Commercial activities in parks

The National Parks and Wildlife Service aims to offer enjoyable and educational experiences in its parks, including activities, facilities, tours and services. While we often run these, sometimes the private sector can manage them more effectively.

Working with the private operators helps ensure high-quality services and professional operations. We value operators who are committed to protecting our parks for future generations.

Individuals, businesses or organisations wanting to run a commercial activity in a national park must have an agreement. This helps maintain quality, protects the environment, and supports conservation efforts.

How to apply to run a commercial activity

You will need to apply for a licence or consent if you would like to use a national park or reserve for:

• commercial visitor activities and services (Parks Eco Pass)
• commercial filming and photography
• events.

First check to see if the proposed activity is permissible under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 and compatible with the park's plan of management. If no plan currently exists, discuss your proposal with our local staff (call 1300 072 757 to be directed to the right team). Either way, speak to our staff before you put time and effort into preparing a proposal.

• National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974
• National park plan of management

From time to time, opportunities are advertised on the NSW Government tenders website.

National Parks and Wildlife Service is part of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (the department). The department can enter into agreements to allow an activity on land it manages. An agreement is a legally binding contract and may take the form of a lease, licence, permit, consent or easement.

Benefits of an agreement

An agreement in the form of a lease, licence, permit, consent or easement gives you:

• a legal right to carry out your proposed activity
• a formal relationship between you and the department so that both parties are aware of their responsibilities and obligations
• security of tenure for the term of your concession, provided you comply with its conditions.

Requirements of an agreement

Any contractual agreement must:

• be offered in a way that meets government requirements for probity
• secure fair, market-based returns to the department.