Newcastle-Williamtown Airport - Spotting Guide

Newcastle-Williamtown Airport – Spotting Guide

May 12, 2023 - last modified on May 12, 2024

Newcastle-Williamtown Airport (NTL/YWLM) is a shared airfield 15km north of Newcastle in the city of Williamtown: on the one hand it is a very active RAAF base and on the other hand a public airport.

The RAAF Williamtown airbase in the northeast is home to multiple F-35, BAe Hawk and PC-21 Squadrons, plus the E-7A Wedgetail. From time to time, also foreign military aircraft show up at RAAF Williamtown.

Newcastle Airport in the southwest however handles the passenger traffic at NTL mostly consisting out of LCC flights like FlyPelican, JetStar, Qantas Link, Bonza or similar adding up to roughly 1,2 million passenger a year. In addition, NTL also handles some GA and ambulance traffic (e.g. RFDS, NSW Ambulance, …). and sometimes alsco cargo movements like ADB An124s or CHC Helicopters.

Written by Severin Hackenberger in cooperation with Clinton J Down Photography. Last Update: Spring 2024

Rating
Movements
Airline Variety
Photo Locations
Weather
Airport Information
Runways
12/30	3058m (10.033ft)
Terminals
T1	There is one small terminal facility in the west handling all passenger flights.
Spotting Information
Ladder	A ladder is not really needed, but also not really recommended at NTL.
Car/Public Transport	A car therefore is a must have to get to and around NTL although the two spots are in walking distance from each other.
Drinks/Food	There are some restaurants and similar facilities in the terminal in the west.
Hotels	Around NTL you will a Mercure hotel, but there are no real spotter hotels.
Season	In terms of traffic, there is no real season with more/less traffic, however holiday season will have a bit more movements. But, keep in mind that military aircraft based at RAAF Williamtown normally DO NOT fly from friday midday though monday morning!
Security	Spotting is normally no issue here, but as the airfield is used military aircraft it is important to stick to the general rules for miliatry airfields: Always try to keep a low profile (stow your camera at all times e.g.) and be aware of law enforcement. Police and security forces may be uneasy of photographers around the base and it is very possible you will be asked to leave. In addition, always keep an ID with you in case you are getting checked: stay friendly, simply explain what you do here and cooperate… Mostly if you just say you are watching planes (and try to not have your camera next to you), they will leave you alone and tell you not to make any pictures. But sometimes they do also run license plate checks, wanna see the pictures on your SD or they will even make you delete shots, so plan on either having throwaway shots or download shots to another device while spotting to be safe. Stay away from the fence as long as possible to avoid attention and such trouble! Do not include military buildings at any time!
Runway Usage
General Info	Most of the time you will see 30 direction in use.

	Spot #1 – Medowie Rd – 30 Movements
WHERE	This spot is the most popular spotting location at NTL, the local council even installed a public seating a while ago. You will find this location along Medowie Rd east of the airport. Just park with the rest of the spotters on the west side of the road (airport side) and search your favourite position around the area here.

WHAT	Runway 30 arrivals and departures of all types of aircraft as well as taxiing military aircraft from the deployment bay.

TIME	Great from first light till till around mid afternoon for arrivals, line-ups are good till noon roughly.

MISC.	The café next to Fighterworld can be reached by foot plus a Mcdonalds and petrol station are just about a 2 minutes drive away. Spotting is no issue hre normally, but try to keep a safe distance from the fence as long as possible. Just go up to the fence once shooting line-ups which can be hazy on hot days.

FOCAL LENGTH	50-250mm E7 Line-Up = 120mm

	Spot #2 – Fighterworld observation deck – 30 Movements
WHERE	This next spot is located on the observation deck of the fighterworld. This museum is open from 10 to 16 o’clock everyday, cost is $20AUD which gives you access all day. Once you entered the museum, just head for the observation desk located on the northwestern front of the building.

WHAT	This spot is great for all movements on runway 12/30 in both directions. Moreover you will nicely see taxiing military aircraft from the deployment bay from here. In addition, you can also visit the museum of course: they have 2 hangars full of aircraft and displays, it is one of the best museums in NSW.

TIME	Best from museum opening (at 10) till mid afternoon roughly.

MISC.	Usually they have a scanner running with ATC, no ladder needed. . Observation bay is uncovered & can become very hot in summer, a hat & sunscreen is needed, In the museum they also have toilets on site. Plus there is a cafe “Fighter Beans Cafe” next door, open 7 days a week; check opening times as times change for weekends.

FOCAL LENGTH	50-250mm E7A taxiing = 115mm