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

Williamtown Military base more commonly known as Newcastle Airport is located 30 minutes from Newcastle CBD. Newcastle airport operates one runway 12/30. Runway 12 is an ils where as 30 is a visual approach but the best for taking photo's as the aircraft land over the road.

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:

• Airliners.net sample photo: medium large
• Airliners.net sample photo: medium large

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:

• Airliners.net sample photo: medium large

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:

• Airliners.net sample photo: medium large

Regular Traffic

Domestic

• Jetstar A320
• Virgin Blue 737-700/800 (Pacific Blue also makes the odd apperance)
• Brindabella Metro 23
• Aero Pelican Jetstream 32 & Bae 110
• Norfolk Air 737-200
• Qantaslink Dash 8

General Aviation

• King Air (RFDS & Ambulance)
• Cessna Citation
• Bombardier jets
• Cessna 172, 206, 180
• Gliders