Farewell Airside Tarmac Tours

[Kurt A]

Hello all,

It is with great sadness that I share the news, it's time to bid farewell to our friends at Airside Tarmac Tours, Sydney Airport.

I received a rather unfortunate email earlier this week alerting me of the announcement that Airside Tarmac Tours will cease operation as of 30 JUN 2010.
Unfortunately, the continuation of Airside Tarmac Tours at Sydney Airport does not fall within SACL's business plan beyond this date.

Phil McLeod, who was so helpful towards the success of our 2009 Spotting Weekend, is one of the tour guides on the bus, and has kindly notified me in advance of an official announcement to alert our members of the disappointing news.
This is however, also a chance for you to organise another tour before this unique and exciting opportunity is gone forever.

I'd like to take this opportunity to personally thank Airside Tarmac Tours for all their support and friendliness over the past 10 years, and for helping maintain a great relationship between our member base, all aviation enthusiasts and your tours.
Thank you for making it possible to enjoy the amazing experience of being airside.

To Peter Bamford, Ian McManus, Will Tidmarsh (the original crew), and to Frank & Sherrie Monardo and Phil McLeod who head up the operation today, a heartfelt thank you!!
Your knowledge and expertise on the history of Sydney Airport, it's operations, the airlines and movements over the years has been great to experience and has been so valuable. I wish you all the very best for your future endeavours.


You can contact Tarmac Tours on 02 8338 8414.

http://www.airsidetarmactours.com (http://www.airsidetarmactours.com)


Memories:

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g183/yssy_moderator/YSSY%20Stuff/123_2328.jpg http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g183/yssy_moderator/YSSY%20Stuff/174_7488.jpg

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g183/yssy_moderator/YSSY%20Stuff/174_7490.jpg http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g183/yssy_moderator/YSSY%20Stuff/IMG_2949.jpg

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g183/yssy_moderator/YSSY%20Stuff/IMG_5908.jpg http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g183/yssy_moderator/YSSY%20Stuff/IMG_5913.jpg

[Ryan Hothersall]

Sad to see it go. I went one the tour in 2004 and it was great.

I bet the camera ban was the final nail in the coffin.

[Shameel Kumar]

Thank you Kurt for reminding of this tour.

I'll be back in Sydney for a few weeks, so I will definitely take the tour for the first, and sadly the last time.

Anyone have up to date info on the cost of it, and how exactly I go about booking a tour? :)

[Sarah C]

Thanks for letting us know Kurt - I am sure many board members will make sure we do the tour one more time before the end.

It is a shame SACL didn't support it as much as they could have. There was nothing on their website about it - a little support like that would have spread the word. All the enthusiasts will miss it but I think it is a shame that the groups of school kids I saw on the bus won't get that chance anymore.

It was truly a unique tour considering the security around airports these days. I agree with Ryan though, the camera ban really did affect them.

Thanks to all the team behind it from day one - your passion and enjoyment for your job came out in every tour, I wish I could have that job! Thanks for sharing a different side of the airport not just for enthusiasts, but for people who know nothing about aircraft. :)

[Matt_L]

what a shame!

Syd was one of a handful including maybe 2 European airports LSZH? which had a tarmac tour in operation.

one does wonder what the real reason is as whenever ive seen the tours running they are 3/4 full or more..

Either way thanks to everyone involved- Ive done numerous tours before the camera ban and it was absolutely amazing to video the takeoffs/landings and stand by the gen holmes drive overpass as a jet roared over... imagine doing that now with a MEL repositioning A380 flight- would be bliss! Not to be:(

[Geoff W]

What disappointing news!

We too did the tour in the days of Ian’s involvement, it was fantastic.

Totally concur with Sarah’s comments.

I will look forward to trying to get another one in before June.

Thank you to all that contributed to this wonderful opportunity.

Well done.

Kind regards,

Geoff

I note I cant get onto their website, anyone know a reason, or are we all doing the same, trying to book something? Thks. G

[Edward Terry]

This is very sad news. I think I've been on 5 tours including one birthday party :) and each one was inspirational for me!

