Spotting at Sydney: Without a Car?

[Zac M]

Hi everyone, I am supposed to be coming up for a group tarmac tour on April 21 (if I can ever get in touch with the guy). Up until now I was going to drive up with the rest of the gang but now (due to a bit of back pay) I am thinking about flying up in the morning, arriving just after 7am. So I was wondering, where is it possible to spot from without a car using a 75-300mm lens, (possibly a 70-200 if Todd M comes as they are both his lenses). Any help would be great!

[Tim Bowrey]

Hey Zac,

You'll be arriving obviously in either T2 or 3 so in the morning go up top level and walk toward the runway 16R/34L which connects T2 and T3 and there is a staircase there. Its best for RWY16R arrivals and departures but still decent for 34L departures although you dont get most arrivals.

This is the photo you will get with 16R(140mm focal length)
http://www.jetphotos.net/viewphoto.php?id=6485423

And here is a 34L departure from that spot
http://www.jetphotos.net/viewphoto.php?id=6625472&nseq=3

Cheers

[Zac M]

Thanks Tim! I should have introduced myself to you last Sunday, I was the guy in the Virgin terminal waiting for the bar to open and the guy in 1A for the charity flight.

I will either be on QF1460, or the first DJ flight in, not sure which terminal they use, LOL. I just know that 1460 will use gate 17

[Tony G]

Hi Tim . Nice shots. Are they shot behind a glass window or is there an outdoor section. Thanks.

[Tim Bowrey]

Hey Tony,

Its an outdoor area right next to the road when you turn left from T2 going towards T3 on the upper level.

[Tony G]

Thanks Tim. Yeah I think I know. Just on the street where there is a gap. There used to be an east west terminal there ages ago with a small balcony I used to go to as a kid. Thanks again.

[Tony G]

Zac. There are many places to spot, just depends on what runway they are using. Grahame has a website that lists the spotting locations www.16right.com . You will have to do a bit of walking though, buses or trains will get you to a certain point then the feet will have to do the rest. As Tim mentioned sticking to the terminals you can get some good shots , you can even catch the pricey train to the international where there is a observers deck. Nice shots can be taken from there when They are using either 16R or 34L for departures. Not sure of your length of stay but the international option is better in the afternoons for lighting.

[Justin L]

you can even catch the pricey train to the international where there is a observers deck.

You don't necessarily have to take the train. You could take the T-Bus from T2 to T1 for $5.50 one-way.

[Nigel C]

Or you could always walk...that one's free. There's often people spotting along Airport Drive if 16R is in use.

[Tony G]

You don't necessarily have to take the train. You could take the T-Bus from T2 to T1 for $5.50 one-way.

Thanks for that. Being local I don't use the services and not sure what is available :o. To be honest , I'm not even sure how much the price is of the train, just heard it's pricey:o. I'll find out next time. Last time I went overseas though it was cheaper to have two of us share a cab rather than catch the train.

[Donald H]

One way train trip between T1 & T2/T3 is $5.00.

[Todd Milton]

Or, just throwing it out there, you can always grab a Burwood Bound route 400. Seeing as though it is about $3.20 for myself, it is the cheapest way to the International Airport next to walking. Also has a stop outside the Qantas Jet Base. If you catch the 400 towards Mascot (Bondi Jcn/Eastgardens Bound), you can then grab a 303 from the shops and hop off on General Holmes Drive near The Beach (The Beach is non-walkable due to the tunnel under the Runways). There is a Bus Stop there just after the Junction with the M5 on both sides of the road (But AFAIK none between Mascot and there which is any help to a Spotter). Walking to the mound is also do-able, and is quite a nice walk. The Carpark bus used to be free, and drops you nearby however not sure how useable it is now-a-days (Have not had a need to use it).

[Zac M]

Now booked on QF1460. Tim, would you mind posting directions to the stairs you mentioned from Gate 17 in the Cityflyer terminal.

[Zac M]

Flying both ways now. Will be awesome!!!

[Tim Bowrey]

Now booked on QF1460. Tim, would you mind posting directions to the stairs you mentioned from Gate 17 in the Cityflyer terminal.

Alright mate you'll come out of Gate 17 past Hungry Jacks make a slight right turn as you'll follow everyone to baggage reclaim. Pass the big Chocolate Affair shop and the Travelex and go through the three glass doors out towards check-in and everyone will go down the escalators. Stay uptop and go outside where the car dropoff is and turn right and you can see the road will come in from the left. Just follow the path around towards T2 past the big "Qantas" logo. The staircase will be on your right hand side, you cant miss it and youll get that exact view.

[Zac M]

Awesome. Thanks

[Chris Q]

Tim,
being new to the spotting scene, that is awesome stuff, thanks for the info you posted. Those shots are fantastic! I got this week off, might make a treck in!