Newcastle Airport
| Continent: Oceania | Country: Australia | Region: New South Wales |
| Newcastle Airport/RAAF Base Williamtown | |
| Location | Newcastle, New South Wales |
| IATA code | NTL |
| ICAO code | YWLM |
| Airport type | Mixed-Use Commercial |
| Website | http://www.newcastleairport.com.au |
| Overview map | [ ] |
| Communications | |
| Tower | 118.30 |
| Ground | 121.80 |
| Clearance | 130.35 |
| Approach | 135.70 |
| ATIS | |
| Departure | 118.30 |
Official Spotting Locations
Medowie Road Car Park
This is the offical spotting location at Williamtown. There is plenty of parking to accomodate 100+ cars and a couple of chairs to sit on which face towards runway 30. This spot is great for visual landings on 30 or take offs from 12 most of the time the wind favours runway 30 so you get a lot of visuals. The sand dunes out to the east makes for a great back drop when spotting at this location and at sunset the runway lights make for a fantastic picture.
A good focal length for this spot is 50 to 300mm but 50mm is good for directly overehad photos. The best place to photograph from is directly under the flight path. You could mover further up towards fighter world for angled photos & side on photos.
Sample Photos from Medowie Road Car Park:
Other Spotting Locations
Fighter World
This is a great place for taking pictures of landings on runway 30. The viewing deck faces the 30 threshold and the designated touchdown zone is clearly visible. The recommended focal length for this location is 100 to 400mm although 200 is a good maximum. The best time for photos here is during the afternoon when the light is best but throughout the day there is good lighting.
Entry to Fighter World is $5 for children and $10 for adults so this is not the best option for approach photos but definately your best bet for landings on 30.
Bae Hanger
The Bae hanger is located on the runway 12 side of the airport and looks over the helicopter pads. This is a great location for taking pictures of departing helicopters due to the fact that you are only 12 feet from the pads. Be aware that you may need a step ladder for looking over the barb wire fence and that you may be moved on by security.
Sample Photos from the Bae Hanger:
Locations to Avoid
The Terminal
There is a fence running along the apron right next to the terminal and although this is a great place for taking pictures of aircraft up close you will probably be told me move on by security.
Sample Photos from The Terminal:
Regular Traffic
Jetstar
Jetstar operate the A320 into Newcastle
Virgin Blue
Virgin Blue operate the 737-700 & 737-800 into Newcastle. Pacific Blue also makes the odd appearance.
Brindabella
Brindabella operates the Metro 23 into Newcastle.
Aero Pelican
Aero Pelican is based in Newcastle and operate the Jetream 32 & BAE 110
Norfolk Air
Norfolk Air operate the 737-200 into Newcastle but this route is usually served by Ozjet.