Drone Rules for Tourists in Australia: Where You Can Fly

Australia is a dream canvas for drone pilots. Think turquoise bays, ochre deserts, rainforest waterfalls, and skyline sunsets that light up your feed. If you are visiting with a drone, you can capture spectacular footage while staying on the right side of the law. This guide breaks down Australia’s drone rules for tourists in clear, traveler-friendly language, and shows you where you can fly legally and safely for shots you will actually want to share.

You will get practical tips, region-by-region ideas, and the exact safety basics the Civil Aviation Safety Authority expects you to follow. Let’s make your aerial adventure effortless and unforgettable.

Quick Answer for Travelers

Before you take off, memorize these core rules for recreational flying in Australia:

• Keep your drone within visual line of sight at all times
• Fly only in daylight and in clear weather
• Stay at or below 120 meters above ground level
• Keep at least 30 meters away from other people
• Do not fly over crowds or in populous areas like busy beaches, parks, or stadiums
• Keep well clear of emergency operations such as bushfires or search and rescue
• Use a CASA-verified drone safety app to check no-fly zones and controlled airspace
• Be courteous about privacy and wildlife
• If you are flying for business or commercial gain, registration and accreditation rules apply

These are the essentials. The sections below explain the details and help you choose great legal locations to fly.

The Rules You Must Know

Australia regulates drones through CASA, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. The rules aim to keep people safe on the ground and protect other aircraft in the sky, especially in a country where aviation is a lifeline for remote communities.

Visual Line of Sight and Daylight Only

• Always fly with your drone in direct sight without binoculars or FPV alone.
• Avoid fog, cloud, smoke, or conditions where you cannot see far.
• Recreational flights are limited to daytime. Night flying requires approvals and specific training for non-recreational operations, so stick to sunrise to sunset.

Tip for sunrise lovers: Daylight includes the time after sunrise and before sunset. Twilight is not considered daylight. Plan your flight window accordingly.

Altitude Limit: 120 Meters

• Do not fly higher than 120 meters above ground level.
• If the terrain rises beneath you, your maximum permitted height rises with it, but the cap remains 120 meters above ground directly below the drone.
• Respect any lower local limits shown in your drone safety app.

Minimum Distance From People: 30 Meters

• Keep your drone at least 30 meters horizontally from people who are not directly involved in your flight.
• Never fly over people, even briefly.
• Crowded or confined spaces multiply the risk and are generally off-limits for drones.

Note: Rules can vary with drone weight and purpose, but the safest approach for visitors is to follow the 30 meter rule and never overfly people.

Crowds and Populous Areas

• Avoid flying over or near populous areas where a drone could endanger many people.
• This includes busy beaches, packed hiking lookouts, festivals, sports events, and city plazas.
• If you can imagine a crowd forming, it is not a good place for a drone.

Airports, Heliports, and Aerodromes

• Australia protects the airspace around aerodromes. You must not endanger aircraft.
• As a simple rule for tourists: keep your drone well away from airports, runway approaches, and known helicopter routes.
• Use a CASA-verified drone safety app to check controlled airspace and aerodrome boundaries before every flight.
• Many city centers sit inside controlled airspace. You will often see red or amber overlays in the app that mean do not fly without approval.

Emergency and Restricted Areas

• Never fly near bushfires, police operations, or search and rescue activities. Unmanned aircraft can ground emergency helicopters.
• Respect permanent restricted areas such as military bases, prisons, some harbors, and critical infrastructure. You will see these in drone safety apps as no-fly zones.
• Temporary restrictions may appear for VIP visits or events. Your app should show current notices.

Privacy and Good Manners

• Do not record people in ways that intrude on privacy, especially on private property.
• If someone asks you not to film them or their family, be considerate and move on.
• Laws differ by state and territory, but good etiquette keeps locals supportive of visiting pilots.

Animals and Marine Life

• Keep clear of wildlife. Drones can distress nesting birds, roosting bats, kangaroos with joeys, and beach wildlife like turtles.
• Separate rules protect whales, dolphins, and seals. Minimum distances apply and vary by state and species. A common figure is 300 meters for whales when using drones, but always check the local marine mammal approach rules wherever you fly.
• If an animal reacts to your drone, you are too close.

Weight and Purpose: Recreational vs Commercial

• Visiting purely for fun is considered recreational flying.
• If you are shooting for a client, brand, or any commercial purpose, Australian rules change. Registration, accreditation, and possibly additional permissions apply.
• When in doubt, treat your flight as recreational or seek formal approvals.

FPV and Spotters

• First-person-view goggles are not a substitute for visual line of sight in recreational flying.
• If you fly FPV, use a competent spotter who watches the drone continuously and can alert you to hazards.

