(aka Shep's Mound)

One of the most popular spotting locations. Look for the Control Tower on eastern side of airport.

Here you are under camera surveillance. Also AFP and security regularly sweep around.

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Worksite in between Mound and "Airside", together with numerous light poles, are a hindrance to photography. Bear this in mind when taking photo's.

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What: This is the best place to view aircraft when North/South runways are in use.

RWY 34L/16R (main runway) operations and adjacent Taxiway Alpha.

All planes taxiing to/from RWY 34R/16L on Taxiways Bravo and Charlie.

Arrivals/departures to/from 34R/16L (Best viewed from here in the afternoon - see locations #23 - #26 for best view of a morning).

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When to Photograph:

Best in the mornings with the sun behind you.

Heat haze becomes an issue mid morning, especially in the warmer months.

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Lens: 50-200mm.

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Facilities: None onsite. Nearest at BP/Macca's on Butler Rd (see map).

Please use rubbish bin provided or take it with you.

(aka "The Beach")

To get here from the east, follow General Holmes Drive towards runways which go over the road. Be in lane 2 and be careful NOT to take exit onto M5. Only 100m past M5 exit take turning lane and follow road around behind the Old Control Tower.

To get here from the west/south, follow General Holmes Drive until just after Cooks River bridge. Take left exit and follow loop road under bridge towards Old Control Tower.

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Gates are locked at night, however is still accessible. There is room to park if gates are locked.

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Obviously, anywhere along concrete wall is good, also the rock breakwater.

Furthermore, explore past the far end of cul-de-sac, on foot, about 200m to "The Fence". See #3.

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What: RWY 34L/16R and Taxiway Alpha.

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When to Photograph: Afternoon/evening with the Sun behind you. Also good for night photographs.

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Lens: Prob 150-500mm

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Facilities?: Nothing onsite. Cafe/Toilets about 500m along General Holmes Drive westbound or BP/Macca's via loop road under bridge eastbound (see Map).

Please use bins provided or take it with you.

See #2 pin for instructions to get here.

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Park near end of cul-de-sac making sure to leave room for vehicles turning around.

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This location was once very popular, however not so much since new fence was built in mid 2016.

Still ok if you can take pics through or over the fence, which isn't easy.

Maybe venture down to the beach.

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I don't think you can get closer to aircraft operations than you can at "The Fence". From here you can see the full length of RWY34L/16R. Quite a lot of aircraft that have landed on 16R turn around right in front of you, which you don't see from #2.

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What: RWY 34L/16R and Taxiway Alpha.

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When to Photograph: Afternoons with the sun behind you. Also evening/night time with appropriate settings on your camera.

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Lens: Prob 50-200 or longer. Also, wide-angle lens quite handy.

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Facilities: Nothing onsite. Cafe/Toilets about 500m along General Holmes Drive westbound or BP/Macca's via loop road under bridge eastbound (see Map).

Please use bins provided or take it with you.

Alternative locations to #2 and breakwater.

Really, anywhere between and beyond #4 and #5 are reasonable plane spotting locations if you have a long enough lens. Make sure you park legally and within timeframes as parking inspectors are very active.

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To get here from the east, follow General Holmes Drive towards runways which go over the road. Be in lane 3 and be careful NOT to take exit onto M5.

To get here from the west/south, follow General Holmes Drive until just after Cooks River bridge. Take left exit and follow loop road under bridge. Drive past Old Control Tower and carefully turn back onto General Holmes Drive in opposite direction from which you came. Stay in left lane, read on:

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ROCK WALL: Immediately, and I mean straight after Cooks River bridge is a driveway at start of turning lane. Turn into dirt parking area and walk out to Rock Wall. Recommend enclosed footware. You can walk to Cook Park from here too.

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COOK PARK: Just after Cooks River bridge is a turning lane into sealed parking area. Park on bay side if you can. About 100m away, between carpark and beach, there are some aluminium seats at start of beach access. You can walk to Rock Wall from here too.

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What: RWY 34L/16R and Taxiway Alpha.

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When to Photograph: Afternoons/evening with the sun behind you.

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Lens: Prob 150-500mm

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Facilities?: Nothing onsite. Cafe/Toilets about 200m walk along the bay (see Map).

Another alternative to #2, however much longer lens, and possibly tripod, required. Several locations in close proximity. Look for stairs near shops/restaurants for elevated areas.

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Be aware of parking allowances on The Grand Parade otherwise parking available within 10 min walk west.

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What: RWY 34L/16R and Taxiway Alpha.

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When to Photograph: Afternoons with the sun behind you.

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Lens: Prob 300-600+mm

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Facilities: Toilets and food/drink close or nearby. Also many eateries on Bay St. Fast Food outlets on Map.

