Perth Airport (IATA: PER, ICAO: YPPH) is a domestic and international airport. It is also the capital, the largest city, the biggest airport of Western Australia and the fourth busiest airport in Australia. Perth deserve some major international cities as Johannesburg, Auckland, Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Guangzhou, Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lampur, Denpasar, Jakarta and Hong Kong. Perth is mostly interesting for it’s mines flights which are at least more than 50% of the traffics.The best days to get lots of the mines traffics (Cobham, Skippers, Alliance Airlines, etc.) are mainly during the week (Monday to Friday). You can have the chance to get Dash3, Metrojet, RJ70/85/100, Embraer 120 Brasilia, Embraer 190, Fokker 70/100 and some smaller prop too. Otherwise heavy aircraft are mostly everyday (EK 773/388 twice, EY 789, QR 77W, QF 332/3, VA 332, D7 333, SQ 772 twice + 333, TZ 789, MH 333, TG 788, CX 333, CZ 788/332, NZ 789 (almost twice during winter), MK 332 (343 during winter), SA 343/6).
Information about Cobham “mines flights” : https://www.cobhamaviationservices.com/flying-with-us/passenger-information/flight-status/
If you want to be aware about traffics information or you need some more assistance, please be free to contact directly the AAWA (Aviation Association of Western Australia) by using their website: https://www.aviationwa.org.au
Written by David Eyre & Keith Anderson (President & Vice President of AviaitonWA) and Jeremy Denton (Last update May 2017)
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| Airline Variety |
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| Photo Locations |
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| Weather |
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| Airport Information |
Runways |
03/21 |
06/24 |
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3,444m (11,299ft) |
2,163m (7.096ft) |
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Asphalt |
Asphalt |
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| Terminal 1 |
Terminal 2 |
Terminal 3 |
Terminal 4 |
| International terminal and also used by Virgin Australia |
Virgin Australia and Regional Express Airlines |
Jetstar and Qantas |
Qantas, QantasLink, Jetstar |
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| General Warnings |
Do not take photos of airport personnel or passengers, or you may get into trouble and cause problems for local spotters. Do not argue if asked to leave by security or Australian Federal Police. |
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| Spotting Information |
Ladder |
Not needed. |
| Car |
Recommended or taxi as the spots are quite far from each others. |
| Restrooms |
Available only at the terminal. |
| Drinks/Food |
Mostly available at the terminal or fastfoods around the airport could be found. |
| Hotels |
Few hotels could be found next to the airport or in the city. |
| Season |
Best is during summer season from October to March. Chance of bad weather during Winter season April to September. |
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| Runway Usage |
03/21 06/24 |
Rwy24 is mostly using for aircraft arriving from the east or all Cobham/Skippers/Qantas/Virgin stuff and the rwy21 mostly using by international airlines. |
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Spot #1 – Arum Lily |
| WHERE |
This spot is located in the north east of the airport. From the airport, exit the airport, take the first roundabout (first exit), then second roundabout (first exit again), you are driving on Grogan Rd. Then in few hundreds meters take on the left on Abermethy Rd direction north. Drive on this road for approximately 8 minutes (you will pass a first crossing way) continue on the same road, then you reached a roundabout, continue strait until the road is ending by a crossing way. From here take on the right on Great Eastern Hwy Bypass. Exit at the first way on the left on Stiring Cres then first way on the let on Lakes Rd for a few hundreds meters to reached Vale Rd which it will be on you left again (follow this road until the end). Finally, take on the right drive few meters and here you are. |
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| WHAT |
Only afternoon arrivals runway 24. |
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| TIME |
From approximately 1000/1030 (depend on the season) to sunset. |
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| MISC. |
There’s nothing at this spot, bring with you what you need. |
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| FOCAL LENGTH |
A330 = 170mm / B738 = 240mm / A320 = 250mm / F100 = 250mm |
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Spot #2 – Approach runway 24 |
| WHERE |
From the International Terminal T1 & T2, exit the terminal by heading north. So take the first road on the left “Grogan Road” then again on the left on Abernethy and stay on it for at least 3 to 5 minutes depend on the traffic. Then you will see a really small path on your left side, exit the main road and park the car here. The itinerary could be seen on the map. |
