Best Place for Kids to See Planes Take-Off & Land?

[Stephen S]

Hi guys,

My son likes seeing planes in the sky. I'd like to take him to see them taking-off & landing.

I took him to the domestic airport last week to visit the observation deck but it's closed.

Can anyone suggest some good locations?

Thanks.

[Alex T]

Welcome to the board Stephen,

If you search "Spotting Locations" on the search tab you should be able to find out the best locations to go and also the locations to avoid/are restricted.

Personally I think "Sheps Mound" (ATC Tower Mound) and "The Beach" (Lady Robinson's Beach) are the best places to go if you want to view aircraft departing off 16R/34L. I also recommend the Ikea Tempe Outdoor Carpark, although the runway view is obstructed by shipping containers it's a pretty good place to be when heavies (or any other aircraft in fact) fly overhead no matter which runways are in operation.

Another place worth visiting is the Qantas Heritage Collection Exhibition located at T3 (Domestic) near gate 13 (Open between 9:30am-4:30pm Mon-Fri). It has views of the 16R threshold (facing the International Terminal) and would be a good place to be during 16L/R ops.

Sydney Airport "Aviation Enthusiasts Page":
http://www.sydneyairport.com.au/corporate/community-environment-and-planning/community/aviation-enthusiasts.aspx

Fellow board member Grahame H runs an excellent website which also has detailed information about YSSY's spotting locations (Click the "YSSY Spotting" Tab):
http://www.16right.com

Qantas Heritage Collection Exhibition:
http://www.qantas.com.au/travel/airlines/heritage-collection/global/en

Hope you enjoy the Spotting ;)

[Stephen S]

Thanks Alex,

I wasn't sure of the terminology but thanks to your post I know what to look for. I've spent a bit of time reading now & will try to visit Shep's Mound this week.

[Terence W]

Just adding to Alex T's great summary, one more road up from Ikea Tempe towards the city, Swamp Road is right on the start of the landing lights of the main Sydney 16R runway. You can sit in your car (or get out) and if you go when the wind conditions are right, planes come straight overhead on landing approach only a few metres above your head! I've seen lots of families there during school holidays.

[Stephen S]

Thanks Terence.

I plan on checking out all the locations over time but I don't think that one has been mentioned elsewhere.

I live on that side of the airport so it will definitely come in handy.

[Nigel C]

If they're landing on 16R and you're where Terence said on Swamp Rd, you might see the running rabbit strobes in action too.

[Stephen S]

Googled it. Thanks Nigel. I'd love to see that.

[Nigel C]

Remember this scene out of Top Gun? Kind of looks like that but without the F14 Tomcats.....or Tom Cruise........sorry ladies......

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_blrEIvfE4o/T-iFe4i0Q6I/AAAAAAAAIS0/LOewqU9yuP4/s1600/Top%2BGun%2B1986%2BThe%2Bright%2B%2Bof%2BPete%2BMa verick%2BMitchell%2BLeather%2BJacket%2BpatchesTop% 2BGun.jpg

[Stephen Brown]

Geez Nige, for a moment there I thought that was a picture of you going home from work....

[Nigel C]

Nah, I always wear a helmet when riding ;)

[Greg Hyde]

Stephen,

Don't forget Bankstown and Camden as well. You might be able to explore some of the hangars if you ask nicely.

Also, you might want to take him on a joy flight.

[Stephen S]

Didn't even know there is an airport at Camden.

Thanks Greg.

[Greg Hyde]

Stephen,

There are some good aircraft museums in the Sydney area, good as a day trip:

Fighterworld - North of Newcastle
Powerhouse Museum - City (free for kids under 16 soon)
Bankstown Aviation Museum - Bankstown
HARS - Albion Park
Navy Aviation Museum - Nowra
Australian War Memorial - Canberra

Watch out for air days where the museum opens and fly some of their aircraft.