Highly Recommended Payware Add-ons that greatly enhance the PG areas

Landmarks Auckland City Pack ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Why I recommend it: Auckland is the "City of Sails," and this pack finally gives the harbour the attention it deserves. The default photogrammetry here can be very hit-or-miss, but Orbx replaces the key skyline features with high-quality custom models. It is essential for anyone flying the short hop between NZAA and the city.

Key Highlights:

• ✅ Sky Tower: The centerpiece of the city is fully modeled, including animated "SkyJump" and "SkyWalk" people on the observation deck!

• ✅ Mechanics Bay: Includes the Mechanics Bay Heliport (and several landable helipads on skyscrapers), making it a helicopter pilot's dream.

• ✅ The Harbour: Adds hundreds of 3D boats, the Harbour Bridge, and the Port of Auckland cranes to replace the flat satellite imagery.

Performance Note: Moderate impact. The CBD is dense, so you might see a slight dip in FPS if you fly very close to the Sky Tower.

Landmarks Brisbane City Pack ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Why I recommend it: Brisbane is defined by its winding river, and this pack brings that to life. It captures the "River City" vibe perfectly by populating the water with marinas and ferries. It completely transforms the approach into YBBN, replacing the generic auto-gen blocks with the distinct architecture of Queensland's capital.

Key Highlights:

• ✅ The Bridges: Features high-detail models of the Story Bridge, Captain Cook Bridge, and the Gateway Bridge.

• ✅ Sports Stadiums: Includes the famous "Gabba" (Brisbane Cricket Ground) and Suncorp Stadium, which are massive landmarks from the air.

• ✅ Night Lighting: The city skyline at night is spectacular, with custom lighting on the major skyscrapers like the Skytower.

Performance Note: Good. Brisbane is naturally spread out, so this pack runs smoother than the denser European city packs however the CBD area does have higher VRAM usage.

YBBN Brisbane International V2 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Why I recommend it: For years, Brisbane was the "missing link" in Orbx’s Australian lineup, with the original version feeling like a port of older tech. Version 2 is a complete ground-up rebuild designed specifically for the MSFS 2024 engine. It finally adds the massive new parallel runway (01L/19R), transforming YBBN into a modern dual-runway powerhouse. If you regularly fly the "East Coast Triangle" between Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne, this V2 update turns a formerly dated airport into a top-tier destination.

Key Highlights:

✅ Modern Parallel Operations: The standout feature is the fully functional new runway and its complex taxiway network. Orbx has used high-resolution June 2024 satellite imagery to ensure every line, sign, and light matches the real-world expansion that doubled the airport's capacity.

✅ Dynamic Monorail & Landside: To bring the terminal area to life, V2 includes an animated monorail system that zips between the Domestic and International terminals. The landside area has been overhauled with custom car parks, hotels, and the Skygate shopping precinct.

✅ Interior Modeling: Both the International and Domestic terminals now feature modeled interiors. While they prioritize performance over 1:1 gate-by-gate accuracy, they provide a great sense of depth when you're parked at the gate or using the MSFS 2024 "Walkaround" mode to explore the terminal glass.

Performance Note: Balanced. Despite the massive increase in 3D assets and 20cm ultra-res textures, the LOD (Level of Detail) transitions are smooth. It manages the dense terminal area well, though you may notice the complexity if you use high-density AI traffic like FSLTL during peak "pushback" hours.

Landmarks London City Pack ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Why I recommend it: London is one of the most complex cities in the world to render. While the default sim has photogrammetry, it often looks "melted" up close. This pack surgically replaces hundreds of key landmarks with crisp, hand-made models. If you fly into London City Airport (EGLC), this is mandatory for that steep approach over the Thames.

Key Highlights:

• ✅ The Skyline: Replaces the melted photogrammetry of The Shard, The Gherkin, and the "Walkie Talkie" building with crisp 3D models.

• ✅ Canary Wharf: Completely revitalizes the financial district, which is a major visual waypoint for pilots.

• ✅ Thames Barrier: Includes the iconic flood barriers and HMS Belfast parked on the river.

Performance Note: Heavy. London is the most demanding area in the simulator. Expect lower frame rates here than anywhere else.

