Ever since I first went with my Mum to the airport, to drop off a relative, I have been mesmerised by the sight of a big majestic plane taking flight or coming in to land. I love to travel but as my finances do not allow for holidays as often as I would like, I have to get my 'fix' by watching from afar.
Sydney Airport sits nestled amongst family homes, industrial areas and Botany Bay which allows for a variety of viewing spots to take in the spectacle of the planes as they take off and land.
In Summer I love to sit on the beach at Brighton and watch as they come in over the ocean. The kids leave me in peace as they paddle around in the water and I can concentrate on trying to determine what sort of aircraft it is from the tail markings and girth. The sounds come drifting over as the planes take off again heading to destinations unknown.
Another favourite spot is in the new
Ikea car park at Tempe. It is amazing to see these graceful flying beasts up close, as they dance across inner city suburbs, mere metres above rooftops. You can even get the full sensory affect as the Jet-A1 fuel fumes fill the air around you.
For smaller planes and assorted helicopters, including the big fire fighting helitanker called "Elvis" and his sister craft the "Georgia Peach" when they are in town,
Bankstown Airport is perfect. It is a very accessible airport with viewing areas almost all the way around. I like to watch from the service road that runs up the side of Bunning's Warehouse off Milperra Road. Sydney Metro Airport Bankstown is the busiest airport in Australia, and 26th busiest airport in the world, with over 360 000 movements a year, so you never have to wait long.
This area is also nearby to Holsworthy Army Base, so its also possible to see army choppers fly over occasionally too.
Do you have a love for aviation and know of a great place to sit and plane spot?
