 1200-1600, admission is AU$10.

MOREE AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
Just south of Moree town, the main entrance is alongside Highway 39 - around half a dozen hangars here to ask for access at. Across the runway, you can see another hangar or two. Turn left out of the airfield entrance, and take the next left onto Blueberry Road. After passing the end of the runway, you'll pass an entrance on the right - take the next track on the left and follow to the end. Again, ask for access.

MOUNT GAMBIER AIRPORT

Spotting Info
North of Mount Gambier town, alongside the A66.

NARACOORTE AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
Just southwest of Naracoorte town, entrance is off the A66.

NARRABRI AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
Just east of Narrabri town, there are a few hangars to ask for access at.

NARRANDERA AIRPORT

Spotting Info
Northwest of Narrandera town, alongside the Narrandera-Leeton Irrigation Way. No airside access but there is a hangar you can try asking for access at.

NARROMINE AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
In the northwest of Narromine village and alongside Route 32 and home of the annual and very popular AusFly Fly-In. Ask for access at the various hangars here. There are also some hangars on the other side of runway 11/29 - turn left out of the main entrance, past the golf course on the left and take the next left. Again head past the golf course and take the next left. There are various hangars on both sides of the road that use the airfield, you'll need to ask for access at each but some of these are private.

NEWCASTLE-WILLIAMTOWN AIRPORT & AIR BASE

Spotting Info
Northeast of Newcastle, alongside Route 122. If heading north away from Newcastle, you'll reach the main airport entrance first. The road takes you in a loop around the terminal area - as you drive past the car parks on your right, keep looking left as sometimes there are aircraft parked outside the hangars here. There probably won't be any views of the terminal ramps from this road, so as you turn left at the end of the one-way loop, take the next left and left again at the end onto a track. This may have views back through the trees to the terminal stands. Back to the dual carriageway and turn left, left again at the roundabout, and the Fighter World museum is on the left just after the runway 30 lights, there's a target drone parked outside as the gate guard. Open daily 1000-1600, admission is AU$12.

The large RAAF Williamtown air base is in the northern part of the airport and home to a lot of aircraft. Unfortunately the various hangars and ramps are out of sight, therefore you will only log movements and will need to time your visit accordingly. Movements on runway 30 can be viewed from both the museum and the track detailed above, though it will be more difficult if runway 12 is in use.

NOWRA AIR BASE

Spotting Info
Southwest of Nowra town. Less than a mile south of Nowra on Highway 1 turn right onto BTU Road - it's probably signposted Nowra Base and Fleet Air Arm Musem. The Fleet Air Arm Museum is just before the main base entrance. It's open 1000-1600 daily, admission is AUD$10 for adults, children are free. Make sure to look at the outside storage area around the back - there's usually 4 or 5 more aircraft here. The BTU Road runs right round the north perimeter of the base and then turning left onto Braidwood Road thats runs down the west perimeter means you can log nearly everything that's parked outside, though heat haze can be a problem. Continuing along the western perimeter and turning left along here will take you to the flying club. The fire dump on the far side should contain a couple of helicopters. Heading back towards the museum, before you reach the T-junction, turn left onto Gannet Road and just up on the left, you'll find a storage yard containing Grumman S-2 Trackers N12-152334 and N12-153597.

ORANGE AIRPORT

Spotting Info
Around 10km south of Orange town, the main and entrance and car park will give views of anything parked on the main ramp and next to the hangar. All the other hangars have their own separate entrance along the track almost right next to the main entrance - follow that round and ask at each hangar.

PERTH AIRPORT (YPPH/PER)

Spotting Info

There is a terrace on the International Terminal 1 that gives views across the airport. It's on the top floor and signposted. To the east of the runway 21 threshold is the fire training area, where you'll find the all white 146 VH-JJT stored. You can see across to the domestic terminals, and the GA area including the mining flights aircraft, though a lot is hidden and they're a fair distance away. However the domestic terminals area is better and you can visit the large GA area too. The international terminal is a long way from the domestic terminals and hangars, approx 8km. Thankfully a free terminal transfer bus service operates between the International and Domestic Terminals. Services operate every 20 minutes starting on the hour, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and the journey takes approximately 8 minutes. To catch the Terminal transfer bus, make your way to the bus stop located at the front of the terminal near the arrivals area at the International Terminal and in front of the Qantas Terminal (T4) at the Domestic Terminals.

