PER-Spot1
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December 4, 2016Perth Intl. Airport – Spotting Guide
- last modified on April 29, 2024
Perth Airport (IATA: PER, ICAO: YPPH) is a domestic and international airport and welcomed 14,2 mio passengers in 2023. It is also the capital, the largest city, the biggest airport of Western Australia and the fourth busiest airport in Australia. Perth deserve some major international cities as Johannesburg, Auckland, Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Guangzhou, Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lampur, Denpasar, Jakarta and Hong Kong. Perth is mostly interesting for its mines flights which are at least more than 50% of the traffics.
The best days to get lots of the mines traffics are mainly during the week (Monday to Friday). You can have the chance to get Dashs, Fokker’s, Metroliners by various carriers and some smaller props too. Otherwise schedule passenger wide body aircraft are mostly everyday.
If you want to be aware about traffics information or you need some more assistance, please be free to contact directly the AAWA (Aviation Association of Western Australia) by using their website: https://www.aviationwa.org.au
Written by David Eyre & Keith Anderson (President & Vice President of AviaitonWA), Jeremy Denton and Maximilian Kramer. Thanks to Daniel Kotronis who provides most of pictures in the guide. Last change: March 2024 (Spot 8 updated)
| Rating | |
| Movements |  |
| Airline Variety | |
| Photo Locations |  |
| Weather | |
| Airport Information | |
| Runways | |
| 03/21 | 3,444m (11,299ft) Asphalt |
| 06/24 | 2,163m (7.096ft) Asphalt |
| Terminals | |
| Terminal 1 | International flights only. |
| Terminal 2 | Combination of International and Domestic flights. |
| Terminal 3 | Domestic flights. |
| Terminal 4 | Domestic flights. |
| Spotting Information | |
| Ladder | Not needed. |
| Car/Public Transport | Car is recommended or taxi as the spots are quite far from each others. |
| Restrooms | Available only at the terminal. |
| Drinks/Food | Mostly available at the terminal or fastfoods around the airport could be found. |
| Hotels | Few hotels could be found next to the airport or in the city. |
| Season | Best is during summer season from October to March. Chance of bad weather during Winter season April to September. |
| Security | Do not take photos of airport personnel or passengers, or you may get into trouble and cause problems for local spotters. Do not argue if asked to leave by security or Australian Federal Police. |
| Runway Usage | |
| General Info | Rwy24 is mostly using for aircraft arriving from the east or all Cobham/Skippers/Qantas/Virgin stuff and the rwy21 mostly using by international airlines. |
Arum Lily - 24 arrivals
| WHERE | This spot is located in the north east of the airport. From the airport, exit the airport, take the first roundabout (first exit), then second roundabout (first exit again), you are driving on Grogan Rd. Then in few hundreds meters take on the left on Abermethy Rd direction north. Drive on this road for approximately 8 minutes (you will pass a first crossing way) continue on the same road, then you reached a roundabout, continue strait until the road is ending by a crossing way. From here take on the right on Great Eastern Hwy Bypass. Exit at the first way on the left on Stiring Cres then first way on the let on Lakes Rd for a few hundreds meters to reached Vale Rd which it will be on you left again (follow this road until the end). Finally, take on the right drive few meters and here you are. |
| WHAT | Only afternoon arrivals runway 24. |
| TIME | From approximately 1000/1030 (depend on the season) to sunset. |
| MISC. | There’s nothing at this spot, bring with you what you need. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | A330 = 170mm / B738 = 240mm / A320 = 250mm / F100 = 250mm |
Railroad Tracks - 24 arrivals early morning
| WHERE | From the International Terminal T1 & T2, exit the terminal by heading north. So take the first road on the left “Grogan Road” then again on the left on Abernethy and stay on it for at least 3 to 5 minutes depend on the traffic. Then you will see a really small path on your left side, exit the main road and park the car here. The final position is next to the rail roads and a road bridge. |
| WHAT | Only morning landings runway 24. |
| TIME | From sunrise until 0930 approx. |
| MISC. | There’s nothing at this spot, bring with you what you need. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 300-400mm is enough. |
Terminal 1 Observation Deck - Ramp
| WHERE | The observation deck can be accessed in the terminal near the departures and the check-in area. From here go to the first floor walk pass the Duty Free shop and down the hallway which takes you to a lift and staircase to the 3rd floor Observation Deck. Be aware that the half of the observation deck is now closed due to ongoing construction of a transit lounge. |
| WHAT | Taxi aircraft, push-back, nightshots and remote aircraft. |
| TIME | Almost all day mostly morning shots and nightshots. Open 24 hours and 7 days per week. Summer time could be tricky due to heat haze and be aware of reflex as you shot throw windows. |