Landmarks Melbourne City Pack ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Why I recommend it: Melbourne is a city of sport and culture, and Orbx captures both. The standout feature here is the sporting precinct—flying over the MCG looks incredible. It also fixes the Port of Melbourne area, adding the industrial cranes and shipping containers that are missing from the default scenery.

Key Highlights:

• ✅ The MCG: A highly detailed model of the Melbourne Cricket Ground and the neighboring Rod Laver Arena.

• ✅ Eureka Tower: The gold-plated crown of the Eureka Tower catches the sun perfectly, acting as a great VFR reference point.

• ✅ West Gate Bridge: Replaces the glitchy default bridge with a proper high-span model that you can fly under.

Performance Note: Excellent. One of Orbx's best-optimized city packs. It runs very smoothly.

Landmarks Perth City Pack ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Why I recommend it: Perth is often called the "City of Light," and this pack finally gives Western Australia’s capital the high-fidelity treatment it deserves. While MSFS 2024 has improved base photogrammetry, it still struggles with the unique geometry of the Swan River waterfront. Orbx replaces the "melted" look of the CBD with over 40 crisp, hand-crafted models. It is the perfect companion for the short hop from Orbx’s YPPH (Perth International) or for low-level VFR exploration along the coast.

Key Highlights:

✅ Elizabeth Quay & CBD: The pack beautifully renders the striking architecture of Elizabeth Quay, including the bridge and the "The Towers" complex. It also includes custom night lighting that accurately recreates the city’s glowing skyline.

✅ Swan River Marinas: Instead of flat satellite images of boats, you get 3D marinas and yacht clubs stretching from the city all the way to Fremantle. The Port of Fremantle itself gets a major upgrade with massive container cranes and industrial detailing.

✅ Heli & STOL Utility: For specialized pilots, the pack adds a landable rooftop helipad at Royal Perth Hospital and fully supports landings at the iconic Langley Park grass airstrip—allowing you to touch down right in the middle of the city.

Performance Note: Light to Moderate impact. It is very well-optimized for MSFS 2024, but the high-detail textures in the CBD may spike VRAM usage

YPPH Perth International Airport ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Why I recommend it: As Australia’s primary gateway to the West, Perth is the literal "frontier" of long-haul flight simulation. Orbx has finally given it the flagship treatment, capturing the unique "FIFO" (Fly-In Fly-Out) culture that defines Western Australia. It’s a versatile hub where you can park a massive Qantas 787-9 after a 17-hour haul from London, or hop into a Fokker 100 for a mining run to the desert. If you enjoy diverse operations—from ultra-long-haul heavy metal to rugged regional turboprops—this is an essential addition to your Australian network.

Key Highlights:

✅ The Mining Hub: Unlike the generic version, this pack fully realizes the busy FIFO and General Aviation aprons. You’ll see the dedicated Cobham, Network Aviation, and Alliance hangars, complete with custom ground clutter and regional traffic that makes the northern side of the field feel like a working industrial hub.

✅ Modern Terminal 1 & Skybridge: The centerpiece is the stunningly detailed T1 International Terminal and the iconic Skybridge walkway. Orbx has modeled the interiors of the departure lounges and check-in halls, and the glass textures look incredible during the "golden hour" in MSFS 2024.

✅ 2025 Layout Accuracy: The airport features the most up-to-date taxiway and apron layouts (accurate to June 2025). It includes high-resolution 20cm aerial imagery that blends perfectly with the surrounding terrain, ensuring your approach over the scrubland feels authentic to the WA landscape.

Performance Note: Surprisingly efficient for its scale.

Cityscape Sydney ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Why I recommend it: Note the name difference: this is a "Cityscape," not just a "Landmarks" pack. That means it covers a much wider area than just the CBD. It fixes the entire Sydney basin, correcting the tree heights, roof colors, and photogrammetry glitches across the suburbs. It makes the famous "Victor 1" coastal VFR route actually flyable.

Key Highlights:

• ✅ The Icons: The definitive versions of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge (you can even see people climbing the bridge!).

• ✅ Coastal Cliffs: Fixes the "melted" cliffs along the coast, making the flight from Bondi to Manly look realistic.

• ✅ Bankstown & Suburbs: Improves the industrial areas around Bankstown Airport, making it much easier to spot the runway on approach.

Performance Note: Moderate. Because it covers such a huge area (the whole basin), it uses more memory than a standard city pack, but FPS remains stable.