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| WHAT |
Only morning landings runway 24. |
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| TIME |
From sunrise until 0930 approx. |
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| MISC. |
There’s nothing at this spot, bring with you what you need. |
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| FOCAL LENGTH |
300-400mm is enough. |
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Spot #3 – Terminal 1 Observation Deck |
| WHERE |
The observation deck can be accessed in the terminal near the departures and the check-in area. From here go to the first floor walk pass the Duty Free shop and down the hallway which takes you to a lift and staircase to the 3rd floor Observation Deck. |
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| WHAT |
Taxi aircraft, push-back, nightshots and remote aircraft. You are shooting throw windows. Parking rates : 10-15=6$ / 30-1h=12.60$ / 2-3h= 21$ / 4-5h=25.60$
Useful link from AAWA : https://www.aviationwa.org.au/spotting-photo-locations/perth-airport-terminal-1-observation-deck/ |
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| TIME |
Almost all day mostly morning shots and nightshots. Open 24 hours and 7 days per week. Summer time could be tricky due to heat haze and be aware of reflex as you shot throw windows. |
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| MISC. |
Foods, drinks, toilets, free wifi, everything you need. |
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| FOCAL LENGTH |
18mm to 300mm |
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Spot #4 – Virgin Australia Terminal 1 |
| WHERE |
The Departures Lounge areas can be accessed by entering the Check-in area, then proceed to the escalator or lift to the first floor. You will be required to undergo security checks (just like passengers) and can then walk to the departures area. NOTE: From the ground floor arrivals area, you can also access a hallway to Terminal 2, which is used for intrastate and FIFO domestic flights by Virgin Australia Regional Airlines, Tigerair and Alliance Airlines. The hallway has some windows. |
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| WHAT |
Gate shots, taxiing aircraft, landing runway 21 morning. Parking rates : 10-15=6$ / 30-1h=12.60$ / 2-3h= 21$ / 4-5h=25.60$
Useful link from AAWA : https://www.aviationwa.org.au/spotting-photo-locations/perth-airport-terminal-1-domestic-t1-domestic/ |
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| TIME |
Open 24 hours, 7 days per week. Best for morning shots. Summer time could be tricky due to heat haze and be aware of reflex as you shot throw windows. |
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| MISC. |
Foods, drinks, toilets, free wifi, everything you need. |
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| FOCAL LENGTH |
18-300mm |
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Spot #5 – Airport Parking |
| WHERE |
Take direction to the International Terminal which is T1 and T2. There’s many public parking and the best it’s to choose one which you satisfy the most to take pictures. |
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| WHAT |
Only morning take-offs runway 21. Parking rates : 0-1h=free / 1h-2h=18$ / 2-3h= 21$ / 3-4h=24$ / 4-24h (1day)=25$ |
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| TIME |
From sunrise until approx 1030 (depend on the season). |
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| MISC. |
There’s nothing at this spot, bring with you what you need. |
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| FOCAL LENGTH |
100-400mm |
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Spot #6 – Approach runway 03 (Morning) |
| WHERE |
From the spot 5, exit the international terminal T1 & T2 direction south on Horrie Miller Dr. Depend at which paring you are, you may pass 4 or 5 roundabouts and then take a small road on your right named Dunreath and stop around 30 meters then. See the journey on the map in case. |
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| WHAT |
Only morning landings runway 03. |
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| TIME |
From sunrise until 1030 approx. |
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| MISC. |
There’s nothing at this spot, bring with you what you need. |
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| FOCAL LENGTH |
100-300mm |
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Spot #7 – Industrial Area South |
| WHERE |
From the spot 6, take the first road on your right “Hitchcock Pl” then on the left to “Reid Rd” and take the roundabout on the right on “Horrie Miller Dr” then it’s on “Kewdale Rd”. You have to drive for few minutes then take on the right to the crossing “Abernathy Rd” and take on the right on “Hazlehurst St” drive to the end (see on the map). |