[Nigel C]

I bet the camera ban was the final nail in the coffin.

Ryan, I'm keen to see how you link this statement with the one in Kurt's original post...

Unfortunately, the continuation of Airside Tarmac Tours at Sydney Airport does not fall within SACL's business plan beyond this date.

Sounds like SACL is winding them up, not that they (Airside Tarmac Tours) are volunteerimng to wind the business up.



Sarah, I'm pretty sure the SACL did have reference to the tarmac tours on the homepage for quite some time but I don't know when it got removed. Having said that, I'm not a regular trawler of the site...

[Philip Argy]

Why should we accept this? If we want it to continue shouldn't we agitate with both Macquarie Airports as well as our local member of Parliament?

I have done this tour twice and my son's school, and numerous primary schools, have this as a well attended annual excursion for year 2 boys. It is an important part of educating the community about how a major airport works and is surely good PR for the airport as well?

[Rod Sloan]

I agree with Phil on this one. Why just accept it cos thats what SACL wants to do ?
Are we going to lie down and accept it or stand up and be counted ?


However, on a flip side and I don't know whether this would be a factor or not, but the last tarmac tour I did; the bus stopped and there was commentary going on. He had stopped too close behind a B747 that was about to push back and we were holding them up. We got shifted rather smartly.

Amongst other things, holding up airport operations could be a reason why Airport Tarmac Tours no longer fits into SACLs 'business plan'?

[Matt_L]

Rod,

I could be wrong but I highly doubt that's the reason. The bus drivers are all highly trained/versed and know the airport back to front, as well as the fact that they have a transciever and communicate with Sydney ground etc.

Besides, they mostly use access roads and backpaths rather then taxiways and ramps besides when going past International and a bit of domestic.

[Nigel C]

If the SACL had all companies/individuals removed for driving indiscretions, then it'd be a pretty quiet ramp...:rolleyes:


Matt, it's one thing that they have a radio on board, but whether, while doing the commentary thing and with all due respect, they choose to properly "listen" to it at any time other than when they cross live taxiways or traverse the western perimeter road is another matter. It's easy to zone out from what's being said, especially if there's a lot of standard radio traffic being broadcast.

And also, highly trained/versed or not, people make mistakes. Making an error is one thing, but repeating that error over and over would then be a cause for concern.

[Phil McLeod]

Hi All,

I am one of the drivers at Tarmac Tours. I am on this forum at the request of the owners Frank and Sherrie Monardo. They asked me to clear up some things.

1. SACL is closing the tours. The Tarmac Tours company is viable and pays all its debts.

2. I was the driver who has been discussed here. I can inform you that we all get very good at working full duplex, IE we can talk and listen at the same time. The incident in question there was no radio communication, it was a ground engineer who moved us on as I could not see the Anti Collision beacon when it came on. However this incident has not been used by SACL, indeed they say we are very good out on the airfield.

3. The camera ban, while there was an effect on passenger numbers, this was only on the weekend tours. Mid week tours (mainly school groups) were uneffected.

4. The owners have decided to fight to keep the tours going. any help that you can render would be appreciated.

I have permission from Frank and Sherrie to provide the minutes of the meeting with SACL if you want to read them. It is a word document.

I appologise if I have made any mistakes here. I am a newby to this.

Phil Mcleod

[Kurt A]

Hi Phil,

Thank you for joining, and clarifying some things. This is greatly appreciated.

My suggestion to our members, is if you wish to seek or clarify further information relating to Airside Tarmac Tours, please address those enquiries direct to Phil via form of Private Message.

Thank you.

[Adrian B]

Phil,

PM Sent

[mick.k]

Hi guys,

A very sad time, but for my brother inlaw, who's job as a coach operator, is going to rub salt into wounds big time. As the company I work for, who currently does a lot of contract work for Sydney Airport, is tacking up this role. Our guys based in Sydney have already commenced training on airport operations, includuding runway procedures - as during the quiet time in the early arvo they will be using the runway when available. But as the company is already contracted to the airport, its not going to cost them any extra, but they will make all the money, instead of someone trying to make an honest dollar and educate the public. Unfortunatly I'm not allowed to mention the company, due to privacy orders on the contract, but it wouldn't take a genious to work out, as there is only 1 private coach operator allowed airside without restrictions.