Prince Charles Pde, Kurnell, opposite Ward St.

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Not recommended to set up directly under flight path for photography purposes.

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What?: Here you are about 100m off the flight path as they approach RWY 34L/R or depart RWY 16R. Aircraft about 250m overhead.

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When to Photograph: Anytime really, depending on aircraft position and light.

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Lens?: 50-200mm

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Facilities?: Toilets 50m at boat ramp. Cafe/Takeaway about 3 minute drive (see Map).

Here you are on a cliff overlooking Cronulla and further south.

The cliff is a hazard, so please be careful.

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What: Aircraft turning for final approach to RWYs 34L/R and lowering landing gear.

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When to Photograph: All day

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Lens: Long lens 300-600mm

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Facilities: None onsite. Nearest at Kurnell (see Map).

This location is virtually no longer accessible as a locked gate has been put across access road.

Alternative with "Line of Sight" to RWY25/07 is inside the Soccer fields, however these are only open on days that fields are used, unless you go for a very long walk via nearby Wetlands.

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Recommendation: If you have a long lens, "RWY25 Arrivals / RWY07 Departures" can be viewed from:

#10 Int'l Staff Carpark Roof,

#18 Domestic Carpark,

#20 Ross Smith Ave.

Also, through the fence on loop road near #2 Old Control Tower.

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If you know of a location that has "Line of Sight" for RWY25 departures / RWY07 arrivals, that isn't mentioned above, please advise me via Contact tab.

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On LINKS page, see:

Website link to Rydges Hotel Observation Deck

Website link to Rydges Hotel Plane Spotters Package.

Facebook link to Rydges page which is important for Deck availability.

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On MAP:

See #10 pin for acceptable alternative to this location should Deck be unavailable

See blue P parking pin just west of this location for free parking, otherwise pay Airport prices for parking nearby.

Press/click to blue P for detailed walking route instructions, or see below.

See blue line for walking route.

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Unless you are a guest, Rydges charge $10 to use the Observation Deck which includes a drink and pair of binoculars. It is worth the cost, providing 270 degree elevated spotting.

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You can probably see "more action" from here than anywhere else, however light poles on airport proper are a major hindrance.

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What: 16R Arrivals and departures, 34L departures and across to Domestic terminal & Qantas base.

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When to Photograph: Afternoon/Evening

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Lens: 100-300mm or longer

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Facilities: Toilets nearby. Food/drink on ground floor, though a bit pricey, otherwise Int'l Terminal food-court (see Map)

As at October 2016, extensions to carpark are in progress limiting access to upper floors. Recommend using #9 Rydges until complete.

See blue P parking pin just west of this location for free parking, otherwise pay Airport prices for parking nearby.

Press/click to blue P for detailed walking route instructions, or see below.

See blue line for walking route.

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What: 16R Arrivals and departures (with city backdrop), 34L departures and across to Domestic terminal & Qantas base.

Also RWY25 touchdowns from southern end of carpark roof.

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When to Photograph: Afternoon/Evening

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Lens: 100-300mm, or longer.

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Facilities: Toilets, Food/drink on ground floor of Rydges next door, though a bit pricey, otherwise Int'l Terminal food-court (see Map).

This is best parking for Rydges Hotel Observation Deck and Int'l Terminal Staff Carpark, both 10-15 minutes walk (see below)

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Marsh St exit ramp, Rockwell Ave and Levey St area. Pay particular attention to parking signs.

Could try parking in Rowers Club however be aware of their opening hours.

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Once you've parked, make your way to Marsh St and then over Cooks River bridge.

25m over bridge, take path to left which loops around underneath.

Continue along marked path, over pedestrian crossings towards nearest building.

Walk along RHS of building. Negotiate boom gates and carefully cross road, which can be busy so be patient.

You should now be at start of carpark. In the distance you should some elevators.

RYDGES - about 30m to left of elevators, up a small ramp, is rear access to Rydges Hotel. Push GREEN button to open doors and make your way to desk and ask for Observation Deck access.

CARPARK - Take elevator to 8th floor (or 7th if you wish to avoid Sun/Rain). Turn right out of lift. Continue walking until no longer behind Rydges and pick your spot. Suggestion: sometimes useful to walk down ramp as desired to improve angles.

NOTE: If you turn left out of lifts, you can take shots of RWY25 touchdowns and RWY16R departures. A long lens would be required though.

Be aware you are a guest of IKEA at this location. As such, please park "out of the way".

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What: RWY 16R approaches and RWY 34L departures

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When to Photograph: Afternoon/evening.

See #16 for similar aspect in the mornings.

