The Northern Beaches have some of the world’s most beautiful beaches and picturesque bushlands ideal for filming and photography.
From Palm Beach’s perfect white, endless sand which feature in Home and Away, to Manly's vibrant town centre, to Duffy’s Forests unspoilt native forest. The Northern Beaches has something to offer everyone.
Other popular film and photographic locations include Deep Creek Reserve, Bayview, Shelly Beach, Little Manly Point and Little Manly Beach, Forty Baskets Beach.
Northern Beaches Council welcomes filming and photography activities on Council-managed land. Filming applications are managed in accordance with the NSW Local Government Filming Protocol.
Filming on Council land
Anyone planning to film on Council-managed land must obtain Council approval before filming begins. Approval helps ensure public safety, minimise disruption to the community, and protect Council assets and the environment.
This requirement applies to all filming and photography activities, including film and television productions, commercial advertising, business photography, unit bases, and student projects.
Council approval is required for filming at any Council-owned or managed location, including:
- Parks and sportsgrounds
- Beaches and rockpools
- Roads, streets, verges, footpaths, and driveways
- Car parks
- Council buildings and facilities
News crews do not require approval to film on Council land.
Filming conducted entirely on private property does not require Council approval. It is the responsibility of the production company to obtain permission from the relevant landowner(s). However, Council encourages production companies to submit a Private Filming Notification to help manage any potential impacts on neighbouring properties, public spaces, or local traffic. Notifications should include details of the production size and scale, parking arrangements, and any traffic management plans and can be sent to openspacebookings@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au.
Before you apply
To avoid delays, please ensure the following information is ready before lodging your application:
1. Filming Details
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Location(s), date(s), time(s), and wet weather date.
2. Site Assessment
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Confirm the location is suitable and complete any required safety or technical assessments.
3. Supporting Documents
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Public Liability Insurance (minimum $20 million cover) in the applicant's name.
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Site map showing filming locations, unit base, and equipment.
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Parking plan, including vehicle numbers, parking restrictions, access points, and a Traffic Guidance Scheme.
How to make a booking enquiry
Applications must be submitted through Council’s online booking portal.
When submitting a filming request via our online booking portal choose any one of the 8 general filming spaces listed on the landing page, please do not try to search for a venue or location it will not provide you any options for filming. You will be prompted to provide the filming details including the location/s and start date via the questionnaire.
Assessment and Approval
Applications are assessed by Council's Open Space Bookings Team. Additional information may be requested where required.
Approval is not guaranteed. Applicants will be notified in writing of the outcome of their application.
If approved, a booking contract, terms and conditions, and an invoice for applicable fees and charges will be issued. Additional fees may apply for booking amendments or cancellations. To track, amend or cancel your application, log into the booking portal and update your application as required.
Please refer to the online booking instructions for assistance with your application.
Fees, charges and application timeframes
Please refer to the Sports & Recreation section of the current fees and charges.
Fees may include an application fee, impact assessment fee, venue hire and service charges, and refundable bonds.
Additional fees may apply where services or approvals are required, including:
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Traffic management
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Parking permits or parking restrictions
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Lifeguard or safety services
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Exclusive use of a venue or location
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Council-provided services and infrastructure support.
Please refer to the NSW Local Government Filming Protocol for definitions on impact categories and their related fees.
- 5 business days before filming low-impact productions
- 7 business days before filming medium-impact productions
- 15 business days before filming high-impact productions
Frequently asked questions
How do I organise traffic management and parking permits?
If your filming activity requires road closures, traffic control, parking restrictions, car park closures, barricading, or parking beyond signposted limits, separate approvals will be required from Council.
Traffic management permits are administered by Council’s Transport Network Team. An Implement Traffic Control Application must be submitted through Council’s website. A Traffic Guidance Scheme (TGS) prepared by an accredited Traffic Controller is required where traffic or pedestrian management is proposed. Fees apply.
For filming on State or Regional Roads, or within 100 metres of traffic signals, a Road Occupancy Licence (ROL) from Transport for NSW may also be required.
