Canberra Intl. Airport - Spotting Guide

Canberra Intl. Airport – Spotting Guide

July 22, 2021 - last modified on December 6, 2023

Australia’s 8th Busiest Airport is located in the capital city of Canberra. Located 8km (5.0 mi) from the city centre, the airport serves major Australian cities, some regional ports and 2 International destinations. The airport had just over 3 million passengers pass through during 2019. Dating back to 1920s, the airport has served regular commercial flights since the early 1940s. The airport is also an active military base on the northern side of the field with Defence Establishment Fairbairn still in operation housing the Australian Prime Minister’s corporate jets of Boeing 737-7BBJ and Dassault Falcon 7X jets. Military aircraft including C17 Globemaster, C-130 Hercules, C-27J Spartan and Airbus KC-30 MRTT aircraft from the RAAF also visit on a fairly regular occurrence.

Commercial flights operate out of the single terminal building on the southern side of the field including 2 International gates in between some domestic gates. Qantas is the dominant carrier with flights to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Hobart, Cairns (Seasonal), Darwin (Seasonal), Sunshine Coast (Seasonal), Ballina (Seasonal), Gold Coast, Adelaide, and Perth utilising a fleet of Dash 8 200, 300, 400 aircraft, Boeing 717-200, Embraer ERJ-190 and Boeing 737-800 aircraft. Virgin Australia also has a strong presence operating Boeing 737-800 aircraft to Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and the Gold Coast. Regional carrier FlyPelican also operates regional routes to Newcastle, and Port Macquarie from the airport using BAE Jetstream 32 aircraft. Smaller carrier Link Airways operates services to Hobart and Newcastle using Saab 340 aircraft. Domestic carrier Regional Express (REX) operate to Sydney and Melbourne using Saab 340 and Boeing 737-800 aircraft. Charter operator Alliance Airlines operate Fokker 100 aircraft to the Sunshine Coast and Cairns. International carriers include Qatar Airways who operate a tag-along service to Doha via Sydney in both directions using Airbus A350-1000 equipment. Singapore Airlines offers the only direct International flight from Canberra linking Singapore with Boeing 777-300ER equipment however this flight are unlikely to return after the pandemic. Both flights operate daily. All international flights are currently suspended due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

There is a beautifully preserved Lockheed Hudson Bomber registration A16-105 on display in the Canberra Airport departures hall. The plane can be found on the left side of the hall next to the regional airlines (Rex, Link Airways and FlyPelican) check-in desks.

Written by Jacob Levien. Last Update: July 2021

Rating
Movements
Airline Variety
Photo Locations
Weather
Airport Information
Runways
17/35	3280m, Asphalt
12/30	1670m, Asphalt
Terminals	Single terminal for all commercial operations. 2 International gates is stationed in the western part of the terminal building.
Spotting Information
Ladder	Yes, needed especially on the morning side for spots 3-6
Car/Public Transport	Not really necessary for spots on the western side of the field, however would be useful for a late runway change and walking takes a long time. The public transport system surrounding the airport is not overly reliable, and does not run constantly, especially on weekends.
Drinks/Food	Available in the terminal, but is very expensive. There are standalone Fast Food restaurants and a big supermarket located around the airport perimeter. There is also a petrol/gas station and a hotel on the airport site. IKEA is also located at the shopping complex on the northern side of the field. Local cafés are located in the office business park surrounding the field.
Hotels	Vibe Hotel Canberra Airport is on site
Season	All year round. Heat Haze is a problem in summer, fog impacts the airport in winter.
Security	The police officers and airport staff are usually pretty good if you are honest and tell them what you are doing if they ask.
Runway Usage
17/35	Runway 35 is used the majority of time unless a wind change from the south where Runway 17 is used. Runway 17 is also usually used on a Saturday afternoon when the field is not busy with commercial traffic, however does vary.
12/30	Runway 30 is almost exclusively used for general aviation traffic and some commercial propeller aircraft however not uncommon to see runway 12 in use for general aviation traffic only.

	Spot #1 – Multi-story carpark – 35 Arrivals/ 17 Departures
WHERE	Probably CBR’s most famous spotting location is the raised carpark next to Runway 35. This area is the multi-story car-park next to the Qantaslink maintenance hangar off Brindabella Circuit. Access Brindabella Circuit from Pialligo Ave in a car, the main road running past the airport. Any entry point/ boom gate is ok to access this spot, and you are able to park your car right on the top level. Position your car at any point on the top level, however better for touchdown shots will be closer to the Qantaslink hangar. Taxiway B is only 60 metres or so from where you stand on the top level. There is no fence obstructing the view. Easily reachable by public transport with multiple bus stops on Brindabella Circuit, just cross the road. Walking from the terminal, look for the big hangar next to the terminal, the raised carpark is right next door. Parking rates via below link. Carpark is open from 0400 until 30mins after the last flight arrival for the night.

WHAT	All arrivals and departures when Runway 35 is in use. Runway 17 departures can also be shot from this spot, however most narrow body aircraft will already be quite high by this time. Taxiway B with intersections M, N and P can be seen from here. Aircraft using Runway 30 can be shot from here, however heat haze will be a very big problem.