[Rhys Xanthis]

Oh that is an absolute joke.

I hope the guys take some kind of legal action, from what I've seen what was said at the meeting would be more than enough to get some money out of SACL at least.

[Nigel C]

...including runway procedures - as during the quiet time in the early arvo they will be using the runway when available.

Somehow I find this difficult to believe, especially seeing as SACL has severely restricted the number of people and companies with Cat 4 ADA's (required to operate on a runway). Even the Airservices Australia techs can't go on a runway without an escort for routine localiser checks...and they had Cat 4's (previously Cat 3's) for years before that restriction was put in place. The grounds maintenance staff are another group who no longer have access to the runways without escort, yet they used to be able to call themselves on and off the runways too.

There'll be some serious questions raised from many quarters if a 'coach operator' is suddenly granted access to the runways...

[Paul f.]

Somehow I find this difficult to believe, especially seeing as SACL has severely restricted the number of people and companies with Cat 4 ADA's (required to operate on a runway). Even the Airservices Australia techs can't go on a runway without an escort for routine localiser checks...and they had Cat 4's (previously Cat 3's) for years before that restriction was put in place.Maybe he means under escort.

[Nigel C]

From whom?

[Jenny van Genderen]

that's really sad :(

[Ian Mc]

Hey Guys,

I found out via Peter Bamford (founder), who was talking to Frank about a month ago that this might happen this year. The original contract to run Airside Tarmac Tours at Sydney Airport was for ten years expiring around the middle of this year (yes it did run for about 2 years before a formal contract was drawn up). It looks to me that SACL has simply decided to not renew the contract. Perhaps they see no benefit in a company that contributes no significant amount to the bottom line.

I don't think that they have looked hard enough at the benefits that a tour like this has provided in the last 12 or so years.

I would estimate (based on my own rough calculations) that the tours have shown over 180,000 school children and close to 40,000 adults over the last dozen or so years, what really happens inside the fence at Australia's busiest and most important airport. In my time driving around the airport, I have carried people who could sway a bit of opinion if they wanted to throw their weight around. Peter Overton was a more than one time visitor and I believe that he has a pretty close connection to a fairly reputable current affairs program who might like the human interest content in a story about a hard working husband and wife business being snuffed out because a huge corporation didn't think. Ernie Dingo, Kieran Perkins, Mike Whitney, Michael Pascoe, and others. These are all people who have stepped off the tour bus and said "that was great/awesome/spectacular".......you get the picture. I once got an email from a bloke who came on the tour when he was at school and it inspired him to become a pilot he was letting me know that he just got passed his CPL. Who knows how many people have been affected in a positive way. Who knows if someone has been at a dinner party listening to someone prattle on about how aircraft have no place in a city bringing down the real estate price and said "Hang on! I've been out there and I've seen what goes on and did you know that that place contributes in some way to the creation of 1 in every 8 jobs in this city?" and so on.

If anyone out there is a budding Tropfest doco maker, what a great piece of subject matter. If someone knows how to get on to some of these celebs then please let us know maybe one of them will get on the band wagon and we can actually do something about this.

I drove tours of the airfield at Sydney Airport for both Peter and Frank & Sherrie for close to ten years and I literally had the time of my life doing it. To see them come to an end because of short sightedness would be a dead set tragedy.

I will try to find some email addresses and see if anyone will take up the fight but I'm sure an avalanche of emails would make more of an impact.

Cheers for now and I will try to stay in touch.

Ian McManus

Sorry to prattle on so long.......Hey Amsy, long time no see.

[mick.k]

Somehow I find this difficult to believe, especially seeing as SACL has severely restricted the number of people and companies with Cat 4 ADA's (required to operate on a runway). Even the Airservices Australia techs can't go on a runway without an escort for routine localiser checks...and they had Cat 4's (previously Cat 3's) for years before that restriction was put in place. The grounds maintenance staff are another group who no longer have access to the runways without escort, yet they used to be able to call themselves on and off the runways too.

