Host an event
NSW national parks host thousands of events each year, including weddings and sporting and cultural events. These generally require a permit. Our Events team are here to discuss your ideas and help you apply.
Read more about Host an event
Do I need permission for my event?
If your event is for more than 40 people, you’ll need permission from the local national park area office. See below for requirements for different types of events for more than 40 people.
Generally, if your private (non-commercial) event is for fewer than 40 people, you do not need permission.
There are exceptions in some locations. You must request permission from the local national park area office (using the small scale event application form) if your event is for more than:
- 20 people in Bundjalung National Park, Dharug National Park, Kanangra-Boyd National Park, Kosciuszko National Park, Tomaree National Park, Wallingat National Park, Willi Willi National Park, Wollemi National Park and Yengo National Park
- 30 in Hat Head National Park and Lane Cove National Park
- 15 in Marramarra National Park
- 12 in Gardens of Stone National Park and Mungo National Park
- 10 in Sturt National Park.
If your event is for fewer than 40 people but is commercial, you’ll also need to submit an application. Commercial events usually sell tickets, charge fees, run regular activities, or provide paid service.
Small scale venue hire and event bookings for 40 to 150 people
To book a wedding or hire a small scale venue for private or commercial events with 40 to 150 people, you’ll need to submit an application. Choose between picnic shelters, historic buildings and even islands on Sydney Harbour.
You can book some of these venues online without submitting an application, for example, picnic shelters at Rouse Hill Regional Park, Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park and Garigal National Park.
Search for venues for your next small scale event.
Our fees are changing from 1 July 2026. Check your event date against the:
Weddings
You can find the perfect wedding venue across more than 40 locations in NSW national parks. Consider historic buildings, spectacular lookouts, beautiful beaches and rainforest settings for your big day.
How to book a wedding venue
Get in contact with the local park office to discuss booking a venue. You’ll need to submit an application via email at least 15 days before your wedding. You can apply up to 12 months before your event for a better chance of securing your ideal location.
Tip: To find the relevant park office, first search for the park your event will be held in. Then check for the ‘park contact office’ and use the email contact listed for that office.
Small scale sporting and recreation events for under 150 participants
National parks are an idyllic place to get active and have fun, whether it’s a community run club or a school cross country.
What to know before you get started
You generally don’t need permission for sporting and recreation events under 40 people unless they are commercial or are a competitive sporting activity that’s part of an organised competition or tournament.
The small scale event sporting and recreation fees and application process also apply for school cross countries and picnics of up to 300 people.
How to apply
Submit an application by email to the relevant park office at least 15 days before your event.
Tip: To find the relevant park office, first search for the park your event will be held in. Then check for the ‘park contact office’ and use the email contact listed for that office.
Large scale events for more than 150 people
If you would like to hold an event for more than 150 people, including sporting and recreation events and large scale venue hire, please read this information then apply online.
* If you’re organising a school cross country or picnic of up to 300 people, submit a small scale application by email to the relevant park office instead. To find the relevant park office, first search for the park your event will be held in. Then check for the ‘park contact office’ and use the email contact listed for that office.
For help organising large scale events you can email the Events team or call on 02 9585 6570.
What to know before you get started
Timing: You should submit your application 6 months before your large scale event. The earlier you apply, the better chance you have of securing your preferred venue in a NSW national park. If you apply less than 12 weeks from your event date, a short notice fee may apply.
Process: Once you start the online application form you must submit it in one session. It cannot be saved mid-application.
It can take 2 to 3 weeks for us to review your application.
For more information about fees and application requirements, please read:
- the events manual
- fees for large scale venue hire (current)
- fees for sporting and recreation events (current).
Our fees for large scale sporting and recreation events and large scale venue hire are changing from 1 January 2027.
To see our new fees please read:
What you need to complete your application
Site map: Submit a course overview and detailed maps showing any NPWS sections if the event crosses multiple tenures. You can create a base map here.
Event details: Provide as much detail as possible about your proposed activity, the style of the event and its requirements in your application. Include:
- your event name, primary contacts, contractors and control structures
- start and end dates and times, including bump-in and bump-out
- exact NPWS location(s) for the event
- the event’s objectives and desired outcomes
- a detailed run sheet of activities, key timings and programming
- the expected audience demographics, numbers and event stakeholders
- ticketing procedures, including pricing policy and money-handling processes
- site details such as rest areas, staging and power, temporary structures, signage, parking and traffic management, food and drink services, and entertainment
- potential impacts on park areas and other risks and hazards.
This information will form part of your event management plan that’s required once your event is approved. Find more details in section 2 of the events manual.
How to apply
Make sure you have all required information and documentation ready, then apply online. Please note you cannot stop and save mid-application.
You can email the Events team or phone 02 9585 6570 to discuss your event and ask questions about the application process.
What to do once your event is approved
Once approved, you will be introduced to a NPWS Events Officer as your key event contact. They will issue you:
- formal consent for your event
- a tax invoice for a non-refundable application fee and deposit fee to hold the venue for your event date.
You must submit detailed event management plans to the Events Officer at least 6 weeks before your event. This includes a letter noting your public liability insurance for a minimum of $20 million and:
- safety and emergency plans
- site, course updates and production schedules
- sound, risk power and lighting plans
- signage plans
- sustainability, waste and toilet management plans
- transport and access management plans
- food and alcohol management plans
- merchandise and sponsor activation plans
- public communications plans.
You can use our event plan templates to help prepare these documents and reference the events manual for further guidance. Your Events Officer can also help answer questions.