TIME	All year round, afternoon from 1330 to sunset as a general rule, however is possible to start from 1200 in winter.

MISC.	Nothing at this spot, Café and restrooms located nearby at the Business park or in the terminal. Airport authorities know about this spot and usually don’t bother spotters, however if approached, please comply with all directions.

FOCAL LENGTH	Taxi shots – 24mm – 200mm, Departure/Arrival shots – 70mm – 400mm

	Spot #2 – Pialligo Ave Road (Approach Lights) – Close up 35 arrivals
WHERE	A dirt road where you can photograph slightly off centre underside shots of aircraft arriving onto Runway 35, however you can adjust your angle as required by just walking over to underneath the approach path should you wish for full underside shots.. The spot is located on a dirt road off Pialligo avenue, with the runway approach lighting in view. Please be careful not to drive too far up the road as it is private property, however spotters haven’t been told to leave the premises to our knowledge. At least a 40min walk from the terminal to the spot so Car/ Taxi/ Ola/ Didi/ Uber is recommended. No public bus stops at this spot.

WHAT	Arrivals when Runway 35 is in use.

TIME	All year around, afternoons until sunset. Starting times range from 1200 in winter, to 1330 in summer.

MISC.	Nothing at this spot, café and restrooms will be the same area as Spot 1. This spot is not as known to airport authorities so please take care, however if approached, please comply with all directions.

FOCAL LENGTH	Arrival shots – 18mm – 50mm, all depending on where you stand.

	Spot #3 – Scherger Drive Parking Area – 35 Arrival and 17 Departure Shots
WHERE	This spot is located on the left hand side of Scherger Dr with a small gravel parking area just before the fire station. Access from the airport is from Pialligo Ave turning left from a set of traffic lights. Look for the green sign saying ‘Fairbairn’, that is the road. Drive on Scherger Dr and when you see a white ‘Look for Bikes’ sign, you can turn off the road onto the gravel. The gravel parking area is slightly raised however it is essential you have a ladder/ stand on your car here otherwise will need to shoot through the fence. Highly not recommended to walk from the airport as there are no footpaths and at least 45min-1hr walk. Car/ Taxi/ Ola/ Didi/ Uber is recommended here. No public bus stops at this spot.

WHAT	Arrivals and departures when Runway 35 is in use. Departures from Runway 17 only however heavier aircraft may roll through for arrivals on 17.

TIME	Early morning (0600) to noon (1200) in Winter, Early morning (0530) to late morning (1030) in Summer.

MISC.	Café and restrooms will be the same area as Spot 1. This spot is more known to airport authorities but still please take care, however if approached, please comply with all directions. As this road leads to the RAAF base, you may be approached by the Military Police, separate to the standard police. They are usually pretty good, so just use same conduct as standard police.

FOCAL LENGTH	Arrival and departure shots – 70mm – 400mm is adequate.

	Spot #4 – Fire Station Wind Sock – 30 Arrivals
WHERE	This spot is located on the side of Scherger Drive similar to Spot 3, just further up. Best place to park is directly in line with the windsock, however please don’t enter the fire station if the gate is open. Highly not recommended to walk from the airport as there are no footpaths and at least 1hr walk minimum. Car/ Taxi/ Ola/ Didi/ Uber is recommended here. No public bus stops at this spot.

WHAT	Arrivals and departures on Runway 30. Ladder will be needed for departure shots, however this runway is not used for commercial operations often, only GA movements mostly. Ladder will be required for this spot.

TIME	Same as spot 3. Early morning (0600) to noon (1200) in Winter, Early morning (0530) to late morning (1030) in Summer.

MISC.	Nothing at this spot, café and restrooms will be the same area as Spot 1 or small cafés can be found in the RAAF base. You are allowed to enter the base as a member of the public. This spot is less known to airport authorities so please take care, however if approached, please comply with all directions.

FOCAL LENGTH	Arrival – 20mm – 100mm, Departure – 100mm – 300mm

Unfortunately we cannot provide sample photos from this location. If you do so, please don`t hesitate to contact us.

	Spot #5 – Canberra Airport Maintenance Shed – Rotation shots 35 and take-off roll and touchdown shots 17
WHERE	This spot can reached by continuing on Scherger Dr from Spot 4, past the boom gate on entry to defence establishment Fairbairn, (The boom gates are always open). Take a left turn at Richmond Ave and continue to end of the road and turn right onto Pearce Ave and then sharp left onto Amberley Ave. Follow to the end of the road, then left turn onto Ewart St. After around 50m, turn right in the little parking area. Highly not recommended to walk from the airport as there are no footpaths and at least 1h30 walk. Car/ Taxi/ Ola/ Didi/ Uber is recommended here. No public bus stops at this spot. Ladder will be needed for both departure and arrival photographs unless shooting through the fence.

WHAT	Departures and arrival roll-out shots on Runway 35. Touchdown and take-off roll shots on Runway 17. Taxiway A is also very close to this spot, however since the introduction of the extension of Taxiway B in early 2020, it is rare commercial aircraft use this taxiway anymore. Military aircraft do still use this taxiway.

