Spotting at CNS

[numloxx]

Hi all,

I'm off to Cairns 5-8th June, and was wondering if anyone has any tips to make my holiday there more enjoyable.
My kit is a 40D with 50-500mm Sigma, and a 17-85mm IS lens.
I am aware of Mt Whitfield, and just wondering if any other spotters here have been there before and can offer any good locations.

Cheers

Carsten

[brianw999]

If they're approaching from the north then go north from the airfield on the highway, turn right just after the the airfield and you'll be able to park under the flightpath. A look at GoogleEarth will identify the road.

[Eadster]

Behind NJS hangar. There's a rock. Stand on it and you can shoot through the wire at the top. I didn't wanna say, but that's my spot so I'll let you use it ONCE! If using runway 15 it'll work great. But do the mountain. Can't beat the mountain.

[ryan]

Cns

I think the spot Brian is referring to is a spot on Machans road.

This is the sort of shot you will most likely get from there.



However, there wasn't much shade there when I was there so it can get a bit hot.

[brianw999]

Machans Road...that's it. Buggered if I could remember its name. And you're right about no shade. An air conditioned car is a VERY useful tool.

On the subject of cars, don't rent an airport pickup/dropoff. You'll have to pay a 6% surcharge of the total rental cost. Take a 10$ taxi ride to town and rent there. Budget did me a good deal last time. If you do rent a car try to do it in advance online for the best discounts. If they try to sell you an upgrade when you get there for a bit more money it often means that they don't have the car type available that you ordered. Just politely say no and that you'll be quite happy with what you've booked. They've got to give you at least the type that you ordered so you'll end up with a free upgrade anyway.