My 3yo boy is completely besotted with planes.
He can spot them anywhere…whether we’re at the park, driving along or ones flying over our house. He loves them. Better still, he can tell you which ones they are according to their tail. It is a little exacerbated by the fact that my husband flies quite a lot for work, so in my son’s mind, Dad is on most of the planes he spots! haha
About 6 months ago, someone told me about the plane spotting area near the Brisbane Airport and since our first visit, we have become regulars. We love it! Sometimes we go out on our own, but generally we meet up with some friends there too and make a morning of it. We always take along a picnic and just sit and marvel at the planes coming and going. It’s fabulous and FREE. (Perhaps one to keep in mind for next school holidays.)
So if your child(ren) love planes, head out to your local plane spotting location and do some picnic & plane spotting!
We have listed some viewing areas below:
Brisbane Airport
Acacia Street Loop (open 6am-6pm): The Acacia Street Loop offers great access to the runway to see arrivals or departures in the morning and afternoon. This is a public space and free parking is available.
Tip: remember to take a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as there is no undercover areas and it has very limited shade. Also, depending on the time of day, you may want to pack in the insect repellent also.
Sydney Airport
Sheps Hill (Tower Mound) is located under the control tower off Ross Smith Avenue. You can park your car directly on the mound here.
Melbourne Airport
Sunbury Road Viewing Area: this spot is great for families to get up close and personal with the big jets that come down low overhead. Kids love this place! There are signs along Sunbury Road showing directions to the viewing area. Parking available.
Adelaide Airport
Tapleys Hill Road: this is a popular spot and a great place to sit and watch the planes touch down and taxi passed.
Perth Airport
Dunreath Road: this is a great viewing area located near the threshold of Runway 03 at Perth Airport. The city of Perth can be seen in the distance. It is an elevated position with plenty of free car parking.
Opening Times:
April-September: 7:30am to 5:30pm
October-March: 6:30am to 7:00pm
Hobart Airport
We couldn’t find a lot about plane spotting in Hobart. If you know a great location, could you please let us know in the comments section below!
Up, up and away!
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