Go through security (you don't need a boarding pass) in the domestic terminals where excellent views can be had near the QANTAS gates. You can see across to the GA area, and read off the various aircraft that do the weekday (they leave very early in the morning) mining flights - they're usually all parked up over the weekend and don't move, Saturday is probably the better day as Sunday can be extremely quiet movement-wise. A walk or drive to the various hangars nearby will allow the rest of the aircraft to be logged. This is easily done though it's a long walk (you can, of course, get a taxi to the biz area and then walk back) - from Terminal 4 just follow the road behind the hangars, turning down side roads where you can, logging as you go. There are some remote stands near the 06 threshold that may only be visible from the Terminal 3 gates, or from the roads that run close-by but no definitive viewing spot.

For 03 operations, there is a dedicated car park and viewing area that overlooks the 03 threshold. It's alongside the taxiway, elevated and partially covered though there are no toilets or facilities. For photos, 18mm to 100mm for taxiing aircraft depending on their size. It's on the internal Dunreath Drive (not the main highway) that links the domestic and international terminals and is signposted as "Viewing Area". In the summer, it gets very hot there.
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PORT MACQUARIE AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
Just west of Port Macquarie town. The road in to the main terminal car park has views of the main apron. There's also around a dozen hangars for you to ask for access at.

REDCLIFFE AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
Just northwest of Redcliffe town and alongside Deception Bay, the entrance is off Route 4. Lots of hangars here to ask for access at.

RICHMOND AIR BASE

Spotting Info
Around 70km northwest of Sydney, it's very easy to spot at here as the main road runs right along the southern perimeter, and there's a public car park near the mid-point of the runway. Straight ahead and a little to the left are where the stored aircraft and fuselages usually are, with the Caribous straight ahead and the large active apron containing the C130 Hercules' off to the right. You can walk up and down the road to get better angles on the aircraft. The light aircraft flying club is in the northwestern part of the base. Continue west along the main road and you'll see the light aircraft away to the right - there may only be a couple parked outside. It may be easier to read them off from here if the club is locked up. Take the first right onto Hobart Street, take the next right onto Pitt Street and the entrance to the club is on the right on a left hand bend. Ask for access.

ROCKHAMPTON AIRPORT

Spotting Info
In the west of Rockhampton town. A fairly large terminal ramp with views either side, though views may be better from the hangar area just north of runway 04/22. As you head away from the small airport terminal roundabout, turn left onto Canoona Road and follow it round to the left. This takes you past the small helipad and hangar to ask for access at. Head past the runway end and take the next left. Follow this round to the row of hangars to ask at, and for views across to the terminal apron.

SERPENTINE AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
A very friendly airfield, just report to Club Rooms prior to wandering around, no problems. Ask at every hangar for access. A huge amount of individual hangars, and a couple of large ones.

SWAN HILL AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
A mile or two southwest of Swan Hill town. Around a dozen hangars to ask for access at and usually a few helicopters parked outside as well.

SYDNEY-BANKSTOWN AIRPORT (YSBK/BWU)

Spotting Info
In the west of Sydney, and west just west of Bankstown. A busy GA field with a mixture of bizjets, Metroliners, helicopters, light aircraft and the Australian Aviation Museum. It will take over an hour to drive around all the nooks and crannies to get a full log. It is possible to drive right the way round the whole airport - the main airport area is on the north side, with many hangars, aprons, taxiways and roads to drive down to log everything. You should also be able to get views into any open hangars. If you go to the Bankstown Airport Corporation office on a weekday, ask to see the head of Security and ask permission for access, it's sometimes given. Best to have some photo ID and a hi-viz jacket. The museum is on the southside and there are more hangars on the western perimeter. The museum is open 1000-1600 on Saturdays and Wednesdays, and is open on some Sundays but call in advance to confirm this. Admission is $8.
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SYDNEY-KINGSFORD SMITH AIRPORT (YSSY/SYD) - APP 124.4 128.3 & 135.3 / GND 121.7 & 126.5

International Terminal 1 Viewing Deck
The viewing deck in the International Terminal 1 is accessed via the lift or stairs from the E-Sky Bar at the check in level, it's well signposted, entry is free and it's generally open daily 0600-2200. There is a cafe just before you reach the deck but the toilets are on the ground floor. A good view can be had of the cargo apron and the domestic terminals and some of the international gates, though some of the Terminal 1 building gets in the way of seeing the two offset 16/34 parallel runways and runway 17/25, so some of the arrivals do go onto gate without you seeing them and you will have to wait for them to taxi past for departure. There are monitors that list arrivals and departures for international flights - these also give the registrations of what is due. There are plenty of tables and chairs here, and a bit of shade at various times of the day. The GA area cannot be seen from the viewing deck - it's beyond Terminal 2, close to the 25 threshold. If you want to walk round the domestic Terminals and GA, there are regular shuttle buses between the terminals.

