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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

When flying a drone in a park

More information on using drones, drone exclusion zones, and how to apply for approval can be found in the NPWS Drones in parks policy.