Where parking is required beyond signposted limits, an Event Parking Permit may be needed. Applications must be submitted at least 10 business days in advance and are subject to Council approval. Completed applications must be emailed to parkingoperations@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au. Fees apply.
For traffic-related enquiries, contact Council on 1300 434 434 and ask to speak with a Traffic Officer.
Is approval required for drone filming?
Yes. Approval is required when drones are used on Council-owned or managed land.
Applications involving drones must include:
- A site map showing take-off and landing exclusion zones (exclusive use fees may apply)
- Proposed flight path (where applicable)
All drone operators must comply with Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) requirements.
Is signage or community notification required prior to filming?
Yes. Temporary signage must be displayed on each day of filming to notify the public of filming activities and include a contact number for community enquiries.
Depending on the scale and impact of the production, Council may also require advance notification signage to be installed up to 10 business days before filming.
Community notification requirements vary according to the impact of the filming activity. Nearby residents and businesses may need to be notified at least 48 hours prior for low-impact filming, 72 hours prior for medium-impact filming, and 10 business days prior for high-impact filming. Notifications must include filming dates, times and locations, the purpose of the filming, any expected disruptions, traffic and parking changes, and on-site contact details. A copy of the notification and areas distributed may be requested by Council.
I'm a student. Do I need approval?
Yes. All student filming projects undertaken on Council-managed land require approval from Council.
Eligible student productions are exempt from impact assessment and application fees; however, additional charges may still apply where relevant.
To qualify for the fee exemption, applicants must provide a copy of their educational institution's Public Liability Insurance Certificate as part of their application.
What are the conditions for filming with firearms or fires?
The use of firearms during filming is permitted where a licensed Theatrical Armourer is engaged to supervise the possession and use of the firearm. A copy of the relevant Theatrical Armourer’s Licence and Risk Assessment must be provided to Council prior to filming on request. The Northern Beaches Police Area Command must be notified.
Fires are permitted within the existing fire barbecue pits at Manly Dam War Memorial Park. All other requests for live fires will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Approval may be granted for controlled gas flames used to simulate fire. Conditions may include operation by a qualified safety officer and obtaining any required permits from the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS).
Are there any rules or requirements for filming with animals?
Yes. Please note dogs may only be filmed off-leash within Council's designated off-leash areas. Filming involving other animals, including horses, is assessed on a case-by-case basis.
All productions involving animals must comply with the NSW Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals in Films and Theatrical Performances. It is the production company's responsibility to notify either RSPCA NSW or the Animal Welfare League NSW before filming, regardless of whether animals are depicted through live action, animatronics, CGI or models.
How do I organise traffic management and parking permits?
If your filming activity involves road closures, traffic control, parking restrictions, car park closures, barricading, parking across multiple spaces, or parking beyond signposted limits, separate approvals may be required.
Traffic Management
- An Implement Traffic Control Application must be submitted to Council where traffic or pedestrian management is required.
- A Traffic Guidance Scheme (TGS) prepared by an accredited traffic controller must be provided with the application.
- Additional approvals and fees may apply.
State and Regional Roads
- Filming on a State or Regional Road, or within 100m of traffic signals, may also require a Road Occupancy License (ROL) from Transport for NSW.
Parking Permits
- If vehicles need to park beyond signposted limits or in restricted areas, an Event Parking Permit may be required.
- Applications must be submitted at least 10 business days before filming and are subject to Council approval.
- Completed applications must be emailed to parkingoperations@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au. Fees apply.
For traffic-related enquiries, contact Council on 1300 434 434 and ask to speak with a Traffic Officer.
How do I organise road closures, traffic control or barricading?
- If your filming activity requires road closures, traffic control, parking restrictions, car park closures, or barricading, a Traffic Control Application must be submitted through Council's website eServices | Northern Beaches Council - Terms and Conditions
A Traffic Guidance Scheme (TGS) prepared by an accredited traffic controller is required where traffic or pedestrian management is proposed. - Additional approvals may also be required for filming on State or Regional Roads, or within 100m of traffic signals.
- For traffic enquiries, contact Council on 1300 434 434 and ask to speak with a Traffic Officer.