Domestic Terminals & GA Viewing Spots

At domestical Terminals 2 (Virgin Australia) and 3 (QANTAS), you can go through security without a boarding pass and sit at the end of the piers. If you sit at the end of Virgin Australia's Terminal 2 as the ends of the piers overlook the cross section of runways so you shouldn't miss anything. It's slightly better here as you get an earlier view of aircraft coming out of the GA area and there is also a small cafe here. Gates 54 and 55 are probably the best place to park up. If you want to visit the International Terminal and the viewing deck, there are regular shuttle buses between the terminals.

To visit the GA ramp, you will need to walk the fence, about 10 minutes from the domestic Terminals 2 & 3 - follow signs for the GA and NSW Ambulance and Police station. If you come out of the QANTAS Terminal 3, turn right, follow the signs around past the car parks until you come to the Virgin Australia Terminal 2. Carry on past here, round to the left and at the end of this road you will see a busy junction. On your left will be a sign on a grassy area displaying Kingsford Smith, directly in front of you will be the Stamford Hotel. Before you reach the busy main junction, turn right down Ross Smith Avenue and you will see the Formule 1 hotel. The GA ramp is on the right and you can walk round its perimeter. Everything there should be visible and a look into the back of the hangars will net a couple more. If it's a weekday, you can try asking at the hangars for access, they're friendly, even if access is denied. It's best to ask during the week as there's normally no one available at weekends to show you round. No problems with police or security. Carry on round and you can take some excellent landing shots of arrivals on 25. A little further on and you'll reach the helipads.

Shep's Hill Spotting & Photography
This is just off Ross Smith Avenue (that leads from the domestic terminals, round GA and past the helipads, all detailed above - if you've walked round to the helipads you're already over halfway there). Head past the helipads, car parks and through two left-right bends. You will then reach the fenceline below the control tower and you'll see Shep's Hill. Park up sensibly but always stay at least 3 metres away from the fenceline. You can view movements on all 3 runways regardless of wind direction and get some really good photos too.

Public Transport
From Central Station in the city, you can take train to the airport for AU$15 each way). If you're planning on making multiple journeys throughout your stay, you can buy a weekly ticket from the International Terminal Station to Central Station for AU$44. This allows you to get off at either the International or Domestic terminals, as you can get off at any station along the journey. It also means you can transfer between International and Domestic any time during the day if you want to switch between the viewing area, the piers and the GA area. Just make sure that whatever ticket you buy on the train includes International as a destination otherwise you have to pay AU$12 just to access the station.

Resources

FlightRadar24 is often really good at showing airport movements of ADS-B equipped aircraft and the playback function allows you to watch the previous 28 days' movements. This does depend on local Sydney spotters feeding data from their SBS or similar boxes into FR24 and so it can't always be solely relied upon

Another similar radar site is Webtrak Lochard - Webtrak has 3 months of historical data for you to look back on. There are no registrations, but the flight numbers it does give can be tied up using ACARS lists from 16Right.com and from ACARSd

You can get flight numbers from the arrivals and departures section of the Sydney Airport site and get the registrations from the ACARS section of 16Right.com

You can join and post on the Sydney Airport Message Board and join the Oz Spotters yahoo group

Planespotting Hotels - their locations are marked in the Spotting in Australia download

The Ibis Hotel 5th and 6th floors give decent views of movements on 16L/34R, room 618 is a good example. Room 623, a top floor room at the end of the corridor, doesn't have views of anything parked at the terminals, but all arrivals and departures can be seen and there are views of the QANTAS hangars. An SBS is required, or to take notes of the flights to tie up using the various resources available. The hotel shuttle is available from both international and domestic terminals at AUD$6 each way, but the domestic terminals and GA area are within walking distance, around 5 minutes.
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The Stamford Hotel is located closest to the domestic terminals and offers views from the rooftop of the hotel. A little pricey but excellent for the views you will get and the domestic terminals and GA area are within walking distance - less than 5 minutes. You can upgrade to an Airport View room, where you can see all runways and terminals although some aircraft parked at the gates can't be seen until they move.
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The Ibis Budget Hotel, cheapest out of the three and offers better views than the Ibis as it's located closer to the perimeter and faces the GA. A room over looking the airport will see you log all GA movements and monitor one of the arrival runways.
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Whichever hotel you stay at, they are all located within a 5-10 minute walk of the domestic terminals used by Virgin Australia and QANTAS. No matter which one you go for, you know you always have the viewing deck on top of the International terminal to spot from or by going airside in either the QANTAS or Virgin Australia terminals.
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SYDNEY-ULTIMO POWERHOUSE MUSEUM

Spotting Info
The Powerhouse Museum, in Ultimo, Sydney, is open daily 0930-1700, admission is AU$12.

