Amberley, RAAF

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ICAO Code YAMB/
Last Validated
City Amberley
Position 27°38'26"S 152°42'43"E
Runway(s) 04/22, 15/33
Elevation 91 ft

General

Amberley hosts the Super Hornet fleet of the Royal Australian Air Force. However, when it comes to aircraft spotting, we seldom heard positive stories about this Airbase. Good viewing spots are available but you will not spend a long time there as the Military Police will be quite quick knock on your car window and send you away again. Still we give you some info on this base and hope, pray, that things will get better in the future. Unfortunately, as the base is going to expand, and will become more and more important in the future, the two most appealing vantage spots at the north-eastern side of the base have been closed down... Lincoln and Sewell street are not accessible anymore.

Getting There

The base is located about 60 kilometers west from Brisbane, near the town of Ipswich. Take the Cunningham Highway (15) which leads you south of Ipswich and straight to the base. As shown on the map, Highway 15 leads you south of the base. Take Goddards Road to lead you to spot 1, take the Southern Amberley Road which will bring you to the main gate.

Around the Airport

1Fire training area

The northwest corner of the air base, where the transport aircraft live, used to be reachable. Nowadays, Walloon Road is on military terrain and therefore inaccessible. However, from Halgsley Amberley road you can see the fire training area opposite the base. When you look to the west you will be able to see a MB326 in this area.

2Main Gate

From South Amberley road you will have a look on the maintainance hanger and you might be able to see some extra aircraft from here. A Canberra is preserved at the main gate.

3Behms st

When runway 22 is in use, spot 3 can be used to take pictures of the aircraft making a sharp bank to the left. If you you are in luck they make a tight turn, if not you need at least 600mm

4Old Towoomba Road

At the end of the Old Towoomba Road you will find a gate through which you can read off some of the aircraft parked under the sun sheds. Also you can have a good look at the action on the active runway.

5Aspinal street

Distant views used to be possible from Aspinal street, that is on higher ground. Take a left towards the base from Toongarra Road. Increasing foliage and buildings will probably block most of your view nowadays.

These shots are no longer possible unfortunately (19 July 2016, Robbert Snijders)

Frequencies

129.350Ground
118.300/264.600/359.000Tower
126.200/335.800/359.000Approach

Based Operators

1sqnF/A-18F
6sqnEA-18G
33sqnKC-30
35sqnC-27J
36sqnC-17A

Preserved

A84-201Canberra, at the main gate

Order of Battle Australia

Royal Australian Air Force
Australian Army
Royal Australian Navy

Other Airfields

Amberley, RAAF
Canberra Intl. (ex Fairbairn, RAAF)  
East Sale, RAAF
Edinburgh, RAAF  
Gold Coast  
Newcastle - Williamtown, RAAF
Nowra - Albatross, HMAS  
Oakey, AAF  
Pearce, RAAF
Richmond, RAAF  
Wagga Wagga, RAAF  

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