Drone Rules for Kangaroo Island
Drone flying on Kangaroo Island requires careful consideration because significant portions of the island fall within Flinders Chase National Park and other protected conservation areas managed by the Department for Environment and Water, where drone operations are subject to strict restrictions. Permission for drone.
Kangaroo Island is one of Australia's most significant wildlife and conservation destinations, home to protected populations of kangaroos, sea lions, koalas, echidnas, and diverse birdlife across its national parks, wilderness protection areas, and marine parks. Flinders Chase National Park covers a substantial portion of the island's western end and is managed under South Australian national parks legislation, which restricts unauthorised drone operations due to the serious risk of disturbing wildlife and damaging sensitive ecosystems. Outside protected area boundaries, drone pilots must still comply with all CASA rules including flying below 120 metres, maintaining visual line of sight, not flying over people, and avoiding any controlled airspace. The island's outstanding wildlife values mean pilots must exercise particular caution about disturbing nesting seabirds, sea lion colonies, and other sensitive fauna even in areas where CASA rules technically permit flight. Commercial or research operators seeking to conduct drone operations within national park boundaries must obtain formal permits from DEW and comply fully with CASA regulations including any required Remote Pilot Licence.