TAMWORTH AIRPORT

Spotting Info
West of Tamworth town, it's alongside Highway 34 but the entrance is off New Winton Road. As you turn into the airport, immediately on the left is the ADFBFTS and their CT4s parked under their own individual shelters. They start flying very early so you'll need to time your visit accordingly if you wish to log them all. There is a Tafe (College) on site and when it gets very hot, they open all the doors during the week, where you'll see J31s VH-TQK and VH-TQL and Vampire A79-390. If the doors are shut, you can always try asking to see them. Follow the main road towards the terminal - there are various side roads to turn down to log those parked on the various ramps, and you can ask for access at the various hangars. Anson marked "VH-ASM" is preserved in a glass building. Out on the fire dump, between the parallel runways, is F27 VH-JCC.

TAREE AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
East of Taree town, the airfield is just to the north of Cundletown village. A line of around 10 hangars face the hard runway, with 4 hangars on the other side of the road at the end.

TEMORA AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
Just north of Temora town, alongside Route 85. A lot of hangars to ask for access at so allow a fair bit of time for your visit. Also home to the Temora Aviation Museum - open daily 1000-1600, admission is AU$13.

THE OAKS AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
Just west of The Oaks village, the entrance is off Burragorang Road. As you approach the first hangar, you'll see long-term stored resident VH-ECE 125. The fuselage of 125 VH-CAO is also resident here. Both are visible from the road if the airfield is locked. It may only be open at weekends.

TOCUMWAL AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
East of Tocumwal town, entrance is off Hutsons Road just after the sharp left bend. Ask for access here and at all of the hangars. The large old Sportavia hangar houses the remains of the museum. There are large gaps in the doors but please ask at the other Sportavia hangar for permission first. The gliding club are based at the southern end of the airfield, near the runway 36 threshold, and has a separate entrance. The Hunters and Strikemaster are stored in the left hangar of the two at the far end of the field, not actually connected to the field though. You can see them through a large hole in the side of the hangar. In town, alongside Deniliquin Road, you'll find the Tocumwal Historic Aerodrome Museum where there should be the remains of Hudson A16-128 and Sea Venom N4-930.

TOOWOOMBA AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
In the northwestern part of Toowoomba town. Several roads to drive down and log the various aircraft parked outside and a lot of hangars to ask for access at. In the southwestern corner of the airfield is a small helipad. It has its own entrance off the western perimeter road, McDougall Street and just south of it, you'll find the fuselage of Viscount VH-TVL tucked up alongside the trees. Any helicopters parked outside can be logged from the road or you can ask for access at the hangar.

TUMUT AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
A couple of miles north of Tumut town, alongside Wee Jasper Road. Around 10 hangars to ask for access at.

TYAGARAH AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
In the hamlet of Tyagarah, access is off a minor road that runs parallel to the Pacific Highway 1. You can exit the highway just south of the strip, follow the minor road up past the runway and the main entrance is on the right. Very friendly, ask for access at the various hangars. Turn left out of the main entrance, heading back towards the highway junction, but turn left and left again. This brings you to a couple of hangars on this side of the runway. If there's anyone there, ask for access. If you follow the track beyond the hangars, it runs through the trees, parallel and nearly the full length of the runway, to the gliding club and hangars at the other end.

WAGGA WAGGA AIRPORT

Spotting Info
East of Wagga Wagga town, alongside Highway 20. The base entrance is on Highway 20, where you'll find a number of gate guards including Canberra A84-235, Sabre A94-982 and a couple of others. The airport entrance is off Elizabeth Avenue - as you drive along the approach road, you'll pass VH-OLN Saab 340 marked "VH-PBS" preserved outside the Australian Airline Pilot Academy on your left. Two large flying schools based here so there's a mix of light aircraft and regional airliners. The military aircraft tend to be tucked away out of sight.

WEDDERBURN AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
A mile or two northeast of Appin village but no access from there. It's alongside a minor road that runs south from Wedderburn village to Route 69. Very friendly airfield, ask for access at the clubhouse and then at each of the many hangars both to the north and south of the clubhouse area. Allow a good amount of time for your visit - not every hangar will be open but a lot of walking is required.

WEST SALE AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
West of Sale town, alongside the A1. After crossing the railway line, the road forks. The right turn leads to various hangars you can ask for access at. The left fork leads to several roads you can turn down for various ramps and hangars.

WOLLONGONG-ILLAWARRA AIRPORT

Spotting Info
Southwest of Lake Illawarra, alongside Highway 1. Home of the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS) - they're open 0930-1530 daily, entrance is AUD$15. They hold an annual open day and airshow that attracts some good visitors.

YARRAWONGA AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
Just across the Murray River from the preserved DC3 at Mulwala detailed above. Southeast of Yarrawonga town, entrance is off Cahills Road. Friendly, ask for access and you may get escorted round.