| MISC. | Foods, drinks, toilets, free wifi, everything you need. You are shooting throw windows. Useful link from AAWA : https://www.aviationwa.org.au/spotting-photo-locations/perth-airport-terminal-1-observation-deck/ |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 18mm to 300mm |
Virgin Australia Terminal 1 - Ramp, Taxiway, 21 arrivals
| WHERE | The Departures Lounge areas can be accessed by entering the Check-in area, then proceed to the escalator or lift to the first floor. You will be required to undergo security checks (just like passengers, no boarding pass needed though) and can then walk to the departures area. NOTE: From the ground floor arrivals area, you can also access a hallway to Terminal 2, which is used for intrastate and FIFO domestic flights by Virgin Australia. The hallway has some windows. |
| WHAT | Gate shots, taxiing aircraft, landing runway 21 morning. |
| TIME | Open 24 hours, 7 days per week. Best for morning shots. Summer time could be tricky due to heat haze and be aware of reflex as you shot throw windows. |
| MISC. | Foods, drinks, toilets, free wifi, everything you need. Useful link from AAWA : https://www.aviationwa.org.au/spotting-photo-locations/perth-airport-terminal-1-domestic-t1-domestic/ Due to the windows, most shots are blurry – not only aslantly, also 90 degree shots sometimes. Apron is okay, but runway shots are mostly not sharp. Also be aware of the tinted windows. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 18-300mm |
Airport Parking - 21 departures morning
| WHERE | Take direction to the International Terminal which is T1 and T2. There’s many public parking and the best it’s to choose one which you satisfy the most to take pictures. |
| WHAT | Only morning take-offs runway 21. |
| TIME | From sunrise until approx noon (depend on the season). |
| MISC. | There’s nothing at this spot, bring with you what you need. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 100-400mm |
Industrial Area - 03 arrivals morning
| WHERE | From the spot 5, exit the international terminal T1 & T2 direction south on Horrie Miller Dr. Depend at which paring you are, you may pass 4 or 5 roundabouts and then turn right into a industrial area. There are two options where you can stay. First one is gravel area at Anderson Pl. It’s a bit more far away from the approach but the angel is better. The second one is at the corner of Reid Rd/Fawcett Cres. It’s closer to the approach path but angel is slightly worser. |
| WHAT | Only morning landings runway 03. |
| TIME | From sunrise until approx noon (depend on the season). |
| MISC. | There’s nothing at this spot, bring with you what you need. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 100-300mm |
Industrial Area South - 03 arrivals afternoon
| WHERE | From the airport drive southwards on “Horrie Miller Dr” then it’s on “Kewdale Rd”. You have to drive for few minutes then take on the right to the crossing “Abernathy Rd” and take on the right on “Glassford Rd”. Drive north until the road turns right a park below some trees. Spotting is possible from the grassy area. |
| WHAT | Only afternoon landings runway 03. |
| TIME | From approx. noon to sunset. |
| MISC. | There’s nothing at this spot, bring with you what you need. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | Airbus 330-300 & 340-300 = 78mm / Airbus 320 & 738 = 140mm |
Official Viewing Area - 03 arrivals and line-ups, 21 heavy departures
| WHERE | This is the official viewing area of the airport. Take direction Terminal 3/4 domestic terminal and then follow the signs “Public Observation Deck” really easy to find this location. |
| WHAT | Afternoon take-off rwy21 (heavy aircraft), line-ups and landings runway 03. |
| TIME | The Public Viewing Area is a good spot which is open every day almost all day light but we recommend you to spot the afternoon as in the morning is it backlight. Here are the open hours : April to September : 0730-1730 October to March : 0630-1900 |
| MISC. | There’s nothing at this spot, bring with you what you need. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | Take-off : From 115mm to 420mm (depend on the motive) Taxi/runway : From 110mm to 290mm (depend on the motive) Landing : From 110mm to 420mm (depend on the motive) |
Emergency Point - 06 arrivals
| WHERE | Go direction Perth Airport domestic 3+4 and follow the signs to reached the Costco Center. Park there, cross Dunreath Dr and get on the emergency vehicle waiting area. |
| WHAT | Arrivals on runway 06 |
| TIME | From approx. noon to sunset. |
| MISC. | A huge Cosco is just next to you. There are some trees spending shadow at this point. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | B789 = 80mm / 320 = 140mm / SB340 = 240mm / Metrojet = 250mm |
Terminal 4 Qantas Domestic - Ramp, 21 arrivals
| WHERE | Drive to terminal 4 then go to the Arrivals and Departures Lounge viewing areas can be accessed by entering the terminal, then walking to the left side. You will be required to undergo security checks (just like passengers, no boarding pass needed.) and can then proceed to the escalator, lift or stairs to the first floor. You can also walk through a hallway to Terminal 3. |
| WHAT | Ramp and arrivals runway 21. |
| TIME | Late morning and afternoon. Summer time could be tricky due to heat haze and be aware of reflex as you shot throw windows. |