Where You Can Fly a Drone in Australia as a Tourist

Australia rewards drone pilots who do a little planning. The best flights tend to be early mornings at quiet beaches, wide open countryside, and locations outside national parks. Here is how to choose spots that are both beautiful and legal.

Green-Light Locations for Easy Recreational Flying

• Quiet beaches and coastal headlands where you can stay 30 meters from people
• Rural viewpoints and country roadsides with safe pull-offs
• State forests and plantation trails where drones are allowed by the land manager
• Designated model aircraft or RC flying clubs that welcome visitors
• Private property with the owner’s permission, provided your flight follows airspace rules
• Public reserves or council parks that explicitly permit drone takeoff and landing and are not crowded

Always confirm landholder rules. Airspace may be legal, but land managers control takeoff and landing from their property. Check council websites and signage on arrival.

Beautiful, Drone-Friendly Ideas by Region

The locations below are meant to inspire. Check airspace with a CASA-verified app and confirm land management rules before you launch.

New South Wales

• South Coast coves between Kiama and Jervis Bay: Aim for secluded rock platforms or quiet dawn beaches outside national park boundaries. Jervis Bay includes Commonwealth and NSW parks where approvals are needed, so verify your exact launch point.
• North Coast headlands like Lennox Head or Broken Head on a quiet morning: Keep distance from surfers and stay away from whales during migration seasons.
• Inland escarpments near Kangaroo Valley and the Southern Highlands: Look for council reserves or private accommodation with landowner permission.

Note: Sydney Harbour is a restricted area. Do not fly over or around the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, or the CBD. Use ground photography there and save your drone flights for coastal suburbs well outside controlled zones.

Victoria

• Bellarine Peninsula and quiet stretches near Barwon Heads: Find empty beaches at sunrise to avoid people.
• Western District volcanic lakes: Open farmland edges offer striking geometry. Keep off private land without permission.
• High Country valleys: Launch from legal roadside verges with good visibility. Many alpine areas are within national parks that require permits for takeoff and landing.

Avoid: The Twelve Apostles precinct and Great Otway National Park. These are heavily protected and policed for drones.

Queensland

• Sunshine Coast beaches at first light: Mooloolaba to Coolum has plenty of sandy arcs. Choose the quietest access points and keep clear of patrolled flags.
• Outback Queensland near Longreach or Winton: Big skies and red earth look incredible from 120 meters. Watch wind forecasts carefully.
• Atherton Tablelands waterfalls: Many are inside parks. You can often find nearby public land or lookouts outside boundaries for landscape shots without intruding.

Great Barrier Reef and islands: Permissions vary by island and marine park zone. Launching from national parks or marine park islands usually needs approval. If you are on a commercial tour, ask the operator. Never harass marine life.

Western Australia

• Turquoise Bay style coastlines exist all along WA. Look for less-visited beaches north and south of popular towns and fly at dawn to avoid crowds.
• Pinnacles Desert lookouts: The park has restrictions. Check land manager rules and consider pull-off points on public roads outside the boundary for safe desert vistas if allowed.
• South West wine country: Vineyards can be drone-friendly with the owner’s consent. The patchwork rows look fantastic overhead.

Rottnest Island and many conservation areas have strict drone limits or permit-only rules. Always check before packing the drone in your day bag.

South Australia

• Fleurieu Peninsula coves and Second Valley: Go early and keep well away from swimmers and anglers.
• Eyre Peninsula cliffs and remote bays: Expect wind. Carry a landing pad and hand-launch only if you are experienced.
• Adelaide Hills orchards in blossom season with landowner permission.

Many SA parks require permits for recreational takeoff and landing. Confirm on the Parks SA website before you go.

Tasmania

• East Coast beaches between Bicheno and Freycinet fringes: Launch outside national park boundaries and respect wildlife nesting zones.
• Central Highlands and lake country: Quiet lay-bys can be ideal. Watch out for powerlines and unpredictable gusts.
• West Coast is rugged and remote. Be self-sufficient and conservative with weather.

Tasmania Parks usually requires permits inside parks and reserves. Plan your launch points carefully.

Northern Territory

• Red Centre desert scenes on public roads outside sensitive sites deliver classic Australian aerials.
• Katherine region gorges viewed from legal vantage points near park boundaries can be striking.

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park prohibits recreational drones. Respect the cultural significance and enjoy ground-based photography instead.

Australian Capital Territory

• Outskirts of Canberra have rolling hills, rural vistas, and reservoirs. Controlled airspace and park rules apply close to the city, so check your app carefully.

Sandy Shores, Clifftops, and Lookouts: Smart Strategies

• Beat the crowds by flying early, then put the drone away when swimmers and beach walkers arrive.
• Choose natural takeoff spots away from pathways.
• Keep generous buffers from ledges and lookouts where people gather.
• If a ranger or lifeguard asks you to land, be polite and comply. They can clarify local rules and help you avoid fines.

