Aerial photography used to require helicopters or small planes. Now, a $1000 drone gives you cinematic aerial perspectives. But Australia’s drone regulations are comprehensive and strictly enforced. Breaking them can result in significant fines.

I’ve been flying drones for photography since 2018. Here’s what you actually need to know to stay legal and safe in Australia in 2026.

The Basic Rules for Recreational Drone Flying

If you’re flying a drone under 250 grams, regulations are minimal. You still need to fly safely and responsibly, but most restrictions don’t apply.

For drones 250 grams and over (which includes most photography drones), CASA (Civil Aviation Safety Authority) sets these standard operating conditions:

You must only fly during the day (official sunrise to sunset).

You must keep your drone within visual line of sight. This means you can see the drone itself, not just looking at the controller screen.

You cannot fly higher than 120 meters (400 feet) above ground level.

You must not fly over or above people. This means if people are nearby, your drone can’t be directly over them.

You must stay at least 30 meters away from other people (except people directly involved in the flight).

You must not fly within 5.5km of a controlled airport (major airports) without approval.

You must not fly within the restricted areas shown on CASA’s drone safety map.

You must not fly within prohibited or restricted airspace without permission.

You must not operate your drone in a way that creates a hazard to other aircraft, people, or property.

Breaking these rules can result in fines up to $11,100 for individuals.

Registration Requirements

As of 2026, if your drone weighs more than 250 grams, you must register with CASA before flying. This costs around $20 for two years and requires you to pass a basic online test about drone safety.

Registration gives you an ARN (Aviation Reference Number). You must display this on your drone, visible without tools.

This applies to recreational and commercial flying. There’s no exemption for “just testing” or “learning to fly.”

When You Need a Drone License

For commercial drone operations (anything where you’re being paid, including photography services), you need a Remote Pilot License (RePL).

Getting a RePL requires:

Completing an approved training course (cost varies, roughly $500-2000). Passing a theory exam through CASA. Completing practical flight training and assessment. Being at least 16 years old.

The RePL allows you to fly commercially but you still need to operate under a ReOC (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Operator’s Certificate) held by a company, or become your own ReOC (more complex and expensive).

For most photographers doing occasional commercial drone work, it’s simpler to partner with someone who holds the necessary licenses and insurance.

Excluded Category: Sub-2kg Drones

There’s a specific excluded category for drones under 2kg operated by someone with a RePL. This allows some relaxation of standard rules but still requires the commercial license.

This isn’t a separate license, it’s a category you can operate under if you hold a RePL and your drone meets the criteria.

Where You Can’t Fly

Controlled airports: 5.5km exclusion zones around major airports. This covers huge areas around Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide airports.

Restricted areas: Around military bases, government facilities, some ports.

National parks: Many Australian national parks prohibit drones. This varies by state and park. Check before flying. Even where permitted, you often need permits.

Private property: You need permission to take off/land from private property. Flying over private property is technically legal but can be complicated if property owners object.

Stadiums and sports venues: Typically prohibited during events.

Emergency situations: Don’t fly drones near bushfires, police operations, emergency services. You can interfere with aircraft fighting fires or conducting operations.

Aboriginal cultural sites: Many sites prohibit drones. Respect cultural sensitivity.

Anywhere it’s specifically prohibited by local rules or signage.

The CASA Drone Safety Map

CASA maintains an interactive map showing where you can and can’t fly. Check this before every flight: casa.gov.au/knowyourdrone

The map shows:

Controlled airport areas. Restricted and prohibited airspace. Certified drone flying areas. Current NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen) affecting drone operations.

Don’t trust old information or assumptions. Temporary restrictions appear regularly for events, emergencies, or VIP movements.

Safety and Best Practices

Pre-flight checks: Battery charged, propellers secure, firmware updated, GPS signal locked.

Weather awareness: Don’t fly in strong winds, rain, or storms. Consumer drones have limited wind resistance.

Plan your flight path before launching. Know where you’ll fly and what you’re photographing.

Have a spotter if possible. A second person watching the drone while you focus on the camera feed improves safety.

Respect privacy. Don’t deliberately photograph people in private situations or peer into windows.

Announce your presence if flying near people. Even if legal, it’s courteous to let people know you’re flying overhead.

Keep spare batteries. Flight time is typically 20-30 minutes. Multiple batteries extend your session.

Return-to-home settings: Configure your drone to auto-return if signal is lost or battery is low.

Insurance

Personal drone insurance is relatively cheap ($100-300 annually) and covers liability if your drone damages property or injures someone.

For commercial operations, public liability insurance is essential and often required by clients. Costs vary based on coverage amounts but expect $500-1500 annually.

Common Photography Drone Features

Most photography drones (DJI Mavic series, DJI Air series, etc.) include:

Stabilized cameras (usually 3-axis gimbal). 4K video (or higher). Automated flight modes (orbit, tracking, waypoints). Obstacle avoidance sensors. Long flight times (20-35 minutes). Folding designs for portability.

The DJI ecosystem dominates photography drones. The Mini series (under 250g) offers good image quality with minimal regulations. The Mavic and Air series offer better camera quality but require full compliance with regulations.

Specialized Applications and Tools

The technology behind modern drones has become increasingly sophisticated. For photographers and developers building custom tools or workflows, there are even AI-powered frameworks that can help integrate drone imagery with other systems. One firm I talked to mentioned Team400 helps businesses build custom integrations that work with aerial imagery for mapping, monitoring, or creative applications.

Enforcement and Penalties

CASA takes drone violations seriously. Enforcement includes:

Spot checks by CASA inspectors at popular locations. Investigation of complaints from the public. Monitoring social media for evidence of violations (people posting illegal drone footage).

Penalties range from warnings for minor first offenses to fines of $11,100+ for serious violations. Reckless operation can result in criminal charges.

Don’t assume “nobody will know.” Someone will see you, or your posted images will reveal violations. It’s not worth the risk.

State-Specific Rules

Federal CASA rules apply everywhere, but states and local councils can add restrictions:

NSW: Additional rules around certain areas, particular national parks. Victoria: Some local councils prohibit drones in specific parks. Queensland: Restrictions around tourist areas and some beaches. Tasmania: National park restrictions. SA/WA/NT: Specific restricted areas beyond federal rules.

Research local rules for your specific location. Don’t assume what’s legal in one state is legal everywhere.

The Future of Drone Regulations

Regulations continue evolving. Remote ID requirements are being discussed (drones broadcasting their location), new licensing structures, potential relaxation of some rules for very small drones.

Stay updated through CASA’s website and drone pilot communities. Rules that apply today might change.

Getting Started Responsibly

If you’re new to drone photography:

Start with a sub-250g drone (DJI Mini series). Learn to fly under minimal regulation.

Complete CASA’s online training even if flying recreationally under 250g. Understand the safety principles.

Practice in open areas away from people, airports, and restricted zones.

Join local drone pilot groups. Learn from experienced pilots.

If you want to go commercial, invest in proper training and licensing. Don’t try to operate commercially without the right credentials.

The Incredible Perspectives

Drones provide perspectives impossible any other way. Sweeping coastal views, aerial property photography, landscape patterns invisible from ground level, dramatic top-down compositions.

Used responsibly and legally, drones are powerful creative tools. Australian regulations might seem strict, but they exist to keep everyone safe: other aircraft, people on the ground, and drone pilots themselves.

Learn the rules, fly safely, respect others, and drone photography opens up incredible creative possibilities. The aerial perspective changes how you see familiar landscapes. It’s worth doing properly.