Adelaide International Airport is the main airport of South Australia. Originally opened in 1954, with the new airport terminal opened in 2005, Adelaide Airport has grown to become the 5th busiest airport in Australia and was named the best capital city airport within Australia in 2006, 2009 and 2011. Adelaide Airport sees over 8 million passengers each year, flying both domestic and international routes in and out of South Australia.
Located 6 kilometres from the main Adelaide CBD, the airport features a large, single terminal building which holds both the international and domestic traffic.
Adelaide Airport has one major terminal, which is divided into Domestic and Internationals, which makes it easy for people to move around the terminal. Flights on QantasLink, Cobham, Alliance and Regional Express are boarded on the ramp, however all flights which dock directly into the terminal are serviced by a jetway. Adelaide Airport has 2 runways. 23/05 is the main runway, while 12/30 is only used for small aircraft or during extreme crosswinds on the other runway.
Adelaide Airport receives multiple airlines. From Qantas, Virgin Australia, Jetstar and Tigerair performing the domestic flights. Malindo Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Malaysian Airlines, China Southern, Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways and Emirates for our internationals, and Qantaslink, Regional Express, Alliance Airlines and many more regional airlines who operate within the state. The Royal Flying Doctor Service is based at Adelaide Airport. We occasionally receive diversions from Melbourne, and routes between the West coast and the East coast.
Written by Mitch Coad (local spotter). Last change: December 2022 (Spot 8 and 9 updated).
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Airport Information
Runways
05/23
3,100m (10,171ft)
12/30
1,652m (4,420ft)
Terminals
Terminal 1
All Regional, Domestic and International operations
General Aviation Terminal
GA flights and some regional airlines.
Spotting Information
Ladder
Required at a couple of locations. See detailed description below.
Car/Public Transport
Spotting within the terminal area can be achieved by walking, however a car is strongly recommended. Public transport such as Adelaide Metro, taxis or Ubers can be used too.
Restrooms
Within the terminal grounds, restrooms are located in multiple areas. If spotting on the west side of the airfield, restrooms can be found at the West Beach Skate Park. Other areas are lacking nearby restrooms.
Drinks/Food
Hungry Jacks is located inside the terminal, with Subway located in the area between drop off and the terminal entrance. There is a Newsagents inside the terminal which sells things like snacks and drinks. There are many other places near the terminal where food can be purchased.
Hotels
Next to the terminal is the Atura Hotel, which offers some ramp and runway views if you are booking a room that faces east. Otherwise there are not much hotels at the airport as it is very close to the city.
Season
In the Summer months (October – March), as a general rule south side of the airport prior to 1100 and north side of the airport for the rest of the say. During winter, use the North side of the airport all day as the south side would be backlit pretty much all day.
Runway Usage
General Information
05/23
Because of its length and ILS capabilities, this runway is used 90% of the time for arrivals or departures. All spots give good visibility of this runway. At 3100 metres long, this runway can easily land aircraft up to the size of an Antonov AN124.
12/30
This runway is usually used for small aircraft like the Saab 340, DHC-300 and the F100 on a daily basis. On rare occasions, this runway is used for arrivals and departures with larger aircraft such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320. In the past, it has been known for Boeing 767’s to land on this runway.
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The DHL car park is located at the end of Richmond Road, in front of the DHL cargo building. The carpark can easily be accessed by any vehicles, and public transport will take you to Stop 8F, Marion Road West side, leaving a 1km walk to the spotting location. An approximately 2 meter high fence surrounds the airside border of the car park, requiring a ladder. Security is usually friendly with spotters and it’s unlikely that they will approach you. Remember to maintain 3 meters from the fence when using a ladder.
WHAT
The DHL car park is located at the South-East corner of the airfield at the beginning of runway 23. This location allows you to get clear, unobstructed shots of runway 23 departures and arrivals, along with 05 departures. 05 arrivals can be captured if the aircraft vacates at the beginning of 23, which is common with larger aircraft.
TIME
The DHL carpark is a morning location only. During the Summer, this spot can be used from before sunrise until around 11:00 or until the lighting becomes toplit. This location should not be used during Winter as the sun rises North of this location.
MISC.
A Hungry Jacks with a restroom located nearby on Marion Road.
FOCAL LENGTH
100 to 400mm is a great focal length for this location.
No pictures available at the moment.
Spot #2 – The Bakery
WHERE
The “Bakery” is located down a dirt road off the right side of Richmond Road. A line has been added to the map to mark the location of entry. Continue down the driveway towards the large bakery warehouse on the right. Park next to bridge next to the gate. The bridge is the best area to spot at this location.
WHAT
The views here are similar to the DHL carpark and is useful for 23 arrivals and 05 departures can be captured from here. 23 departures are difficult to capture without a decent sized ladder, due to a fence line in the distance.
TIME
The “Bakery” is a morning spot only. During the Summer, this spot can be used from before sunrise until around 11:30 or until the light becomes toplit. During Winter, this location should be avoided because the sun rises North of this location.
