Drone Rules for Cairlocup Nature Reserve
Park visitors do not need approval from the department to use drones recreationally in parks, but if you are planning to use your drone for a commercial purpose (that is, for profit or reward), you will need to apply for a filming and photography permit or licence.
Park visitors can use drones recreationally in parks without needing approval from the department, but they must adhere to the following rules:
Compliance with Regulations: You must follow the drone regulations set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). This includes never flying your drone closer than 30 meters to people or over them at any height.
State Laws: You must abide by all relevant state laws, including the Conservation and Land Management Act 1984, the Conservation and Land Management Regulations 2002, the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016, the Biodiversity Conservation Regulations 2018, and the Bushfires Act 1954.
Wildlife and Visitors: Your drone must not disturb wildlife or pose a danger or nuisance to other park visitors. Please keep in mind:
- There is a mandatory separation distance of 60 meters between a drone and whale sharks, whales, killer whales, dolphins, dugongs, and seals.
- The effects of drones on the feeding and breeding behaviors of birds and other wildlife may not be immediately noticeable.
- Drones can significantly intrude on the experiences and privacy of other park visitors.
Respect for Culture and Heritage: When using your drone, be respectful of Aboriginal culture and heritage values in the park, and only access areas that are open to the public.
Emergency Operations: You must not operate your drone in areas where emergency operations are underway, such as during prescribed burns or bushfires. For more information, check the Emergency WA and Prescribed Burns resources.
Contacting District Office: It is recommended that you contact the relevant district office before each drone flight to ensure that your activities do not interfere with aerial and other park management operations. You can find parks and their contact details by visiting the “Find a Park” website.
Permits: A permit from the department’s Rivers and Estuaries Branch is required to use your drone in the Swan and Canning Riverpark.
If you plan to use your drone for commercial purposes (i.e., for profit or reward), you will need to apply for a filming and photography permit or license.