Drone Laws in Australia

Open to visitors

Yes. Recreational registration is currently on hold, so visitors can fly under the standard rules with a free operator accreditation (for 250g+); no residency requirement.

Australia regulates drones through CASA, with a 120 m limit and free operator accreditation for visitors, though many national parks ban drones or require permits.

This is general guidance, not legal advice. Drone rules change frequently and vary by location. Always confirm the current rules with the national aviation authority (linked below) before you fly. Last reviewed: July 2026.

Aviation authority

Civil Aviation Safety Authority

The rules

Registration: Commercial/business drones must be registered regardless of weight. Recreational registration is legislated but deferred/not currently enforced. Free operator accreditation is required for recreational flyers of 250g+ (min age 16).
Remote ID: No blanket mandate.
Maximum altitude: 120 m (400 ft).
Line of sight: VLOS (own eyes; no FPV-only). BVLOS/night need CASA approval, typically with a RePL + ReOC.
No-fly and distance rules: Keep 30 m from people; not over crowds/populous areas; 5.5 km from controlled aerodromes; never near emergency operations (fires, police, rescue); day only.
Commercial and paid work: Sub-2kg can operate in the "excluded category" with accreditation; larger/complex paid work needs a Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) under a business's ReOC.
Notable restrictions: Many national parks/reserves (state and Commonwealth) ban drones or need permits; no flying over crowded beaches or sporting events.
Penalties: Infringement notices around AUD $1,565+ per offence, up to tens of thousands for serious court-imposed breaches.

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Official sources

CASA drones

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