MISC.
A Hungry Jacks with a restroom located nearby on Marion Road. Security is not an issue here. Be careful on the bridge as the sides are short and it is easy to fall off. The river underneath is approximately 4 meters deep and is usually full of water.
FOCAL LENGTH
100mm for 737’s on approach to runway 23. 50-75mm for A330’s/777’s on approach to runway 23. 150mm for aircraft taxiing for 23 departure.
Trennery Street can be accessed off the left side of Marion Road. Drive to the end of the street and park by the ILS landing lights. This location is almost directly inline with the runway threshold, and allows you to capture low, belly shots of aircraft. Standing near the intersection at the end of Trennery Street allows for direct underneath shots.
WHAT
This location allows you to capture shots of aircraft landing on runway 23 and departing runway 05. The runway lights offer great photo subjects for your images. Aircraft usually approach from behind the roof of the house with the runway lights in front of it. Position yourself in the area to achieve your desired shot.
TIME
When facing West, this shot can be used during early mornings until around 11:00 for runway 05 departures. When facing East, this shot can be used from around 14:30 onwards for runway 23 arrivals.
MISC.
A Hungry Jacks with a restroom located nearby on Marion Road. Take care when standing in the middle of the intersection. Cars approach quickly.
FOCAL LENGTH
You will not need any more than 50mm at this location.
No pictures available at the moment.
Spot #4 – Ralph Street
WHERE
Ralph Street is very similar to Trennery Street, however this is one street further north, allowing you to capture more side on shots of passing aircraft.
WHAT
Runway 23 departures and 05 arrivals can be captured here.
TIME
When facing West, this shot can be used during early mornings until around 11:00 for runway 05 departures. When facing East, this shot can be used from around 14:30 onwards for runway 23 arrivals.
MISC.
There is a Hungry Jacks restaurant at the end of Ralph Street which also features a restroom.
FOCAL LENGTH
You will not need any more than 50mm at this location.
Located in the North Eastern corner of the airfield and is accessible via the main airport entry road, the Pak Fresh car park offers a great view of aircraft approaching runway 23. This location offers a mostly unobstructed view of the aircraft landing, and aircraft pushing back and taxiing to and from the main airport apron. A ladder is recommended, but not required.
WHAT
This location is best suited for runway 23 arrivals.
TIME
In summer you are best to use this location from midday onwards and 0930 onwards in winter.
MISC.
You need to park somewhere else to access this carpark as its closed to general public.
This is one of the most popular spots in Adelaide. If heading south on Marion Road, turn left onto Hounslow Avenue around 150 metres before Sir Donald Bradman Drive. You will see a large park on your right with tennis courts and cricket nets. There is a little verandah with some seats underneath where you will regularly find some of the local spotters. You can sit there and watch the aircraft arrive.
WHAT
This location is only really suitable for runway 23 arrivals.
TIME
In summer you are best to use this spot from midday onwards and 0930 onwards in summer.
MISC.
A Hungry Jacks is located on Marion Road, which features a restroom. There is no need for a ladder.
FOCAL LENGTH
You need 100mm for A350’s & 777’s, 200mm for 737’s/A320/s and 400mm for Saab 340’s.
This spot is the terminal itself. It’s no secret that Adelaide has the best terminal in Australia for spotting in the country. Go through security, even withouth boarding pass and take a walk through the terminal and pick what gate to spot from. From here you can spot all 23 arrivals, 23 departures and 05 departures as well as heavy 05 arrivals.
WHAT
Great for 23 arrivals and departures and capturing aircraft at their gates.
TIME
In summer, this spot is best after 11am while it can be used all year round in summer.
MISC.
The terminal has everything you could possibly need. Do note that parking at the terminal is quite expensive. It has been known for local spotters to park at the neighbouring Ikea car park and walk to the terminal. (approximately 5 minutes)
FOCAL LENGTH
35mm for gate shots, 100+ for taxiing or runway shots
Park in the GA car park and walk into the long term car park towards the north fence.
WHAT
This is where the majority of the overnight freight aircraft (such as the BAe 146 and 737-400F) park during the day. You will also find aircraft which have broken down or are on an extended stay in this area. You can also capture aircraft landing runway 12 from this location.
TIME
This spot is best from sunrise until around 11:30.
MISC.
A ladder is required. Keep it 3 metres from the fence! Be careful about Security but also the Control tower located within the long-term carpark where the controllers may be watching you. Otherwise the terminal is just around the corner.
FOCAL LENGTH
A basic 18-55 would be sufficient for this location.
Similar to Spot 8, continue past the ATC tower in the long term carpark to the Eastern fence which overlooks the ‘Foxtrot’ and ‘Alfa 2’ taxiway.
WHAT
This location allows you to capture aircraft taxiing back to the terminal from runway 23, aircraft taxiing to runway 05 from the terminal, aircraft landing/departing runway 12/30 and also aircraft departing or landing on 23/05.
