Spotting at MEL--Review and Questions (56K Warn)

[Will H]

Hi everyone,
I'm new to this board and went out to MEL for the first time last week to do some spotting and thought I would share some pictures. I also have some questions about MEL spotting at the end.



















These were all taken near Point D (Gate 2) on the Rwy34 site. As I recently moved here from overseas I don't have a car, but didn't find the walk to that spotting point too bad. I'm curious about spotting arrivals at Rwy34.com points G and F (Operations Road). Is it possible to walk to those points from the main terminal area? (I know it would be a long walk. I would consider taking a taxi.)

The MEL map on Google (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=e...,0.028839&z=15) indicates taking Centre Road to Operations Road could potentially work, but there is a gap between where Centre ends and Operations begins. Otherwise it would seem I would have to take Melrose Drive, catch Link Rd to S Centre Rd and then to Operations Road. I'm also not sure which roads are airside and which aren't. Also, is there by any chance a shuttle bus that goes by the area?

Lastly, what are the most common runway configurations at MEL? (34 for arrivals and departures?)

Hope to meet you some of you around MEL and even SYD. If anyone is planning a spotting outing, I'd love to tag along.

Cheers,
Will