Sydney Airport: Difference between revisions

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==Official Spotting Locations==
==Official Spotting Locations==


===Location===
===International Terminal Observation Deck===
The only official spotting location at Sydney Airport is the observation deck located in the northern part of the international terminal.  The observation deck incorporates the Esky Bar, and food, drinks and seating are available.  This makes it a comfortable place to spend some time spotting.  The best views from the deck are of 16R takeoffs and landings, and 34L takeoffs.  The Sydney skyline provides a nice backdrop for aircraft on approach to 16R.  Views over the northern part of the international terminal and of aircraft taxiing to and from the domestic terminal are also good.  Part of runway 07-25 is visible, but the observation deck is not a good spot for watching movements there.
 
The observation deck can be accessed through the Esky Bar, which is located at the far northern end of the international terminal check-in hall.  This is to the left as you enter through any of the main doors.  The deck is on the level above the departures level, so you have to use the stairs or lift from the outdoor seating area of the Esky bar in order to get up to it.
 
Photography is best in the afternoon and evening, when the light is best.  The approximate required lens focal length is 50 to 300mm, though 200mm is still fine as a maximum.  The best place to shoot from is right at the top of the stairs up to the deck.  This is useful for everything except 16R approach photos (in front of the city) and some cargo apron movements.  For these, it is necessary to use the convenient holes in the glass wall at the far northern end of the observation deck, just next to the lift.
 
Sample photos from the top of the stairs:
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Sample photos through holes in the glass:
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==Other Spotting Locations==
==Other Spotting Locations==
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