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| WHAT |
Only afternoon landings runway 03. |
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| TIME |
From 1000 to sunset. |
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| MISC. |
There’s nothing at this spot, bring with you what you need. |
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| FOCAL LENGTH |
Airbus 330-300 & 340-300 = 78mm / Airbus 320 & 738 = 140mm |
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Spot #8 – Public Viewing Area (Most famous spot) |
| WHERE |
Take direction Terminal 3/4 domestic terminal and then follow the signs “Public Observation Deck” really easy to find this location. |
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| WHAT |
Afternoon take-off rwy21 (heavy aircraft), rolling and landings runway 03. |
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| TIME |
The Public Viewing Area is a good spot which is open every day almost all day light but we recommend you to spot the afternoon as in the morning is it backlight. Here are the open hours : April to September : 0730-1730 October to March : 0630-1900 |
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| MISC. |
There’s nothing at this spot, bring with you what you need. |
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| FOCAL LENGTH |
Take-off : From 115mm to 420mm (depend on the motive) Taxi/runway : From 110mm to 290mm (depend on the motive) Landing : From 110mm to 420mm (depend on the motive) |
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Spot #9 – Emergency Point |
| WHERE |
Go direction Perth Airport domestic 3+4 and follow the signs to reached the Perth Mail Center and park the car on the road “Boud Ave”. Local spotters are always using the road to park their car and never had any troubles. Check on the map everything is underline in blue just follow it. |
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| WHAT |
Rolling aircraft to runway 03/21 – 06/24 afternoon. |
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| TIME |
From 1000 to sunset. |
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| MISC. |
There’s nothing at this spot, bring with you what you need. |
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| FOCAL LENGTH |
B789 = 80mm / 320 = 140mm / SB340 = 240mm / Metrojet = 250mm |
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Spot #10 – Freighters |
| WHERE |
From the spot 9, take the first road on your right (Boud Ave), then you will see an open parking on your right next to the fences here you are. Park your car there and you can spot easily. |
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| WHAT |
Take-off runway 24 are good you can also take some pictures throw the fences if you have a small lance but still quite complicated. Also good (on colder days) for aircraft taxying in after landing on runway 24, aircraft taking off on runway 03 (can see them on take-off roll, but cannot see them rotating). No good in warmer months, due to heat haze. |
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| TIME |
From 1000 to sunset. |
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| MISC. |
There’s nothing at this spot, bring with you what you need. |
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| FOCAL LENGTH |
A333 = 140mm / B738 = 210mm / RJ85 = 240mm / Dash3 = 380mm / Embraer Brasilia = 420mm |
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Spot #11 – Terminal 3 Qantas/Jetstar |
| WHERE |
Drive to terminal 3 then go to the Departures Lounge viewing areas can be accessed by entering the terminal, then walking to the left side. You will be required to undergo security checks (just like passengers) and can then proceed to the escalator or lift to the first floor. You can also walk through a hallway to Terminal 4, which is used for domestic flights by Qantas, QantasLink and Jetstar. |
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| WHAT |
Aircraft at the gates and rolling. Useful link from AAWA : https://www.aviationwa.org.au/spotting-photo-locations/perth-airport-terminal-3-domestic/ |
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| TIME |
Late morning and afternoon. Summer time could be tricky due to heat haze and be aware of reflex as you shot throw windows. |
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| MISC. |
Foods, drinks, toilets, free wifi, everything you need. |
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| FOCAL LENGTH |
18-300mm |
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Spot #12 – Terminal 4 Qantas Domestic |
| WHERE |
Drive to terminal 4 then go to the Arrivals and Departures Lounge viewing areas can be accessed by entering the terminal, then walking to the left side. You will be required to undergo security checks (just like passengers) and can then proceed to the escalator, lift or stairs to the first floor. You can also walk through a hallway to Terminal 3, which is used by Virgin Australia, Skywest and Tiger Airways Australia. |
