Australia, New Zealand & the South Pacific - Help with SYD Spotting

All,

I'm flying on Delta's inaugural SYD-LAX service on Friday and I'd like to write a thorough trip report, but I need some help in planning where to go in the SYD airport. I plan on arriving at the airport at 6AM to be able to snap some photos of the a/c arrival from LAX. Where would be the best place to do this? In looking at the T1 Map, there is an observation deck outside security/immigration behind the "A" check-in counter. Does this area provide a good view of the runways? Is there somewhere else that might work better? My goal is to take some shots from here and then quickly go inside the secure area to take photos around the gate area if there are any festivities. Does that sound feasible? My plans may be thwarted simply because the counters may not open for check-in early enough, so I may be relegated to spotting from outside the terminal anyways... Ideally, I'd be able to get shots of: the arrival, pax deplaning / any interviews, shots around the business class lounge (which one? who knows...), shots around the gate and any festivities, shots on board. I'm just trying to get a plan so I don't screw it up. Thanks for your assistance.

The observation deck you refer to is elevated and gives reasonable views of the main N/S runway.

You reach it by use of a lift or stars from the beer garden of the Volore Bar. Find the bar then head outside through the glass doors.

The observation deck you refer to is elevated and gives reasonable views of the main N/S runway.

You reach it by use of a lift or stars from the beer garden of the Volore Bar. Find the bar then head outside through the glass doors.

Good point, but I think it's called "volare" and is an Italian place ???