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Lens: 100-300mm

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Facilities: Toilets and Cafe inside IKEA. Maybe do some shopping whilst you're here (see also MAP for nearby facilities).

Turn off Princes Hwy onto Bellevue St, continue on and becomes Swamp Road.

Just around right hand bend, on left hand side, you will see approach lights in the foreground and airport in the distance.

Park to side of road.

BE AWARE: Lots of container trucks use this road.

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See also other close locations - read notes carefully.

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What:  Aircraft pass only about 100m directly overhead on approach to RWY16R or departure RWY34L.

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When to Photograph: Morning and afternoons/nights, but probably not middle of the day.

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Lens: Less than 200mm

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Facilities: None onsite. Nearest at IKEA (see also MAP).

From #12, continue driving about 150m and park on gravel verge on left hand side (do not drive further on as this is private property). To the left there is a locked gate that you can climb through. Walk about 100m and you will see a track going down to the left. Follow this and follow fence til you're near the big pipes.

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You will need reasonable walking shoes. Not suitable if there has been recent rain, unless you want wet feet.

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What:  Aircraft pass only about 100m overhead on approach to RWY16R or departure RWY34L. Very similar to #12, however much closer to the runway for potential touchdown/take-off shots.

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When to Photograph: Morning and afternoon/night, but probably not middle of the day. On hot days a lot of heat haze inhibits photo's of aircraft on the ground inside airport.

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Lens: 100-500mm.

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Facilities: None onsite. Nearest at IKEA (see also MAP).

From #12, continue driving about 150m and park on gravel verge on left hand side (do not drive further on as this is private property). To the left there is a locked gate that you can climb through. Instead of taking track to the left to #13, continue straight ahead towards the containers in the distance. When you are near the corner of the containers take the track uphill to the right. Just on the crest and slightly beyond is the area.

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This track continues on however I have not explored. I think it ends up at the back to the dog park.

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You will need reasonable walking shoes. Not suitable if there has been recent rain, unless you want wet feet.

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What:  Aircraft pass only about 100m not quite overhead on approach to RWY16R or departure RWY34L. Very similar to #13 however more of a "side on" aspect.

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When to Photograph: Definitely afternoons. On hot days a lot of heat haze inhibits photo's of aircraft on the ground inside airport.

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Lens: 100-500mm

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Facilities?: None onsite. Nearest at IKEA. (see also MAP).

No line of sight to airport.

Alternative to Swamp Road and IKEA Carpark.

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What: RWY 16R approaches and RWY34L departures

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Time: Afternoons

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Lens: 100mm+

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Facilities: Inside shopping centre

Very similar result to #14, however best of a morning. No "line of sight" to actual touchdown/take-off due to high perimeter fence.

Location is just east of the traffic lights for new carpark entrance.

If you are driving here from the east, continue to traffic lights past airport perimeter. Turn left, turn around safely, then retrace back along Airport Drive.

It is just in front of large billboard. There is enough parking here for 1-2 cars only, however police often move you on as technically this is a No Stopping zone. Alternatively, park on Coward St Mascot near the cycle track and walk about 1km. Otherwise park elsewhere eg #9 parking suggestion, and walk.

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What:  Aircraft pass only about 100m almost overhead on approach to RWY16R or departure RWY34L.

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When to Photograph: Definitely mornings as other times during the day aircraft are backlit.

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Lens: 50-200mm

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Facilities: None onsite. Nearest prob Macca's/Krispy Kreme on Ross Smith Ave (see MAP).

Parking suggestion for #16 Airport Drive.

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Park here the follow the cycleway to, the beside, Alexandra Canal.

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About 10-15 minutes easy walk

No line of sight at all to airport. This location for when East/West runway in operation.

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What:  Approach to RWY25 and Departure from RWY07.

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Time: Prob mornings

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Lens: Prob 50-200mm

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Facilities: UNKNOWN - Please advise via COMMENTS

A great spot for RWY25/07 (East-West runway) operations.
Light poles on airside, and sometimes parked aircraft, are an issue.
 

On Map, see blue P near #20 for parking, and blue line for walking route. Alternately, catch train or Blue Emu bus to Domestic Terminal.

This location is on the top floor of carpark/s at eastern end of Domestic precinct. For P2Take lift to 5th floor then stairs rest of the way.

I really like this spot. Security have been known to move you on.

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What?: 34L rollout and some take-offs. Actual touchdown obstructed by Control Tower.

             16R Most take-offs.

             34R/16L All movements.

             Most shots will have Botany Bay in the background.

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Time?: Mornings

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Lens?: Long lens for take-off/touchdowns/rollouts. Short/Medium lens for flyover/flypast.

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Facilities?: None onsite. Nearest prob inside terminal or Macca's/Krispy Kreme on Ross Smith Ave.

