I'm from QLD but will be holidaying in both Victoria and NSW soon so have been trying to get up to speed on where I cannot fly. I know their respective national park websites say drones aren't allowed unless authorised, however I'm starting to wonder if this is even enforceable and what legislation prohibits drone use in national parks.
Victoria
NSW
I'm assuming there will definitely be signs at popular tourist spots but if you are in a more remote area of a park, it seems like you are good to fly if you haven't passed any signs prohibiting it.
Interested in people's thoughts on this? Am I missing something?
Victoria
- My understanding is Victoria National Parks are regulated under the National Parks Regulations 2013.
- This regulation does not mention drone at all in any of its definitions. It has an aircraft definition and prevents launching and landing of aircraft, however the definition for aircraft does not cover drones.
- Aircraft definition is aircraft includes an aeroplane, helicopter, glider, hot air balloon, hang glider, paraglider and parachute;
NSW
- Regulated by the National Parks and Wildlife Regulation 2019
- Drone is included in the aircraft definition as an unmanned aircraft
- Section 15 for offensive conduct prohibits using an aircraft in a manner that is likely to interfere with or cause a nuisance to a person or animal
- The only other part that would affect drone use that I can see is Division 1 Regulation by notices or direction. This states that a park authority may display notices within the park to prohibit activities and that direction may also be given verbally
I'm assuming there will definitely be signs at popular tourist spots but if you are in a more remote area of a park, it seems like you are good to fly if you haven't passed any signs prohibiting it.
Interested in people's thoughts on this? Am I missing something?