There'll be some serious questions raised from many quarters if a 'coach operator' is suddenly granted access to the runways...
Yep, runways will not be entered, but a few of us are cat4 certified already. I am due for site induction and will be given relevent paper work soon ready for august. I will scan and post the core stuff to clarify.

[Nigel C]

Again, I fail to see what need a bus/coach driver has with a Cat 4 at Sydney...at any time. The RESA project will be completed by April or May at the latest, so there'll not even be a need for crossing the 07 threshold when the runway's active (which when the road's open at the moment you can do with a Cat 2 anyway).:confused:

I'm curious as to who you're doing your 'training' with. i.e. who's getting you out on the taxiways and runways. I'm also curious as to which 'coach operator' has drivers with Cat 4's running around. I can't remember the last time I saw a coach (in more than a decade) driving unescorted across runways at Sydney...

Sorry, but I'm having trouble believing what you're saying:rolleyes:

[Stefan I]

This bus/coach operator seems to fit the description:

http://www.busaustralia.com/fleetlists/nat.php?info=CAR

[Debra Rettie]

It is quite sad to see airside tarmac tours go. I did a tour back in 1999 when the concord was here and it was great. We did the tour and had a BBQ afterwards. I agree that I heard when they stopped allowing cameras on tours I believe the numbers did drop off but all plane watching people would not mind. I go down to brighton beach with the family and watch planes there and also go right up to the perimeter fence too and its fantastic. I do hope that the Macquarie Airports Group do reconsider and allow the tours to continue. I was going to suggest it to my son's school to do a tour before the finish in June.

[Phil McLeod]

Hi All,

As I have said previously Tramac Tours will close 30 June 2010.

The owners have decided to fight. Your assistance may help to keep it going.

If you want to help keep it going please write to: CEO, Sydney Airport Corporation Limited, Ulm Building, Sydney Airport. Mascot. NSW.

The letter will get there with this address. We may not be able to stop the closure, but at least we can try.

I thank you in anticipation.

Phil McLeod
Tour Driver

[Bernie P]

Going out on a bit of a long shot here, BUT one of our Trustees at work is also a 'Media and Communications' person within SACL... Would there be any benifit of putting in a CC to him as well??

Happy to assist in anyway I can...

[NeilP]

Could be a big ask, but maybe a signed petition may be the way to go?
I would imagine everyone at the spotting weekend would be willing to sign... Maybe also getting schools and social groups involved might also help? I also can't help thinking a phone call or email to the likes of A Current Affair or Today Tonight might also stir some publicity...

Just a couple of ideas...

Cheers,
Neil.

[Zac M]

a facebook group maybe?

[Adrian B]

TV is the better option, TT / ACA love to hate Macquarie Bank, except for the guy busted perving at Miranda Kerr GQ shots on his screen yesterday whilst Channel 7 did a cross regarding the Interest Rate Hold. That guy should be given a promotion :)

[Darren J]

Could someone please pm me with a rundown of the service. I know that these guys do alot of school visits and other charity work. The lack of pictures airside could limit the TV coverage for a decent story, however the Daily Tele also loves to take a swipe at Maq Airports ???

[Nadia B-J]

Go to Allan Jones 2GB, he's a great advocator :)
His strength is rattling the cages & getting results!

[Raymond Rowe]

Well Said everyone.I never did a tour due o seeing Syd airport airside many times.But i do know that the people who did them enjoyed them very much.Richards tours in BNE were nothing short of amazing as well.Did a few of them and the price for the hours which he gave spotters were unbelievable.David Knudsen could back me up on that.

[Mark B]

However, on a flip side and I don't know whether this would be a factor or not, but the last tarmac tour I did; the bus stopped and there was commentary going on. He had stopped too close behind a B747 that was about to push back and we were holding them up. We got shifted rather smartly.


Was this in October? We may have been on the same tour!