Places You Must Avoid or Get a Permit First

Australia takes safety, wildlife, and cultural heritage very seriously. These are areas where you should expect restrictions or flat-out no-fly rules.

National Parks and Reserves

• Many state and territory park agencies restrict or prohibit recreational drone takeoff and landing without a permit.
• Even if CASA airspace is clear, launching within the park can be an offense without written approval.
• Rules differ by state: New South Wales, Tasmania, South Australia, and Northern Territory parks commonly require permits. Some parts of Western Australia permit limited recreational use. Always check the relevant park authority website.

Sydney Harbour and Capital City CBDs

• Sydney Harbour and its surrounds include restricted airspace. Drones are not allowed without special approvals.
• CBD areas of major cities often sit within controlled airspace and are full of people. Consider these no-go areas for visiting recreational pilots.

Marine Parks, Whales, and Turtles

• Many marine parks have extra protections that limit drone operations, especially around wildlife colonies and nesting beaches.
• Minimum separation distances for drones near whales and dolphins apply and vary by jurisdiction. A common requirement is to remain several hundred meters away.
• During turtle nesting season, avoid night activity near beaches entirely and steer well clear even during daylight.

Cultural and Heritage Sites

• Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park prohibits recreational drones. Many Indigenous lands and heritage sites have similar restrictions.
• When in doubt, assume you cannot fly and ask the land council or park service for written guidance.

Critical Infrastructure and Prisons

• Never fly near prisons, military bases, power stations, or other sensitive facilities. These are often permanent restricted areas.

Events and Sports Grounds

• Do not fly over crowds, concerts, markets, or sports events.
• Stadiums and racecourses typically prohibit drones without formal approvals.

Planning Tools and Apps That Make It Easy

Before every flight, open a CASA-verified drone safety app. These apps show controlled airspace, restricted areas, aerodromes, and advisories in real time.

Recommended tools:

• OpenSky by Wing: CASA-verified. Clear map with geofencing advisories and airspace layers
• OK2Fly: CASA-verified airspace awareness from an Australian provider
• Local park and council websites: Check takeoff and landing permissions, permit requirements, and any seasonal restrictions
• Marine wildlife advisories: State environment or marine park authorities publish wildlife approach rules and seasonal closures
• Weather and wind apps: Australia’s coastlines can be windy. Use wind forecasts and look for gust values, not only average speeds

A simple preflight checklist:

1. Open your CASA-verified app and confirm your launch point is clear
2. Check local land rules for takeoff and landing permission
3. Verify daylight window and weather, including gusts
4. Scan for people and maintain a 30 meter buffer
5. Note nearby hazards like powerlines, cliffs, and birds
6. Set return-to-home altitude below 120 meters and above obstacles
7. Calibrate compass and ensure firmware and geofencing data are updated
8. Carry your phone with data in case you need to recheck airspace on site

Etiquette That Keeps Locals On Your Side

• Be early, be brief, and be discreet
• Avoid flying near kids, sunbathers, anglers, and surfers
• Keep props muted on approach and land away from others
• Do not chase wildlife or boats
• Ask property owners before flying over or from their land
• Pack a trash bag and leave your spot cleaner than you found it
• Offer to share a photo if someone is curious. Friendly pilots are welcome pilots

Frequently Asked Questions for Visiting Pilots

Can I fly a drone in Sydney Harbour?

• No. Sydney Harbour is a restricted area. Use ground-based shots and save your drone for legal zones elsewhere.

Do I need a license to fly my drone for fun?

• Recreational tourists do not need a remote pilot license for casual flying. You must follow CASA’s standard drone safety rules. If you are flying for business or paid work, different requirements apply, including registration and accreditation.

Do I need to register my drone for recreational travel?

• As a tourist flying purely for recreation, you generally do not need to register your drone. Registration is required when flying for anything other than sport or recreation. Always confirm latest rules on CASA’s Know Your Drone website.

How close can I fly to people?

• Keep at least 30 meters away from people and never fly over anyone.

What is the max height?

• 120 meters above ground level.

Can I fly at night?

• Recreational flying is limited to daytime. Night flights require specific approvals and training for non-recreational operations. Plan golden hour flights right after sunrise or before sunset.

What about beaches?

• You can fly on quiet beaches if you maintain the 30 meter buffer and do not overfly people. Some councils restrict takeoff and landing. Watch for lifeguard instructions.

Can I fly in national parks?

• Often not without a permit. Many state and territory parks require written approval for takeoff and landing. Check the park authority’s website before you go.

Can I fly near whales, dolphins, or seals?

• Keep well away. Specific minimum distances apply and differ by state. A common minimum for whales is several hundred meters. Check local rules and avoid any interaction.

