🖐 In this blog post we’ll share all known regulation around recreational drone use in Western Australia (Perth, WA). 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.
Western Australia (WA) 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 Western Australia (WA), 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 Western Australia, 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.
💡 Smart! Get your drone batteries' firecase today and make sure you're complying with aviation safety rules.
This blog post will dig dive into Western Australia'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 Western Australia's 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 Western Australia (WA)?
A short answer will be anywhere away from airports (unless authorisation). But thankfully there is a bit more info than this, thanks the "Can I fly there" app made by CASA in cooperation with a few third party apps and kept up to date with punctual events so its probably good to keep this link handy with you.
✅ Most are available in Google Play & Apple Store for mobile needs (makes sense as we don't many of you flying with a desktop in their car trunk today 😜) Most of Western Australia's main cities are under strict regulations due to a heavy air traffic above or near them.
Drone Fly Map Perth
✅ In Perth, flying a good spot to fly outside a restricted zone can look tricky but it is possible and almost on each side of the city. The city's CBD is locked down unfortunately due to the many heliports but looking well, you will be able to find something.
💡 Smart! Pack some spare drone batteries, before heading to Perth and ensure yourself to have enough flying time there.
✅ Sweet spots to fly your UAV around Perth:
North of Perth on the Coast from Woodlands to Trigg
In Attadale (which is literally surrounded by restricted zones but this one remains like the last standing point where you can fly your UAV up to 120 m in this zone.
Between the two airports (Perth & Jandakot) but be extremely careful and do not try fancy stuff here as big carrier fly not so far from you.
✅ Most other cities of Western Australia are either within Perth's restricted airspace or small enough that you will generally just need to worry about the airports & heliports located nearby. In any case, if you see another aircraft, you should land immediately and give way.
Ready to go? Get yourself the right backpack to travel safely with your drone !
Flying a drone in WA national parks & marine reserves
✅ Flying your unmanned aerial vehicle in a national park or reserve of Western Australia (WA) is allowed (this is the second state of Australia to be so clear on this 🥈). However there are some rules you will need to follow:
continue looking up to CASA safety rules & do not fly above anyone.
comply with the CALM Act & Regulations (don't create any danger for anyone or disturb any animals).
if you see an emergency scene or fire for example, land as soon as possible to not disturb emergency operations & rescue teams.
contact the rangers prior each flight to avoid any interfering with their operations.
🚨 However, if you want to fly for a commercial purpose, you will need to apply for a permit.
The list includes the famous ones such as:
Cape le Grand National Park
Karijini National Park
Nambung National Park
Purnululu National Park
& many more.., find a complete list here
Watch out for sea mammals! 🐳 Marinelife in Western Australia is strictly looked after. For this purpose, drones are considered as helicopters and you should fly no closer than 60 m (in altitude and distance) from any sea mammals in Western Australia (🦈 Sharks are not sea mammals btw) 🧐. Recommendations have been given such as avoiding to approach front ways the animals.
🤑 If you get caught closer, it could cost you up to AUD$10,000
💡 Smart! Water glare is a killer when flying above WA coastal waters, make sure you have a lens filter before flying there.
Drone & Privacy Laws in Western Australia (WA)
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 WA 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 Western Australia! Have fun and safe flight! #wa #west #australia #westaustralia #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.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links meaning we will get a commission if you decide to purchase via them. This has no costs for you but helps Dronemade stay free for all.
Sources
Other resources