Jandakot Airport opened in 1963 and is the second busiest airport after Sydney in terms of aircraft movements (though not so busy on weekends), and one of the largest aviation training airports in Australia.
Jandakot Airport public viewing area has a café, and it is a great place to enjoy a picnic or coffee with family and friends.
Opening Times:
Daily, 24 hours
Location:
Getting there is easy – from Roe Highway (near Kwinana Freeway), take Karel Avenue exit and follow the signs to Jandakot Airport, passing Spud Shed on the way. You will reach a roundabout and need to turn right, along Eagle Drive. As you go up and just over the hill past the control tower, the entrance is on your left.
Alternatively, Transperth operates a bus service (routes 515 and 516) between Murdoch Station and Jandakot Airport.
220 metres from centreline of runway 06L/24R. Excellent views of traffic landing on runway 06L and taking off runway 24R, which are generally aircraft arriving from or departing to Jandakot (e.g. RFDS). Recommend a zoom lens of 400mm or above to photograph aircraft taking off or landing.
116 metres from centreline of taxiway which runs parallel to runway 06L/24R. Most aircraft taxy along here if runway 06L or 12/30 are in use. Recommend lens of 300mm or above.
144 metres from helipad used by training helicopters.
80 metres from the grass parking area used by firefighting helicopters (‘Helitacks’).
70 metres from southern apron, where aircraft of China Southern and Air Australia park.
Excellent views of aircraft taxying into and from the southern apron.
Great for late morning and afternoon photography
Elevated position
Free car parking bays, including disabled parking bay
Shelters and trees provide some protection from sun and rain
Seating available
Rubbish bins available
Toilets nearby
Aviator’s Café – food and drink available. Café Hours: Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 3.30pm; Saturday, 9am to 2pm; Sunday, closed.
Next to Control Tower
Disadvantages:
430 metres from centreline of parallel runway 06R/24L, too far for photographing aircraft using that runway. However, that runway is mainly used for circuit training.
524 metres from runway 12/30, too far for photographing aircraft using that runway.
Photographing smaller aircraft on runway requires a telephoto lens of at least 300mm (taxiway) or 400mm (runway 06L/24R).
Early morning photography will be facing into the sun.
Some aircraft landing on runway 24L turn off before reaching the viewing area.
Limited parking bays, so car park is sometimes full on weekends.
Photographic Equipment: Canon EOS 70D digital SLR with a Canon EF 100-400 mm L 1:4.5-5.6 IS USM (telephoto zoom lens with UV filter) and Canon EF-S 17-55 mm 1:2.8 IS USM (wide-angle zoom lens, fitted with Circular Polariser filter).
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