Drones
Under the Forestry Regulations 2013, it is an offence to fly a drone or remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) in a forest reserve without authority or a permit.
Our forests are popular places – in the interest of visitor safety, drones must not be flown within 30m of people, or above campgrounds and accommodation facilities.
To protect wildlife, drones are not permitted in Native Forest Reserves.
ForestrySA staff and contractors use drones, helicopters and other aircraft for forestry and operations including surveillance, and aerial herbicide and fertiliser application.
Unidentified and unauthorised drones pose an unacceptable risk and possible catastrophic consequences, particularly to manned aircraft in the sky.
Whether for personal or commercial purposes you must have approval and a permit to fly a drone or any other remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) in ForestrySA forests.
To apply to fly a drone in our forests, please email our Ranger team with your name, contact number and the forest location, date and time of your intended flight. Please allow a minimum of 2 business days for your request to be processed.
Further information for drone owners is available on the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) website.
Filming, videography and photography
A permit must be purchased before undertaking commercial filming, photography, or videography.
Filming, photography, or videography is defined as “commercial” when the intent is to promote a product or service and/or achieve financial gain from the filming or photography.
All film making requires an Event Application a minimum 4 weeks prior to your event date. Click here to lodge your application.
All commercial photography and videography simply requires completion of a Group Activity Registration as soon as possible prior to your session date. Click here to register your activity.
Filming, photography, and videography for personal use is welcome free of charge and does not require a permit. We would love to see your images and film, so don’t forget to tag #forestrysa when you share them online!
Please note: A separate permit is required for filming or photography using a drone or RPA, whether for personal or commercial purposes. Refer to our Drone use Guidelines and information above.
VIDEOGRAPHY / PHOTOGRAPHY PERMIT – DAY
VIDEOGRAPHY / PHOTOGRAPHY PERMIT – ANNUAL
The forest is closed to the public on declared Total Fire Ban days. To report a fire, call 000.
For fire ban information phone 1800 362 361 or visit the CFS website. Being aware of a Total Fire Ban is your responsibility.
Fire is prohibited on ForestrySA land between November 1 and April 30 in any year. (These dates may be extended in areas where high fire danger persists).
