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.

New South Wales has over 800 national parks and reserves, offering a diverse range of natural wonders from World Heritage-listed sites to beautiful beaches, subtropical rainforests to Australia's highest mountain in the Alps. These protected areas are critical in conserving biodiversity and natural and cultural heritage. The diversity of these natural and cultural environments provides endless opportunities for filmmakers and photographers in New South Wales.

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) 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 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 or profit.

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 applyBefore you apply

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

Public liability insurancePublic liability insurance

You must upload a public liability cover/certificate of currency with your application. The public liability insurance 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.

Note: Your application will not be accepted unless a public liability insurance certificate that matches the applicant organisation is provided.

Types of filming and photography approval applicationsTypes of filming and photography approval applications

We offer 3 types of filming and photography applications for commercial filming and photography.

Contact us

Visitor Engagement and Revenue Branch

Phone: 02 9585 6082

Email: park.businesses@environment.nsw.gov.au