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| WHAT |
Rolling, arrivals runway 21, aircraft at the gates. Useful link from AAWA : https://www.aviationwa.org.au/spotting-photo-locations/perth-airport-terminal-4-qantas-domestic/ |
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| TIME |
Late morning and afternoon. Summer time could be tricky due to heat haze and be aware of reflex as you shot throw windows. |
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| MISC. |
Foods, drinks, toilets, free wifi, everything you need. |
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| FOCAL LENGTH |
18-400mm |
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Spot #13 – Industrial Area North |
| WHERE |
Exit the Domestic terminal 3 of Qantas and Jetstar on Brearley Avenue then after the roundabout at the junction take on the right on 94 “Great Eastern Hwy”. Continue on the same road by taking on the left and finally take on the right to Hyne Road until the end. Fallow the journey on the map. |
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| WHAT |
Only afternoon landings runway 21. |
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| TIME |
From around 1200 until sunset. |
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| MISC. |
There’s nothing at this spot, bring with you what you need. |
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| FOCAL LENGTH |
A346 = 140mm / B788 = 170mm / B738 = 240mm / Challenger = 420mm |
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Spot #14 – Park at Queens Road Arboretum |
| WHERE |
From spot 13, go up the street then take on the right on Kalamunda Road and on the left on the path Barker Road. |
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| WHAT |
Only morning landings runway 21. |
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| TIME |
From sunrise until around 1100. |
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| MISC. |
There’s nothing at this spot, bring with you what you need. |
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| FOCAL LENGTH |
A332 = 170mm / B738/A320 = 210mm |
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Spot #15 – Banking runway 21 |
| WHERE |
This spot is located at approx 25 minutes from the airport. From spot 13, go back to Great Eastern Hwy and follow it until the end of it. Take on the right then on the left on Meadow St. You will be at Swan River and take the road W Swan Road (52) for at least 15-20 minutes. You will have to turn on Park Street and follow this road until the spot is located on the map. It’s tricky to explain how to go and hope is understandable. If not, relies on the map. |
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| WHAT |
Only long-haul flights (mostly of the time it will be Emirates / Qatar / Etihad / Air Asia) comings from the sea and lands on runway21 during afternoon. Be aware that its still a tricky spot as it depends mainly on their route and on the traffics. Have a look on FR24. |
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| TIME |
From approx 1300 until sunset. |
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| MISC. |
There’s nothing at this spot, bring with you what you need. |
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| FOCAL LENGTH |
At least a 400mm or even bigger would be great. |
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4 Comments
Excellent information for anybody who has not been there before. I am visiting Perth in Jan 2019 and will be there over a weekend. Is there an airport spotting hotel you could recommend during my stay.
Many thanks
Chris
Hi Chris, you will find a few hotels near the airport with different prices :
https://www.bestwesternascot.com.au/
https://www.accorhotels.com/fr/hotel-5676-ibis-budget-perth-airport/index.shtml
https://www.internationalonthewater.com.au/
All the best,
Jeremy Denton
Great guide! I’ve been to PER several times and there are a few spots above that I wasn’t aware of. A couple of other locations that I think are worth a mention:
1. The car park to the west of the Skippers Aviation terminal allows views of their fleet and you can get some decent photos through the fence. The mining flights tend to be Mon-Fri so most of the fleet is parked up at the weekend.
2. At the north end of Newton Road (past the Network/Airflite hangars) there is a footpath next to the perimeter fence. Walk along to some open ground past the Ozjet 737s, and it’s possible to get good shots of traffic landing on 21 in the afternoon. The spot also gives good views of the 146s/F100s/etc but sadly a massive double fence means photos of anything on the ramp are impossible. It used to be ok to park in Newton Rd but it looks like it’s no longer possible so may need to use a public car-park and walk.
Cheers
Alan
Wonderful contribution for WA Aviationists. Congratulations to all those who made this guide happen.