[Rod Sloan]

Yup. Can't remember exact dates. On the tour I was on there was some function going on in a QF hanger under an A380 if that rings a bell.

[David Knudsen]

.Richards tours in BNE were nothing short of amazing

Too right Ray, they were a different beast all together- $50 could get you a couple of hours sitting right next to the runway, free to roam outside the van to get the angle of your choice (as long as there were no people onboard actually wanting the tour). Of course those were in the "good old days" pre 9/11.

[Mark B]

Yup. Can't remember exact dates. On the tour I was on there was some function going on in a QF hanger under an A380 if that rings a bell.

Yep, that was it, some sort of family day or something going on.

[Rod Sloan]

Just doing my bit to help

Save Sydney Airport Airside Tarmac Tours (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?v=info&gid=10150092854120724)

[Zac M]

I have a bus tour coming up in Canberra in march, many transport enthusiasts are also quite fond of aviation happenings so I will pass around a petition. I might see what I can do on the Canberra airport open day as well.

[Rod Sloan]

Received this facebook message earlier today if anyone is interested in taking up the offer

Hello,
My name is Will Horton and I write for aviation news group Flightglobal. I'm looking to write about the SYD tarmac tour closure and would like to interview a few people who have been on the tour. If you have a moment today or tomorrow could you send me an e-mail at willhhorton@gmail.com with your contact information?

Best regards,
Will

[Will H]

Thanks, Rod.

Everyone--I'm the same Will in Rod's message. Am interested to talk to a few of you who have gone on the tour.

[Matthew Chisholm]

ahhh good memories.

1st time I went on the tour was a saturday afternoon back in the late 90's.

There was the option of a bus or a mini bus. Of course I took the minibus.

we parked on the grass alongside the runway and waited and waited and waited until the air france concorde took off right in front of us.

[Phil McLeod]

This is just an update, the owners of Australias only Tarmac Tour have requested a meeting with the CEO of Sydney Airport to see if a way can be found to keep the tours going.

If you would like to support us, then send a personal email to me and I will forward it to the owners.

Thank you in advance.

Phil McLeod

[Zac M]

Anyone who wishes to attend a tour in April (date yet to be set either 20/21/22) please send me a personal message. There is a group of us coming from Canberra and we need to make up the numbers so we can book as a group and have the whole bus. So anyone who hasn't done or wants to do another let me know, send me a private message. Numbers are limited to 48 but we will keep it to 35 so it isn't cramped and it will be first in, best dressed. If it comes to a situation that has too many, anyone given a personal invitation will get priority.

[Zac M]

17 places for the above are filled

[Zac M]

Does anyone wish to come, a lot of people have dropped out. I am also having problems getting in contact with Airside Tarmac Tours, does anyone know how to get in touch with them or what their office hours are?

[Adam.S]

2 questions if I may:

*Are the final tours running on the weekend of June 26/27?
*What is the location of the meeting point for these tours?

Cheers

[Phil McLeod]

Hi All,

Contact for Airside Tarmac Tours is www.airsidetarmactours.com

PO Box 1118 Mascot. NSW 1460, (02) 8338 8414, or Fax (02) 9352 7280

I should also tell you all that today there was a final meeting with SACL.

They confirmed after much discussion that there will be no more tours of Sydney Airport after 30 June 2010. This will be the end.

phil McLeod

[Adam.S]

Sad news but thanks for keeping us informed Phil.

Will the 20/6 or 27/6 be the final Sunday tour?

[Raymond Rowe]

As Gomer Pyle would say SHAME,SHAME,SHAME.

[Matt_L]

Phil,

Such sad news- sorry to hear.. As one who has enjoyed the tour for many years including the times when we could get out and take photos/videos by the taxiway!

I am planning to do the tour the weekend of 15th May- will a booking be required?

[Joseph D]

Here's an article I found today:

http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/sydney-airport-slams-the-brakes-on-tarmac-bus-tours-20100416-skgl.html

[Sarah C]

Thanks for that link Joseph. Interesting the reasons given.........well Mac Bank is actually losing one of its few positives so it is thier loss in the end.

