Hobart airport is the gateway to Tasmania. It handles numerous daily flights by Qantas, Virgin and JetStar to the mainland of Australia, but recently also received Auckland flights operated by Air New Zealand, after years of proclamating them. Most general aviation traffic has been moved to nearby Cambridge airport, but some helicopters are still based in Hobart. Aircraft of the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the Australian Government can be frequently spotted. A Qantas freighter also flies into Hobart every day. Skytraders uses Hobart as a base for flights on an A319 to Antarctica.

Written by Sebastian Arndt. Last Update: March 2026

Rating
Movements
Airline Variety
Photo Locations
Weather
Airport Information
Runways
12/30	2.727 m asphalt
Terminals	One terminal handling all flights.
Spotting Information
Ladder	A ladder might be useful at spot 2 and 4 to clear the fence.
Car/Public Transport	The terminal and spots 1, 4 and 5 can be reached by public transportation. A car is recommended though. Uber can be used alternatively.
Drinks/Food	The terminal offers all faciltites. Nothing can be found at spots 2 and 3.
Hotels
Season	Heat haze may become a problem during summer. All year round, it can be wet and windy.
Security	No problems reported.
Runway Usage
12/30	Only runway used in both directions depends on wind direction.

	Spot #1 – Tower Road – All movements
WHERE	From the terminal, follow Loop Road to the end of the buildings and then, climb the footpath up towards the car park near the tower. The walk takes about 5 minutes. It is also possible to drive up Tower Road and park your car. When driving up here, do not walk away too far from your vehicle and do not stay too close to the tower. Signs prohibit entry to the tower area.
WHAT	All movements, especially RWY 12 arrivals and line ups. Aircraft taxiing on the ramp. It is worth noting that arrivals or even departures of nearby Cambridge airport can be spotted from this spot as well even though they are rather far away and require 400 mm plus (Britten Norman Islander example photo shot with 250 mm).
TIME	Late afternoon until sunset, otherwise backlit.
MISC.	Heat haze may be a problem here.
FOCAL LENGTH	200 mm plus

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	Spot #2 – Tasman Highway – 12 arrivals and line ups
WHERE	This spot is located by the roadside underneath runway 12 approach path along the Tasman Highway. There is an asphalted area where you can get rid of the car, but do not park to close to the runway center line. Once there position yourself along the path parallel of the highway.
WHAT	RWY 12 arrivals and line ups. For latter you have to cross the road and shoot through the mesh of the fence.
TIME	For 12 arrivals the best time is from sunrise until afternoon and in the evening. During noon/early afternoon the sun on the runway axis. Then it’s perfect for line-ups but heat haze may be a problem unfortunately.
MISC.	No facilities can be found here.
FOCAL LENGTH	50-250 mm

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	Spot #3 – Seven Mile Beach – 30 arrivals and line ups
WHERE	From the airport, follow Grueber Avenue towards Seven Mile Beach, turn onto Surf Road and park your car by the roadside. From there the sand dunes can be climbed for a better view.
WHAT	RWY 30 arrivals and line ups.
TIME	For 30 arrivals the best time is from sunrise until afternoon and in the evening. During noon/early afternoon the sun on the runway axis. Line-ups are fine in the morning.
MISC.	No facilities can be found here. A beach is just around the corner.
FOCAL LENGTH	50-250 mm

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	Spot #4 – Cargo/General Aviation ramp
WHERE	From the terminal, walk southeast. Turn onto Long Street and then onto Johnson Street and walk till the end to the fence. It is less than 5 minutes of walking from the terminal.
WHAT	Aircraft parked on the ramp, especially general aviation airplanes and the Qantas freighter can be spotted here through the fence.
TIME	Noon until sunset.
MISC.	Do not enter the rental car premises south of the Qantas hangar as it is forbidden to do so.
FOCAL LENGTH	15-250 mm

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	Spot #5 – Helicopter Operations
WHERE	From the terminal, follow the footpath next to Holyman Avenue towards the Helicopter hangars. Position yourself on the footpath near the helipad. The walk from the terminal takes less than 5 minutes.
WHAT	Helicopter operations on the helipad.
TIME	All day depending on the angle.
MISC.	Most helicopter operations have been moved to nearby Cambridge airport, but some still remain at Hobart airport.
FOCAL LENGTH	15-250 mm

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	Spot #6 – Cambridge Aerodrome YCBG
WHERE	In the case there are no movements at HBA, you can visit the nearby Cambridge Aerodrome. The ride from Hobart is only a few minutes. Unfortunately there are not much photo options available at YCBG as hangars and other buildings blocking the view. A good option is the turning pad at the end of Cherokee Drive.
WHAT	All movements on 09/27 and nearby ramps. Aircraft are very close!
TIME	All day depending on the angle.
MISC.	No ladder needed.
FOCAL LENGTH	20-200 mm

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