| MISC. | Foods, drinks, toilets, free wifi, everything you need. Be aware of the windows’ colors as these are very toughly tinted. Useful link from AAWA : https://www.aviationwa.org.au/spotting-photo-locations/perth-airport-terminal-4-qantas-domestic/ |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 18-400mm |
Industrial Area North - 21 arrivals
| WHERE | Exit the Domestic terminal 3 of Qantas and Jetstar on Brearley Avenue then after the roundabout at the junction take on the right on 94 “Great Eastern Hwy”. Continue on the same road by taking on the left and finally take on the right to Hyne Road until the end. |
| WHAT | Only afternoon landings runway 21. |
| TIME | From around noon until sunset. |
| MISC. | There’s nothing at this spot, bring with you what you need. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | A346 = 140mm / B788 = 170mm / B738 = 240mm / Challenger = 420mm |
Park at Queens Road Arboretum - 21 arrivals
| WHERE | From spot 11, go up the street then take on the right on Kalamunda Road and on the left on the path Barker Road. Park by the roadside and go into the small park. |
| WHAT | Only morning landings runway 21. |
| TIME | From sunrise until around noon. |
| MISC. | There’s nothing at this spot, bring with you what you need. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | A332 = 170mm / B738/A320 = 210mm |
Park St - Banking 21 heavy departures
| WHERE | This spot is far from the airport, in a suburb of Perth named “Brabham”. It is located approx 25 minutes from the airport. From spot 11/12, go back to Great Eastern Hwy and follow it until the end of it. Take on the right then on the left on Meadow St. You will be at Swan River and take the road W Swan Road (52) for at least 15-20 minutes straight northwards. You will have to turn left on Park Street and follow this road until the location, which is on the left hand side. |
| WHAT | Only long-haul flights (mostly of the time it will be Emirates / Qatar / Etihad / Air Asia) comings from the sea and lands on runway21 during afternoon. Be aware that its still a tricky spot as it depends mainly on their route and on the traffics. Have a look on FR24. |
| TIME | From approx 1300 until sunset. |
| MISC. | There’s nothing at this spot, bring with you what you need. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | At least a 400mm or even bigger would be great. |
Condor will Operate into PER this Sunday. Total of 4 flights with the first arriving 0730 UTC. If anyone could catch a shot, would be nice to get a copy of it. Best regards. Sam
Hello Samuel,
I would suggest you to contact the locals spotters: http://www.aviationwa.org.au/
Take care,
Regards,
Jeremy Denton
I’m visiting PER from the UK on May 1st for 2 days. Can you please confirm that you can access the viewing deck on T1 & T2 without a departure ticket (open to the public). Also will all the departing “mining” flights be viewable from this area. 3rd and final question. Is there free wifi on both these decks. 🙂
Great article BTW
The viewing deck at T1 is open to the public and you don’t need a ticket.
T2 has no spotting locations but the departures area is accessible for members of the public without a boarding bass.
T3/4 is also accessible to the public without a boarding pass. The only exception is part of T3 when its closed off for Qantas international flights.
The T1 International deck is now partly closed off due to them building a new lounge, you can still access it Free of charge 24/7 (with free WiFi) but only Gates 50-53 are visible you can’t see planes at 54-56. The outdoor deck should be fine up to 5:30PM when they close it. Hope this helps.
Cheers
Julian
Excellent information for anybody who has not been there before. I am visiting Perth in Jan 2019 and will be there over a weekend. Is there an airport spotting hotel you could recommend during my stay.
Many thanks
Chris
Hi Chris, you will find a few hotels near the airport with different prices :
https://www.bestwesternascot.com.au/
https://www.accorhotels.com/fr/hotel-5676-ibis-budget-perth-airport/index.shtml
https://www.internationalonthewater.com.au/
All the best,
Jeremy Denton
Great guide! I’ve been to PER several times and there are a few spots above that I wasn’t aware of. A couple of other locations that I think are worth a mention:
1. The car park to the west of the Skippers Aviation terminal allows views of their fleet and you can get some decent photos through the fence. The mining flights tend to be Mon-Fri so most of the fleet is parked up at the weekend.
2. At the north end of Newton Road (past the Network/Airflite hangars) there is a footpath next to the perimeter fence. Walk along to some open ground past the Ozjet 737s, and it’s possible to get good shots of traffic landing on 21 in the afternoon. The spot also gives good views of the 146s/F100s/etc but sadly a massive double fence means photos of anything on the ramp are impossible. It used to be ok to park in Newton Rd but it looks like it’s no longer possible so may need to use a public car-park and walk.
Cheers
Alan
Wonderful contribution for WA Aviationists. Congratulations to all those who made this guide happen.
Foods, drinks, toilets, free wifi, everything you need.