Drones in parks
You need approval to launch, land or operate a drone in a national park or other reserve managed by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS). Some parks do not allow recreational drone use as it can impact park visitors and wildlife.
Read more about Drones in parks
The NPWS Drones in parks policy provides information on the use of drones in national parks and reserves.
What type of approval do I need?
To use a drone for personal recreation, you will need to request approval from the park that you intend to visit. To request approval, download and complete the application form (65KB word doc), and send it to the NPWS Area Office of the park that you intend to visit at least 10 days prior. You can only fly a drone if your request was approved.
Using drones for commercial filming or photography is subject to the NPWS Filming and photography policy. The application forms for ‘Commercial filming and photography’ and ‘Travel and lifestyle filming and photography’ in the policy include applications for drone use.
Before you fly a drone in a park
- Ensure you have approval from NPWS.
- Check for alerts on the webpage of the park that you intend to fly in. There may be fires or incidents that will stop you visiting or using a drone that day.
- Read and comply with Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) drone safety rules.
When flying a drone in a park
- Only fly in the park, or part of the park, that you have approval for.
- Carry a paper or electronic copy of your approval with you.
- Stop immediately if emergency or bushfire operations are occurring.
- Stay at least 100m away from whales and other marine mammals.
- Fly according to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) drone safety rules.
More information on using drones, drone exclusion zones, and how to apply for approval can be found in the NPWS Drones in parks policy.