Brisbane spotting

[Kim F]

I'm up at Brisbane for G20 and it appears I might have some free time on Thursday. What are the best spotting options for someone limited to Public Transport? I'm based in Hamilton. Thanks in anticipation.

[David Knudsen]

Hi Kim,

Our friends over at Jetspotter have some info and example shots from the popular spots here (http://jetspotter.com/briz%20view.htm), the only "official" viewing area is the Acacia St loop road, but there's no facilities there other than a concrete slab to put your ladder on (also they just put in a new higher fence, so you will need a ladder to photograph). BAC also have a page with some spotting info (http://www.bne.com.au/corporate/about-us/community/plane-spotters).

Public Transport options are fairly limited to anywhere away from the terminals, and will be impacted by the G20 (https://www.g20.org/community_information/brisbane_locals/traffic_and_transport/airport), you can use the journey planner on http://translink.com.au/ to see if there are options. I think the Acacia St loop road (north of the terminals) is only accessible by car or a 20 minute walk from the domestic terminal. If you're more interested in getting down the southern end of the airport to see what's parked here for G20 (or to get 01 afternoon approach shots from Da Vinci Bvld), I think the 590 bus (http://jp.translink.com.au/travel-information/network-information/buses/T/590) might be your only hope, but again that might be affected by the local road closures in the area.

Also not listed on the above sites - you can spot (and get some afternoon shots) from the top level of the carpark at the domestic terminal.

Hope that helps.

[David Knudsen]

Just to expand on this, the BAC sent out an email today explaining the the Acacia St Loop Road will only be open to spotters and media who pre-registered a few weeks ago during the following times;

Access to the site will be available at the following times:
* Wednesday 12NOV Public access closes at midday for set up
* Thursday 13NOV 0600 - 2230
* Friday 14NOV 0500 – 0000 Midnight
* Saturday 15NOV 0600 – 1800
* Sunday 16NOV 0600 – 2230
* Monday 17NOV 0600 – 1300

And the following;

Other locations to spot on Airport
As security will be heightened across the airport throughout G20, please note the status of these other sites for plane spotters:
* Baekea Street: OFF LIMITS

* Perimeter fence: OFF LIMITS

* Inside the Terminals: OFF LIMITS

* Level 9 Car Park: NO GUARANTEE YOU WONT BE MOVED ON

[Kim F]

Thank you for that. It looks like my time off is in the process of disappearing so ll just watch them fly over my hotel

[Greg Hyde]

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-11-12/plane-spotters-look-to-the-sky-for-g20-arrivals/5883206