Sydney Airport: Difference between revisions

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Previously known as the Tower Mound, this spot has been renamed in honour of the late Bruce "Shep" Shepherd, a much loved and respected member of the Sydney spotting community who passed away in October, 2005. While photography at the hill isn't as unique as some other spots (unless you don't mind side-on photos), general viewing is excellent as the elevated persepective gives you a great view of a large portion of the airport. Shep's hill is a great place to relax, airband scanner in hand, in the shadow of the Sydney ATC Tower. 16R roll-outs and departures, 34L departures, 07 arrivals and departures, and 25 roll-outs and departures are all visible. There are good views of the International Terminal, and all aircraft going to and coming from runway 16L-34R pass right in front of you.
Previously known as the Tower Mound, this spot has been renamed in honour of the late Bruce "Shep" Shepherd, a much loved and respected member of the Sydney spotting community who passed away in October, 2005. While photography at the hill isn't as unique as some other spots (unless you don't mind side-on photos), general viewing is excellent as the elevated persepective gives you a great view of a large portion of the airport. Shep's hill is a great place to relax, airband scanner in hand, in the shadow of the Sydney ATC Tower. 16R roll-outs and departures, 34L departures, 07 arrivals and departures, and 25 roll-outs and departures are all visible. There are good views of the International Terminal, and all aircraft going to and coming from runway 16L-34R pass right in front of you.


To get to Shep's Hill, get onto Ross Smith Avenue (the road that skirts the eastern side of the airport, parallel to General Holmes Drive) travelling south, away from the domestic terminals. You will pass the helicopter pads on the right, followed shortly by the [http://www.airsidetarmactours.com Airside Tarmac Tours] office on the left. Continue on the road past the long term carpark and the various rental car lots, around a few sharp jogs in the road, until you reach the fenceline below the Tower (at which point you'll see Shep's Hill). You can park pretty much anywhere on the grass below or on the hill, though as always be sure to stay at least three meters from the fence and just generally keep out of the way of any other vehicles.
To get to Shep's Hill, get onto Ross Smith Avenue (the road that skirts the eastern side of the airport, parallel to General Holmes Drive) travelling south, away from the domestic terminals. You will pass the helicopter pads on the right. Continue on the road past the long term carpark and the various rental car lots, around a few sharp jogs in the road, until you reach the fenceline below the Tower (at which point you'll see Shep's Hill). You can park pretty much anywhere on the grass below or on the hill, though as always be sure to stay at least three meters from the fence and just generally keep out of the way of any other vehicles.


Photography, as mentioned above, isn't particularly unique at Shep's Hill. However, if you're content with side-on shots, it's fine.  Photographic opportunities comprise 16R arrivals, 34L arrivals and departures, and taxiway Bravo and taxiway Charlie movements (among others). Shots of 07 arrivals and 25 departures are possible, but not ideal (especially in summer when there is a large amount of heat haze). Lighting for photography is best in the morning. The approximate lens focal length required is 70 to 300mm.
Photography, as mentioned above, isn't particularly unique at Shep's Hill. However, if you're content with side-on shots, it's fine.  Photographic opportunities comprise 16R arrivals, 34L arrivals and departures, and taxiway Bravo and taxiway Charlie movements (among others). Shots of 07 arrivals and 25 departures are possible, but not ideal (especially in summer when there is a large amount of heat haze). Lighting for photography is best in the morning. The approximate lens focal length required is 70 to 300mm.