On Map, see blue P near #20 for parking, and blue line for walking route. Alternately, catch train or Blue Emu bus to Domestic Terminal.

This location is on top of outdoor circular stairs at western end of T2 terminal.

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What?: A quite narrow, but ideal, angle to vicinity of actual touchdown on 16R.

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Time?: Mornings

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Lens?: 100-500mm

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Facilities?: None onsite. Nearest nor far inside terminal.

Park opposite side to perimeter fence, on the dirt/gravel and away from access to a few buildings that are along here.

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I would suggest placing a note on your dashboard saying you're a Planespotter with your mobile number, just in case.

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You could park in Krispy Kreme/Macca's/KFC, which are closer, however you run the risk of being towed.

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A 10-15 minute walk to #18 and #19. Be careful crossing roads etc and they are always busy and drivers are often stressed.

(aka Runway 25)

Park opposite side to perimeter fence, on the dirt/gravel and away from access to a few buildings that are along here.

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This vicinity also as parking for #18 and #19.

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What?:  East/West runway. RWY 25 approach and/or RWY 07 just after take-off.

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Time?: Mornings

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Lens?: 50-100mm

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Facilities?: None onsite. Nearest a short walk to KFC/Maccs's on Ross Smith Ave.

Here you will need to take a photo through the fence or ask at one of the Helicopter businesses on Ross Smith Ave and you may be allowed access for a limited time.

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What?:  Helicopter startup, lift-off and landings

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Time?: Anytime

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Lens?: 50-100mm

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Facilities?: Nearest BP/Macca's on Butler Road.

This location is only open during the day.

Site is part of the Ports Authority and can't take any photo's in direction of all the containers etc.

Here you are much closer to 34R/16L

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What: Final approach to 34L and 34R and early climbout from 16L and 16R.

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Time: Mornings with the sun behind you.

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Lens: 200-500mm

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Facilities: None onsite. Nearby petrol stations and fast food outlets are marked on the map, otherwise #23 Boat Ramp or Airport precinct.

This location is at end of breakwater jutting out into the bay.

However, you could also try along the promenade along the bay.

Short lens for nearer RWY 34R/16L.

Long lens and tripod will get you good pics of RWY 34L/16R.

Be aware boat ramp users and people fishing.

Park according to signage.

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What?: Here you are quite close to the action for RWY 34R/16L.

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Time?: Mornings are best with the sun is behind you.

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Lens?: Prob 50-200mm for RWY 34R/16L and/or 400+mm for RWY 34L/16R.

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Facilities?: Toilets north end of carpark.

This location is on observation platform on Foreshore Road Pedestrian Overpass.

Park nearby in Boat Ramp precinct.

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What: Provides an elevated view of airport. Mainly nearest runway, 34R/16L. A REALLY long lens and tripod will see you taking shorts of RWY 34L/16R.

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Time: Mornings are best with the sun is behind you.

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Lens: Prob 50-200mm for RWY 34R/16L and/or 500mm++ for RWY 34L/16R.

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Facilities?: Toilets far end of carpark. See Map for nearby services.

Entrance is about 300m north of Boat Ramp traffic lights. DO NOT DO U-TURN AT LIGHTS. Instead, turn into boat ramp precinct then turn around, then LEFT at lights.

Mainly domestic aircraft and a few Int'l carriers.

Short lens for nearer RWY 34R/16L.

Long lens and tripod will get you pics of RWY 34L/16R. Heat haze is an issue for these.

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What: Here you are quite close to the action for RWY 34R/16L.

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Time: Mornings are best when the sun is behind you.

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Lens: Prob 50-200mm for RWY 34R/16L and/or 400+mm for RWY 34L/16R.

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Facilities: None onsite. Toilets walk to Boat Ramp. See Map for nearby services.

(aka 16L Mound)

It's not hard to miss the turn-off into here so read carefully.

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IMPORTANT: turn left from turning lane immediately after Hale St lights at sign for GATE 16 - this is separate to 2 lanes for General Holmes Dr access. If you miss the turn, you will need to go all the way to near #2 pin and come all the way back.

Only accessible from Northbound on Foreshore Road. If driving from elsewhere, turn onto Foreshore Rd then left onto Hale St. Proceed to roundabout and do u-turn.

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Lots of truck traffic here so park well off the road, behind concrete barriers if possible.

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Security are a bit touchy here, just be nice and you should be ok.

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What: The mound gives you a view straight down RWY 34R/16L for a "head-on" view of take-off and landing.

Walk over to fence and towards Foreshore Rd for a slight side-on aspect.

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Time: Prob mornings before any heat haze starts.

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Lens: 100-500mm

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Facilities: None onsite. (See Map).