[Andrew McLaughlin]

As Gomer Pyle would say SHAME,SHAME,SHAME.

Thought that was Derryn Hinch?!

[NeilP]

Me too...
Didn't Gomer say "Surprise, surprise, surprise!"?...

[Matt_L]

Security concern.. sorry did i hear that correctly?

Might as well start handing out arrest warrants for those going to the radar field if this is a security concern-

Does anyone actually know the real reason

PS for anyone who thought I was actually serious about the radar field part- i was joking :P

[NeilP]

Here's an article I found today:

http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/sydney-airport-slams-the-brakes-on-tarmac-bus-tours-20100416-skgl.html

Doesn't sound like they care too much either...

Seeing as security checks are the same as for boarding an aircraft or moving "airside", could one possibly assume that the Tours may start up again in the future under an SACL / Mac Bank banner?

[Danny Rizk]

That wouldnt surprise me at all....

[Nigel C]

Doesn't sound like they care too much either...

Seeing as security checks are the same as for boarding an aircraft or moving "airside", could one possibly assume that the Tours may start up again in the future under an SACL / Mac Bank banner?

May I suggest reading the entirety of this thread...in fact, just go to page 2...no wait, just read this from page 2 http://www.yssyforum.net/board/showpost.php?p=40151&postcount=16

But don't take it as gospel...I haven't seen anything to confirm this or otherwise, but personally I have my doubts on it's accuracy as per the following posts.

[Maikha Ly]

I'm contemplating going on the Saturday 8th May 2010 tour (Not next Saturday, but the Saturday after) if anyone from this forum has the time off and wants to tag along as well. I'm trying to get a group together for this one, so if you're interested, send me a PM.

[Zac M]

Since the April 21 tour didn't work I might be up for that as well as one friend

[james baker]

Hi,

A thought I'd head to SY for a catch up with my brother and to go on the tour for pehaps the last time. I've tried three times to contact the tour and have left messages and email as this next weekend is rapidally approaching, but I have not heard back from them. :rolleyes:
Maybe one last tour is just not to be!!!

Anybody know when the best "office hours" are to make contact?

James

[Kurt A]

Hi James,

I've asked Phil from Tarmac Tours to republicise their details.
Thank you.

[Maikha Ly]

Hi Kurt

I've also left them a message from their website. I assume I should try and contact them again if I don't hear from them soon (Like, the end of the week).

Thanks!

[Zac M]

Tip: They seem to be in the office around 10am on a Tuesday, only time I got a return call

[james baker]

I agree Zac, finally got hold of them this morning which is great. Looking forward to the tour.

Thanks to Kurt also.

James

[Phil McLeod]

Hi All,

Some of you might have seen a article in the Sydney Morning Herald about 2 weeks ago about the closing of Tarmac Tours. Since then the phones and emails have not stopped.

Therefore I can only suggest that you keep trying, DO NOT depend on 1 email or phone call to get a response.

You are best to ring Monday to Friday between 1030 and 1400. The number is (02) 8338 8414.

Email is best sent through the web site www.airsidetarmactours.com

I hope that this helps. I am going to be in Europe from 14 May to 16 June, (this was organised before we knew about the closing of the business), I will not be able to respond to questions in that period.

Good plane spotting.

Phil McLeod

[Zac M]

I will be up there on the 8th of May with or without my mate with the car, I have the money to fly up there and if I can get money off my father to fly back so there is no worries at all, unless I can't get rid of my shift at work.

[Maikha Ly]

Zac, all

I've just given the Tarmac Tour folks a call, and it seems Saturday 8th is booked out, and the next available tour is the 16th May 2010.

So, shifting it up to there now, will try and get a group together for that, and if anyone from here wishes to join, you're most certainly welcome.

[Zac M]

Lucky I did` book anything to get up there, 16th is good, If you wouldn't mind booking for me that would be great, I am unable to contact them due to school. If you could PM me it would be great.