TIME
During winter, this location is the one stop shop for 23 and 05 operations. Best time is from around 8:00 until backlit at around 15:00.
MISC.
A ladder is required. Keep it 3 metres from the fence! Be careful about Security but also the Control tower located within the long-term carpark where the controllers may be watching you. Otherwise the terminal is just around the corner.
FOCAL LENGTH
At least 50mm for aircraft on taxiway, 200mm + for aircraft on runway.
Located at the end of James Schofield Drive, the Cobham center offers a great location and viewing area of aircraft parked in general aviation and of the freighter aircraft by the long term carpark. You will also find multiple fences at the end of driveways along the left side of James Schofield Drive, which is good for viewing parked aircraft at GA.
WHAT
Offers good visibility of the North-Eastern wing of general aviation. The Pilatus building located at the start of James Schofield drive often has new PC-12’s and the occasional RAAF PC-21.
TIME
This location can be used from around 13:00 until around 16:00.
MISC.
Fortunately, security is not a huge issue here, however maintain 3 meters from the fence.
Located past the tower next to the Qantas Freight office building, the mesh fence offers an unobstructed view of aircraft parked at the terminal along with runway 23/05 operations. Aircraft taxiing near the terminal can be captured from this location.
WHAT
All aircraft can be spotted from this location. Alliance Fokker 50’s and Qantaslink Q300’s approach the fence very close when taxiing to and from their parking bay behind the terminal.
TIME
This location can be used from around 15:00 onwards.
MISC.
Security and workers from Qantas Freight may approach you ask you to leave. If you keep to the LEFT side of the red fire hydrant, you are NOT in restricted space and you can continue spotting as long as you maintain 3 meters away from the fence on a ladder. DO NOT cross the red fire hydrant.
FOCAL LENGTH
8mm for aircraft taxiing next to the fence, 100mm onwards for other shooting.
Possibly the most popular spotting location at Adelaide Airport, a small inlet car park on the southern side of Tapleys Hill Road past Harbour Town.
WHAT
This location offers an unobstructed view of most of runway 05/23. Great for 05 approaches and departure along with 23 departures. A ladder is not required, however recommended to get over the slight fence line which may obstruct aircraft in frame.
TIME
This location can be used from 12:00 onwards.
MISC.
A McDonalds, Subway and other food outlets are located at Harbour Town. Toilets facilities are avaliable at the West Beach skate park along with Harbour Town.
FOCAL LENGTH
50mm for large aircraft taxiing by. 150mm onwards for aircraft on runway
A popular spot with thrill seekers! Located opposite the threshold of runway 05, park at the small airport overlooking car park on Africaine road, walk around 300 metres to the half pipe and walk up the stairs. For a more side on shot of aircraft, you can stay at the carpark or walk closer to the skate area. Choose what area works best for you.
WHAT
Runway 05 arrivals and 23 departures can be captured from the carpark, while both 05/23 departures and arrivals can be captured from the half pipe.
TIME
This spot can be used all day. Facing West for 05 arrivals in the morning and East in the afternoon.
MISC.
Toilets are available behind the kiosk (Note: the toilets are absolutely disgusting). Harbour town is nearby with food and toilet facilities. You can get very creative with shots at this location.
FOCAL LENGTH
A minimum of 8mm for this spot when capturing aircraft from underneath on the halfpipe. 100mm+ for shots at the car park.
This is a very popular spot in summer mornings for runway 05 arrivals. Turn off Tapleys Hill Road onto Warren Avenue at the traffic lights, then take a sharp left down a dirt road where you will find a small car park with the block on your left. (Note: you can not access this from the left side of Warren Avenue.)
WHAT
Climb on top of the block (A ladder may be helpfull for this) and you get a great view of runway 05 arrivals and departures, and also 23 departures.
TIME
Best in summer mornings until 11am. Backlit all day during winter.
MISC.
Toilets facilities at West Beach skate park kiosk.
FOCAL LENGTH
A lens which covers 55-200mm would be best at this location.
Just a top tip, when spotting at Spotting Area 8 and 9 not be careful about Security but also the Control tower located within the long-term carpark where the controllers may be watching you, I had that issue when spotting there I didn’t have my ladder back 3 metres from the fence and with a half an hour or so, I had a visit from the Australian federal police giving a friendly warning to put my ladder back 3 metres back from the fence which was hard because my ladder was a 3 step ladder, not very big at all.
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Just a top tip, when spotting at Spotting Area 8 and 9 not be careful about Security but also the Control tower located within the long-term carpark where the controllers may be watching you, I had that issue when spotting there I didn’t have my ladder back 3 metres from the fence and with a half an hour or so, I had a visit from the Australian federal police giving a friendly warning to put my ladder back 3 metres back from the fence which was hard because my ladder was a 3 step ladder, not very big at all.
Hope this helps!
That helps indeed. I put a side note in the guide.
Thanks!
Apparently Spot 1 is no longer usable as security will now move you away.
Maybe it is better to avoid the business day and go on weekends only?
-Julian