Aviation Enthusiasts

Townsville Airport is one of Australia’s most unique airports to spot at, with a mix of commercial flights, military movements and general aviation activity.

Whether you're capturing photos, tracking arrivals or just enjoying the view, we're proud to be a place that brings people together through a shared love of aviation. 

Snap your shot, join our community and tag @tsvairport to be featured.

Townsville Plane Spotter's contestant in an orange safety vest taking a photograph on the airfield, with an airplane visible in the background.

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Plane Spotting at Townsville Airport

Townsville Airport is a dynamic and unique airfield, up to 100 aircraft movements every day, from general aviation planes to turboprops, large jets and military aircraft.

It’s this incredible mix of commercial, defence and general aviation traffic that makes Townsville Airport such an exciting place to spot. Whether it’s a QantasLink Dash 8, a visiting widebody or a Royal Australian Air Force jet on approach, there’s always something worth watching.

We’re passionate about aviation and love sharing that excitement with our local spotting community. So, grab your camera, pick your favourite vantage point and enjoy the buzz of one of Australia’s most interesting regional airports.

Please note there are restrictions in place for taking photographs of Defence Bases, associated infrastructure and personnel. 

Best Vantage Points

Belgian Gardens Cemetery


Address: Evans Street, Belgian Gardens: 
For a side-on view of take-offs and landings, this quiet spot offers a unique perspective, especially during early mornings and late afternoons.

Defence Operations

Townsville Airport is a shared facility with the Department of Defence, home to a significant number of military operations and sensitive Defence assets.

We ask all aviation enthusiasts and photographers to remain mindful of this and follow all guidelines under the Defence Act 1903, which prohibits the photography of any Defence installation or part of one. Defence installation means any fort, battery, fieldwork, fortification, aircraft, air force establishment or aircraft material or any naval, military or air force work of defence.

If you're unsure whether something is safe or appropriate to photograph, it’s always best to avoid sharing it publicly. Respecting these boundaries ensures we can continue to support and celebrate our spotting community safely and responsibly. 

Plane Spotters Photography Competition - Now Closed.

Submissions for the annual Townsville Airport Plane Spotters Photography Competition Entries have now closed. For information about future competitions, check back on this page, follow our social media channels or contact us at planespotters@qldairports.com.

aboriginal-flag Acknowledgement of Country

Townsville Airport acknowledges the Wulgurukaba people as Traditional Custodians of the land on which we operate. We also acknowledge the neighbouring Bindal, Manbarra, Gudjal, Gugu Badhun, Nywaigi and Warrgamay peoples.

We pay respect to their Elders past, present and future and value the traditions, cultures and aspirations of First Australians. We recognise their continued connection to the lands, seas and skies upon which Townsville Airport operates.