🖐 In this blog post we’ll share all known regulation around recreational & commercial drone use in Victoria (Melbourne, VIC). Give a 👍 at the end of this post & feel free to share your experience or any updates you might have in the Australia Drone Forum. Keep in mind that the content below is updated to the best of our knowledge & does not replace official sources & your research.
Victoria (VIC) follows the common rules of the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). If you're looking for the unmanned aerial vehicle rules of Australia then click here.
As for a shortcut, no matter where in Victoria, you should fly:
at a maximum altitude of 120 m above the ground.
away from private property, vehicles in movement, people or large crowds (including over beaches, stadiums or parks) & respect individuals' privacy.
at least 5.5 km away from airports (any airport, seaplane base or area where aircraft or helicopter take off & land) & give way to all other type of aircraft.
only during permitting weather & within your sight at all times.
away from areas where its use could interfere with police or first responders.
avoiding sensitive areas including government or military facilities.
🛫 To get to Victoria, there is a high chance you will have to catch a plane, Qantas, Virgin Australia and Jetstar are pretty sweet with drones but would recommend you carry your batteries in fire proof bags for more safety.
This blog post will dig dive into Victoria's specific locations where you can fly a drone safely. We will also uncover some secret spots where to fly within the biggest cities of the state & explain all specific permissions needed when flying above Victoria' restricted areas.
But before anything, let's start with a little drone video to show how beautiful this corner of the world is (time to get some popcorn mate! 🍿🎬)
So where can I fly my drone in Victoria (VIC)?
A short answer will be anywhere away from airports and national parks (unless authorisation). But thankfully there is a bit more info than this, thanks to ok2fly.com.au with up to date info so its probably good to keep this link handy with you.
✅ It is also available in the Google Play Store & Apple Store for mobile use (makes sense as we don't many of you flying with a desktop in their car trunk today 😜) Most main cities of Victoria (VIC) are under strict regulations due to a heavy air traffic above or near them. But looking at the most populated cities there are a few good news 👌
Drone Fly Map Melbourne
In Melbourne, drones are strictly restricted without permission 5.5 kms anywhere around Melbourne's airports (Tullamarine & Avalon included) and next to the many heliports across the city.
✅ Sweet spots to fly your UAV around Melbourne:
From Malvern East to Brighton & Hampton coasts), A cool one might be to snap to Brighton bathing boxes as long as you do not fly above anyone during your flight).
Anywhere from Derrimut towards south until you reach the 5.5 km safety restricted space from RAAF Williams Airport in Point Cook.
Drone Fly Map Geelong
In Geelong, drones are not welcomed within the CBD due to the hospitals and heliports but other than this you should be pretty sweet considering the usual restrictions observed in cities. Note that you will need to apply for a local permit to take off from municipal or foreshore reserves of Greater Geelong. You can apply for a permit here; its free and valid for 2 years.
✅ Sweet spots to fly your UAV around Geelong:
From Norlane to the upper North, just be mindful of Avalon airport's restricted zone which runs all along the Eastern side and provides a clear no fly zone along the coast side.
You've got a safe triangle space between the suburbs of Moolap, Curlewis and Wallington to operate your unmanned aerial vehicle here.
Drone Fly Map Ballarat
✅ Ballarat is really simple to understand where to fly your UAV. Simply avoid the CBD and the airport for at least 5.5 km (note the runways might extend this a little restriction a little further) and you will be sweet to fly your unmanned aerial vehicle up to 120 m 🚁
Drone Fly Map Bendigo
✅ In Bendigo, you will simply need to worry about the airport and its runways, other than this.. you're sweet to fly following CASA's guidance.
Flying a drone in VIC national parks & marine reserves
🚨 Flying your unmanned aerial vehicle in a national park or reserve of Victoria is strictly forbidden without any authorisation, simple as this. The strict rule is in place to ensure an enjoyable experience for other visitors. After all, these are sanctuaries for animals & the idea is to leave them in peace in these preserved environments 👌
The list includes the famous ones such as:
12 (Twelve) Apostles (many helicopter tours operate there).
Dandenong Ranges National Park
Grampias National Park
Great Oatway National Park
Wilsons Promontory National Park
& many more.. (there are 150+), find a complete list here
🤑 Fines for not respecting this ban in all reserves and national parks of Victoria will range from a AUD$793 on the spot fine and prosecution that can end up to AUD$3171.4 for the worse cases.
Watch out for sea mammals! 🐳 Marine life in Victoria is very well looked after; you should fly no closer than 500 m from any sea mammals in Victoria (🦈 Sharks are not sea mammals btw) 🧐 Further recommendations have been given such as avoiding to approach front ways or above (including the shade of your drone) the animal(s).
Drone & Privacy Laws in VIC
CASA is pretty straightforward and transparent on this topic; they won't investigate any privacy concerns or claims as their job is restricted to aviation safety. The primary body in charge of privacy laws in VIC is the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner which in turn advises you to first complain to the organisation or agency causing you issues with a 30 days delay before escalating to them - find out more.
Once you got everything in order, you can start flying above Australia's awesome landscapes & create videos like this one:
✅ Please leave a comment when you receive news and/or gain experience with your drone in Victoria! Have fun and safe flight! #vic #victoria #regulation #law #laws #legislation
💡 You're a local, have a question or want to share a travel experience? Head to our Australia Drone Forum
Disclaimer: Although great care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information researched, we take no responsibility for any loss, harm or damage caused as a direct or indirect consequence of relying on this information. It is your responsibility to seek advice from qualified local & relevant authorities for needed information about local drone rules and regulations.
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Sources
Leave your drone at home this summer (Parks Victoria)
Other resources