[Zac M]

I am actually leaning towards the 22nd, as flights are cheaper that day

[Zac M]

I am booked to do a tour on June 5

[Adam.S]

Are Sunday tours still running during these last 2 months?

[Zac M]

Yeah, there was some plaes on the Sunday before the 5th (not sure of the date and it is too late to think.

[Adam.S]

Thanks Zac, that would be May 30th.
If Sunday tours run every 2nd Sunday, then from the 30th would leave the 13th and the very final day of tours, June 27th.
Being the final, any chance the 27th will be a bigger then normal tour?

[Nigel C]

How would you propose they make it bigger?

[Zac M]

They could run more than one...

[Maikha Ly]

Hi all

I've just left an email and voicemail message, but surprisingly, I've clocked up 13 people (All but 2 off this message board, some are trainspotters, others are from the aviation field, even have two blokes from my work!) coming along the afternoon tour on Sunday 16th May 2010. So my last contact with them they said they have 19 seats left, so if anyone here wants to tag along, please send me a PM and I'll update the booking accordingly.

Payment won't be required upfront, but please, if you're coming, do commit to it. Thanks

[james baker]

Hi Phil,

Enjoyed the tour on Sunday, will miss my yearly visit to Airside tours.
All the best with your trip to Europe. I assume you've removed the large sticker from the bus to prep it for sale?

If anybody on the board has not done this tour, I recommend you get in touch with Phil and his crew to organise a spot. The end of June will soon be upon us.

Cheers
james

[Peter Agatsiotis]

Saw one of their coaches today near the GA ramp, looked like a school excursion. Didn't have them when I was at school!:D:D

[James Smith]

How would you propose they make it bigger?

Nigel they should lease a double decker bus for the last day of tours!

[Adam.S]

Can anyone provide any advice regarding walking time from the Domestic terminal to tour's meeting point at the Environment Education Centre?
Is there a footpath all the way along Ross Smith Ave?
I doubt a taxis would want to drive such a sort distance.

cheers

[Adam.S]

Can anyone provide any advice regarding walking time from the Domestic terminal to tour's meeting point at the Environment Education Centre?
Is there a footpath all the way along Ross Smith Ave?

I doubt a taxis would want to drive such a sort distance, is there a bus route that runs on weekends?

The tour's website only details on who to get to the domestic terminal - can the tour also pick you up from there?

cheers

[Nigel C]

A cab can't refuse the fare...if they do, take the rego plate and report them. But to save the inevitable hassle, just walk. I'd guess 10-15 min should be enough time.

[Adam.S]

^
Thanks Nigel, just read about that on the Airport's website.
Apparently the drivers can take you on a short trip and be rewarded by returning to their same spot in the airport que where they picked you up from.
A good policy I believe.

As for the walk, looks like a nice option if it is not raining.
Approx 2.10ks according to Google Earth. 15-20 mins sounds about right.
The lack of footpaths on Ross Smith Ave only ads to the adventure of the day!

cheers

[james baker]

Hi Adam

I've boarded the tour three times from the terminal.
The first two times were from the airside of the Rex terminal/bus pick up that
is attached to the DJ terminal. The third time was at the bus stop landside of the same REx area. My suggestion is to check specifally with the tour which pick up will be used as it changed 'on the fly' last time.
This is a painless option and beats a cab.

Cheers
James

[Zac M]

I have been told Virgin's gate 44 for the tour on the 5th

[james baker]

That would be the one Zac.

See C44 on this terminal map.

http://www.sydneyairport.com.au/SACL/DownloadDocument.ashx?DocumentID=34

First time I had to find this, I had a terrible time as I was looking for a "Virgin gate".

Enjoy the tour.

[Bernie P]

Sorry to have to bring this one back up, but as it is now after 30 June 2010, and unfortunately, AIRSIDE TOURS would have ceased operations...

OR, to anyones kwnoledge, was there an 11th Hour reprieve of any sort?

[NeilP]

A friend of mine told me she tried to book a tour on 30th June, but the website announced the closing and that "all available" tours were booked out...

[Nigel C]

Their offfice is closed and vacant.

The end.