Filming and photography plays an important role in encouraging awareness and appreciation of Victoria’s diverse network of parks. 

A permit is required for professional, and some amateur, filming and photography in areas managed by Parks Victoria. Filming in state forests is managed by the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) and permits must be obtained from local DSE offices. Phone 136 186 to obtain local DSE office numbers.

Permits are required so filming and photography in parks is managed safely and responsibly. Parks Victoria places conditions on permits to minimise the impact on the park, park visitors, tenants and tour operators. An annual licence is available for landscape photographers who regularly photograph parks.

Who needs a permit?

• Anyone professionally filming or photographing areas managed by Parks Victoria.
• Student productions.
• Filming and photography sponsored by Tourism Victoria (although no fee is charged).
• Wedding and portrait photographers not already covered by an event permit.

Who doesn’t need a permit?

• Amateur or hobby photographers.
• People taking film or video for personal use.
• News related media coverage of current affairs.
• Small scale editorial photography (one photographer and assistant).

Are there any fees?

Yes. A location fee, supervision fee and bond may be required. A late processing fee is applied to applications received with less than seven days notice.

Fees vary depending on the scale of the photography and the type of filming proposed. See Part 7 of the application for the current fee schedule.

Note: The fee for an annual landscape photography licence was removed on 12 October 2011, encouraging photographers to enjoy our parks and capture the imagery of our flora and fauna while leaving only footsteps behind.

General guidelines placed on filming or photography in parks:

• Stay on defined tracks
• Keep the site clean, cover food, put lids on rubbish bins
• Carry out what you take in
• Consider safety precautions and follow appropriate industry codes
• Keep noise to a minimum
• Don’t disturb or damage the plants, animals or natural or built features in the park
• Don’t feed the wildlife 
• No use of firearms, pyrotechnics, loud sound effects or sound amplifier systems unless special permission is given.

Application forms

• Filming permit (includes schedule of fees)
• Annual landscape photography licence (note: fees removed as of 12 October 2011)

Where to get more information?

For more information contact Parks Victoria on 13 1963 or email info@parks.vic.gov.au

Parks Victoria can provide advice on locations, site restrictions and planned park events and activities that could affect filming and photography. Site visits can also be arranged to assess conditions and safety arrangements.