TIME	Same as spot 3. Early morning (0600) to noon (1200) in Winter, Early morning (0530) to mid-morning (1000) in Summer.

MISC.	Nothing at this spot, café and restrooms will be the same area as Spot 1 or small cafés can be found in the RAAF base. You are allowed to enter the base as a member of the public. This spot is more known to airport authorities but still take care, however if approached, please comply with all directions. You may receive a honk or a wave from the airport safety officers or firefighters if you give them a wave as they drive past this spot.

FOCAL LENGTH	Arrival and Departure – 70mm – 300mm, Taxiway – 30mm – 80mm

	Spot #6 – Raised Mound – Touchdown and Take-off roll for 17
WHERE	This spot can reached by continuing on Scherger Dr from Spot 4, past the boom gate on entry to RAAF Base Fairbairn, (The boom gates are always open). Take a left turn at Richmond Ave and continue to end of the road and turn right onto Pearce Ave and then sharp left onto Amberley Ave. Follow to the end of the road and turn right. Continue to a small parking area. You should see a raised mound of dirt in front of you next to a tin meeting room. Highly not recommended to walk from the airport as there are no footpaths and at least 1h30 walk. Car/ Taxi/ Ola/ Didi/ Uber is recommended here. No public bus stops at this spot. Ladder will be needed for both departure and arrival photographs unless shooting through the fence.

WHAT	Touchdown and take-off roll shots on Runway 17. Ladder will be needed for both departure and arrival photographs. Ladder is not required as the dirt mound comfortably clears the fence, however does help if available. Taxiway A is a little further away compared to spot 5.

TIME	Same as spot 3, 4, and 5. Early morning (0600) to noon (1200) in Winter, Early morning (0530) to mid-morning (1000) in Summer.

MISC.	Nothing at this spot, café and restrooms will be the same area as Spot 1 or small cafés can be found in the RAAF base. You are allowed to enter the base as a member of the public. This spot is more known to airport authorities but still take care, however if approached, please comply with all directions. You may receive a honk or a wave from the airport safety officers or firefighters if you give them a wave as they drive past this spot.

FOCAL LENGTH	Departures – 100mm – 400mm, Taxiway – 70mm – 180mm

	Spot #7 – Gravel Carpark – Departures 35
WHERE	Located in the Majura Park Shopping Centre complex. Type Beaufighter St Parking into Google Maps. Via road, this spot can be reached from Majura Rd heading north, turning right at the first roundabout onto Spitfire Ave. At the next small roundabout, turn right onto Catalina Dr and follow to the end. Continue straight-ahead through the roundabout into the carpark. You can walk from the airport as there are footpaths along the route. Walking is at least 45min. Transport Canberra bus route 54 also runs to a nearby bus stop near to where this spot is located.

WHAT	Departures from Runway 35, potential of rotation shots from this spot depending on aircraft. Arrivals on Runway 17 and Runway 30, however will be roll-out shots as aircraft would have already touched down by the time photographed are able to be taken. Taxiway Juliet and Bravo also pass by this spot. Aircraft parked at terminal from Bay 2 – Bay 9 are fully visible from this spot. A ladder is recommended for this spot.

TIME	Afternoon from 1400 to sunset as a general rule, however is possible to start from 1300 in winter.

MISC.	Nothing at this spot, food/ supermarkets and restrooms can be found nearby in the shopping centre otherwise IKEA, McDonald’s and Costco further away from this spot. You can adjust your angle as much as you like from this spot. This spot is more known to airport authorities but still take care, however if approached, please comply with all directions.

FOCAL LENGTH	Departures – 100mm – 400mm, Taxiway – 100mm – 250mm

	Spot #8 – Supermarket Loading Dock – Departures and Arrivals 35, Arrivals 17
WHERE	Located behind the main Majura Park Shopping Centre complex. This spot is a raised mound next to the fence of Runway 35/17 in line with the loading dock. Using the same directions as spot 7, Via road, this spot can be reached from Majura Rd heading north, turning right at the first roundabout onto Spitfire Ave. At the next small roundabout, turn right onto Catalina Dr and follow to the end. Turn left onto Beaufighter St and continue till you see the loading dock and a small carpark next to it. You can walk from the airport as there are footpaths along the route.

WHAT	Departures from Runway 35, better potential of rotation shots from this spot depending on aircraft. Arrivals on Runway 17 however if you wish for touchdown shots, best to move a little further down the road to your desired spot. Taxiway Bravo runs very close alongside this spot which the majority of commercial traffic uses.

TIME	Afternoon from 1400 to sunset as a general rule, however is possible to start from 1300 in winter.

MISC.	Nothing at this spot, food/ supermarkets and restrooms can be found nearby in the shopping centre otherwise IKEA, McDonald’s and Costco further away from this spot. This spot is more known to airport authorities but still take care, however if approached, please comply with all directions.

FOCAL LENGTH	Departures – 80mm – 400mm, Taxiway – 35mm-80mm