Victoria Drone Laws 2026: Melbourne, Great Ocean Road & Rules

If you’re planning to fly a drone in Victoria in 2026, you’re likely wondering where you can legally take off, especially around Melbourne’s complex airspace or the iconic Great Ocean Road. Navigating the mix of federal CASA rules, state Parks Victoria permits, and local council bylaws can be confusing. In this guide, we break down exactly what the Victoria drone laws mean for your flight, covering everything from Melbourne CBD restrictions to the specific rules at the Twelve Apostles and the Grampians. You’ll learn which areas require permits, where flying is banned outright, and how to stay on the right side of the law while capturing stunning aerial footage.

What Are the Baseline CASA Drone Laws in Victoria for 2026?

Before you consider any local restrictions, you must comply with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) standard operating conditions. These federal rules apply to all drones flown outdoors in Australia, including Victoria. If your drone weighs 250 grams or more, you must register it on the myRPA system — this costs A$20 per year and covers the operator, not the individual drone. You also need an operator accreditation, which is a free online course through CASA’s website. The maximum altitude is 120 metres (400 feet) above ground level, and you must keep your drone within visual line of sight at all times. Flying near other people, especially crowds, is prohibited unless you hold a Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) and operate under a certified operator’s approval. These rules form the legal foundation for every drone flight in Victoria, regardless of location.

Melbourne Airspace: Understanding YMML and YMEN Class C Restrictions

Melbourne’s airspace is among the most tightly controlled in Australia. The city sits under Melbourne Airport (YMML) and Essendon Fields Airport (YMEN), both of which are Class C controlled airspace. This means you cannot fly a drone anywhere within these zones without prior approval from Airservices Australia. In practice, this covers a massive area: from the CBD north to Tullamarine, and west to Werribee. Even a sub-250g drone like the DJI Mini 4 Pro is subject to these airspace rules — there is no exemption for weight in controlled airspace. The CASA-verified ‘Can I Fly There?’ app and website are your best tools for checking real-time airspace boundaries. If you’re flying in the outer suburbs, say around the Dandenong Ranges, you may be outside controlled airspace, but always verify first.

Melbourne CBD Drone Laws: Can You Fly Over the City?

The short answer is no — not without a specific approval from CASA and Airservices Australia. Melbourne’s CBD lies within the Class C control zone of Essendon Fields Airport (YMEN). Additionally, the dense population, tall buildings, and helicopter traffic (including the Royal Melbourne Hospital helipad) make it a high-risk area. Under CASA’s standard operating conditions, you cannot fly over people or within 30 metres of them, which is practically impossible in the CBD. Even if you hold a RePL, you’ll need a certified operator to submit an operational approval application, which is rarely granted for recreational flights. For tourists wanting a skyline shot, your best bet is to fly from a park on the city fringe, such as the Yarra River near Southbank, but you must still remain outside the controlled airspace boundary — check the map carefully.

Great Ocean Road Drone Rules: Where Can You Actually Fly?

The Great Ocean Road is Victoria’s premier drone photography destination, but the rules are nuanced. The road itself is managed by VicRoads, and you cannot take off or land on the road without permission. The coastal cliffs and beaches fall under various jurisdictions: some are Crown land managed by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP), while others are within national parks managed by Parks Victoria. The key distinction is that the Great Ocean Road stretches 243 kilometres, and the legal status of each section changes. For example, the stretch between Torquay and Lorne includes beaches and coastal reserves where you may fly if you stay outside national park boundaries and away from people. However, the most famous section — from Apollo Bay to the Twelve Apostles — passes through the Great Otway National Park and Port Campbell National Park, both of which require a Parks Victoria permit.

Drone Rules at the Twelve Apostles: Port Campbell National Park

The Twelve Apostles are the crown jewel of the Great Ocean Road, and they sit entirely within Port Campbell National Park. Under Parks Victoria regulations, flying a drone in any national park without a valid permit is illegal. This applies to both recreational and commercial pilots. The permit process is managed by Parks Victoria’s filming and photography team, and you must submit an application at least 10 business days in advance. For recreational flights, permits are rarely granted in high-traffic areas like the Twelve Apostles due to visitor safety and wildlife disturbance. If you’re caught flying without a permit, you face on-the-spot fines of A$330 or more, and your gear may be confiscated. The best alternative is to fly from a location outside the park boundary, such as the Gibson Steps area (which is still within the park) or from the cliffs east of the Twelve Apostles — but even then, confirm the boundary on a Parks Victoria map.

Victorian National Parks and Drones: Parks Victoria Permit System

Parks Victoria manages over 3,000 parks and reserves across the state, and the drone policy is clear: recreational drone use is prohibited in national parks without a permit. Commercial operators can apply for a filming permit, which costs A$240 for a standard application (plus additional fees for extended shoots). The permit requires you to provide a risk assessment, proof of insurance, and a flight plan. Here’s a breakdown of popular parks and their drone status:

Grampians National Park Drone Rules

The Grampians (Gariwerd) is a popular destination for landscape photography, but drone use is tightly controlled. Like all Parks Victoria national parks, you need a permit for any drone flight. The Grampians are also home to significant Aboriginal rock art sites and sensitive wildlife, meaning the park rangers are particularly vigilant. If you’re caught flying without a permit, you risk a fine and potential prosecution under the National Parks Act. For commercial filmmakers, the permit process includes a site-specific assessment to ensure your flight doesn’t disturb visitors or cultural heritage. If you’re a recreational pilot, your best option is to fly from public land outside the park boundary, such as the towns of Halls Gap or Dunkeld, where airspace is uncontrolled and no park rules apply.

Dandenong Ranges and Phillip Island: Local Drone Restrictions

The Dandenong Ranges National Park, just east of Melbourne, follows the same Parks Victoria rules — no drone without a permit. However, the Dandenong Ranges also includes the Puffing Billy railway corridor, which is managed separately. You cannot fly over the railway or its stations without permission from the railway operator. Phillip Island presents a different challenge. The Penguin Parade is a private reserve managed by Phillip Island Nature Parks, and drones are banned entirely in that area. The ban extends to the Summerland Peninsula, where the penguin colonies live. Even from the beach or public viewing platforms, you cannot fly. The island also has a significant seal colony at Seal Rocks, and drones are prohibited there under the Marine Mammal Regulations. If you want aerial footage of Phillip Island, you must fly from a location well away from the wildlife reserves, such as the western end of the island near Cape Woolamai, but always check local signs.

Commercial Filming Permits: How to Get Approval from Parks Victoria

If you’re a commercial operator looking to fly in a Victorian national park, you need a Filming and Photography Permit from Parks Victoria. The process involves several steps:

Even with a permit, you must still comply with all CASA regulations, including airspace restrictions and altitude limits. The permit does not override federal law — it only grants you permission to fly on park land.

Summary: Your Action Plan for Flying a Drone in Victoria

Victoria offers incredible drone photography opportunities, but the regulatory landscape is complex. Here’s your quick checklist: register your drone and get your accreditation if it’s over 250g. Use the No-Fly Zone Checker to verify airspace before any flight. For the Great Ocean Road, fly only outside national park boundaries — the Twelve Apostles require a Parks Victoria permit. For Melbourne, stay well clear of the CBD and controlled airspace. For national parks like the Grampians, Dandenong Ranges, and Wilsons Promontory, assume drones are banned unless you have a commercial permit. Always check the specific park’s rules online before you travel. By following these guidelines, you can capture stunning aerial footage while staying legal and respectful of Victoria’s natural and cultural heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions