Get an exceptional bird’s eye view of Australia’s sights while following the rules!
These days drones are everywhere, with today’s vacationers, tourists and backpackers alike share the latest and greatest drone technology. Drones have a broad mix of users, from being flown by kids at the park or by experienced pilots conducting commercial operations. So since everyone and their mother are taking snaps of Australia’s insta-worthy sights, laws have been put in place, restricting many historic or cultural locations throughout the country. Follow our guide and learn where you can unpack your drone at!
Drone Laws in Australia
Australia has a fairly simple set of flying rules for recreational users, but be sure to check state government websites for the most up to date and relevant information for each region. General rules that apply throughout the country are:
- Keep your drone in your eyesight
- You are only allowed to fly a drone during the daylight
- Users must not fly the drones into fog or clouds
- It must be no closer than 30 metres to vehicles, boats, people or buildings
- It must not be used over beaches, parks or sports pitches when they are in use
- The drone can only reach up to 120 metres
- You cannot fly your drone within 5.5 kilometres of airfields
Where you can fly your drone
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The Desert
The Australia Outback is one of the best natural wonders in the entire country. An endless stretch of red dirt with unique rock formations and unusual wildlife found throughout. Drones are allowed throughout in the red desert region of Australia, with the exception of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, guaranteeing you some extraordinary shots of this rare landscape.
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The Great Barrier Reef
One of the seven wonders of the world, the Great Barrier Reef is an underwater wonderland chock full of unique creatures and colourful coral. However, as it is so big, you can easily see the reef from above the water, as it is even visible from outer space. Queensland has the most laidback drone laws of any state in Australia, allowing travellers and locals snapshots of the reef-encrusted waters and tropical islands from above.
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The Bush
The beautiful bushland of Australia covers the entire country, with ancient gorges, pounding waterfalls and unique wildlife found scattered within. The natural landscapes of the bushlands are nothing less than dramatic. Get an entirely new perspective of the area when you fly your drone over the canopy of trees!
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The Beach
Australia is surrounded by water, so of course, it has an abundance of beaches. Stretching about on Australia’s 36,000 kilometres of coastline, the majority are free from restrictions, but make sure you look out for no drone signs before setting it up!
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Lakes and Rivers
Australia may be known for its desert landscape, but a large majority of it is covered by thundering rivers and pristine lakes. Pink and white landscapes of the salt lakes are a magical sight, and the mighty rivers twist around the bushlands, joining together with plunging waterfalls and bending billabongs. Make the most of the beautiful subject matter from an above drone landscape.
Related article: Best 6 places to visit in the Australian summer
