NSW Government
Environment and Heritage

Apply to film and take photographs in national parks

We recognise the important role played by film in attracting visitors to parks, as well as the important economic contribution that the film industry makes to New South Wales.

 

The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service encourages visitors to NSW national parks and reserves to photograph or film their experience.

However, if you intend to take photographs or film for commercial purposes, you must get permission from the National Parks and Wildlife Service before the photography or filming activity. Commercial purposes means taking photographs, video/digital footage or motion film for sale, hire, profit or other material benefit in lieu of payment.

We require a minimum of 7 business days' notice for filming or photography applications.

When reviewing applications to film, we consider:

  • environmental impacts the filming may have
  • benefits the filming may bring to parks, the public and New South Wales in general
  • park values, visitor amenity and cultural values.

We keep a public register of filming approvals.

Before you apply

If you would like to use a national park or reserve for filming or photography, you must read the following before you proceed with your application:

Types of filming and photography approval applications

There are 3 types of filming and photography applications:

  • small-scale
  • commercial
  • travel media.
Small-scale
  • Purposes may include weddings or family portraits, photographic library stock or location scouting but not commercial advertising.
  • It must have negligible impact on a park environment, including:
    • maximum of one camera operator and one assistant
    • low-level equipment use (that is, backpackable equipment, single tripod)
    • no structures, props, film sets or talent
    • no use of drones
    • other users not excluded from the area.
  • The permit is free and valid for the duration and park you are approved for.

Apply at Small-scale filming application.

Commercial
  • Purposes may include production films, television network or streaming service productions, documentaries, educational films, government-sponsored filming, commercial advertising, drone footage, or images for magazines, postcards, commercial websites, promotional material, books and advertisements.
  • Fees apply.
  • The permit is for specific dates and locations.

Apply at Filming and photography application.

Travel media
  • The purpose must be to promote NSW national parks and park values.
  • The work must include at least 3 of the following:
    • the National Parks and Wildlife Service logo in credit
    • the national park(s) name in supers or voice-over
    • the location within the park(s) in supers or voice-over
    • an image of national park signage with park name or attraction (for example, a lookout)
    • the national parks URL link – nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
    • a National Parks and Wildlife Service Ranger in uniform (where suitable and approved)
    • promotion of the NSW National Parks app
    • credit National Parks and Wildlife Service by @NSWNationalParks (Facebook) and/or @nswnationalparks and #NSWParks (Instagram).
  • It must have low environmental impact.
  • The application fee may be waived but other fees may apply.
  • The permit is for specific dates and locations.

Apply at Filming and photography application.

Public liability insurance

You must hold public liability insurance. It must include:

  • minimum of AUD$10 million
  • name the department as an interested party as per the following text on the policy:
    The Minister administering the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 on behalf of the State of NSW ABN 27 578 976 844.

Contact us

Tourism Partnerships and Events Unit, Visitor Engagement and Revenue Branch

Phone: 02 9585 6082

Email: [email protected]