Can I bring my drone through Australian customs?

• Personal drones are generally allowed. Avoid bringing large batteries in checked luggage. Pack spares in carry-on with terminals protected.

What are the penalties if I break the rules?

• Violations can lead to warnings, on-the-spot fines, and substantial penalties for serious breaches. Your drone may be confiscated in certain circumstances. Be conservative and courteous.

Can I fly from a boat?

• Over water flights are risky and can involve marine park rules and wildlife protections. Launching or landing in protected areas may be restricted. Check the operator’s policy and regional regulations.

Can I use FPV goggles?

• Only with a competent spotter who keeps the drone in visual line of sight.

Can I fly over my hotel?

• Only if it is safe, legal in airspace, permitted by the landholder, and you can stay 30 meters from people. Hotels often forbid drones on their property. Ask first.

What Happens If You Break the Rules

CASA and local authorities actively enforce drone safety in Australia, especially around cities, national parks, beaches, and emergency operations.

• Expect polite but firm requests to land if you are in a restricted area
• Rangers can issue fines for park breaches or wildlife harassment
• CASA can issue infringement notices for aviation rule violations and pursue higher penalties for serious incidents
• Footage on social media can be used as evidence. If you made a mistake, do not double down

The easiest way to avoid trouble is to check airspace every time, fly early and away from crowds, and follow the 120 meter and 30 meter basics.

Drone-Friendly Mini Itineraries That Wow Without the Worry

Make your trip irresistible with these sample plans that prioritize legal, low-stress flying.

Coastal New South Wales Dawn Runs

• Day 1: South of Kiama, scout a quiet headland for sunrise. Coffee in Gerringong, then coastal hikes with the drone packed away when crowds arrive
• Day 2: Early start near Gerroa. Flight over sandbars at low tide from an empty section of beach. Afternoon inland at a rural lookout with wide buffers
• Day 3: Northern Illawarra rock pools at first light from a deserted stretch. Finish with a no-drone stroll around the Sea Cliff Bridge

Sunshine Coast to Noosa Blue Hour

• Day 1: Sunrise at a quiet beach south of Mooloolaba with clear 30 meter buffers. Brunch, then hinterland views from legal roadside pull-offs
• Day 2: Early flight over winding river shallows away from paddlers. Afternoon coastal walk with the drone packed when it gets busy
• Day 3: Noosa region sunrise from outside park boundaries with long lenses on foot for the rest of the morning

Perth and the Wild West Coast

• Day 1: Dawn on a low-traffic beach south of Fremantle. Gentle orbits over limestone reefs in crystal water, staying clear of swimmers
• Day 2: Road trip north to wind-sculpted dunes. Fly only in safe wind windows with ample landing space
• Day 3: Early cliffscapes on a remote bay. Bring a landing pad and avoid seabird nesting areas

These itineraries keep you on the legal side by focusing on early starts, non-park locations, and wide-open spaces.

Packing and Transport Tips for Drones in Australia

• Batteries in carry-on: Airlines require lithium batteries to be in your carry-on with terminals protected. Most camera drone batteries are under 100 Wh and fit standard airline rules. Tape contacts or use caps
• Hard case or padded sling: Protects against sand and salt. A small landing pad keeps props safe on gritty surfaces
• ND filters and polarizers: Essential for bright Australian sun and sparkling water
• Spare props: Wind gusts and sandy takeoffs can chip blades
• Firmware and maps: Update at your accommodation using Wi-Fi so you are not stuck at the launch point
• Sun safety: Hat, sunscreen, and water. You will be surprised how quickly the light and heat climb

A Final, Practical Checklist

• Confirm your flight is recreational. If not, review CASA’s commercial requirements
• Check airspace with a CASA-verified app for every flight
• Verify land manager rules for takeoff and landing
• Keep to daylight, 120 meters altitude, and 30 meters from people
• Avoid crowds, national parks without permits, and restricted areas like Sydney Harbour
• Stay well clear of wildlife and marine mammals
• Carry spare batteries in your carry-on with protected terminals
• Be polite, be brief, be early

Conclusion: Capture Australia the Right Way

Australia rewards thoughtful drone pilots with some of the most photogenic landscapes on earth. The formula is simple. Plan your flights with a CASA-verified app, choose quiet open locations, keep your distance from people and wildlife, and respect land manager rules. You will come home with soaring coastal panoramas, blazing outback horizons, and rainforest textures without stress or fines.

Treat your drone like a passport to better vantage points, not a backstage pass to restricted places. Do that, and Australia’s skies are yours to explore.

Important note: Regulations can change. Before you fly, always check the latest guidance on CASA’s Know Your Drone website and confirm local park and council rules for takeoff and landing.