Capturing film, photo images and sound recordings in Kakadu National Park
About the permit | How to apply | Download
A permit is required by persons capturing an image for commercial purposes, including photographic, film or sound recordings on any medium, in or of Kakadu National Park.
Apply well in advance
People or organisations wishing to capture images or record sound should allow at least 14 days for their application to be reviewed. A minimum of 56 days notice may be necessary for some projects, particularly those involving Aboriginal people or areas closed to the public.
EPBC Act, Regulations and Permit Conditions
Filmmakers and photographers working in Kakadu are subject to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Regulations 2000 and their Permit Conditions. The Permittee is responsible for ensuring that other crew members working with them in the park are familiar with, and adhere to, these requirements.
Attached to this application form is a set of Permit Conditions for consideration. The Permit Conditions must be signed along with the Agreement attached to the Conditions. A permit can not be issued until these documents have been received.
Overseas applicants
If you intend carrying out filming/photography for commercial purposes while in Australia it is a requirement under the Australian Migration Act 1958 that you obtain a 423 (Media and Film Staff Temporary Residence) Visa. These can be applied for from any Australian Embassy.
Fees
Permit applications fees are payable under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Regulations 2000. The fees are set out in Part 3 of Schedule 11 of the Regulations. The fees are:
Cine/Video/Recording - AU$250 per day or part-day
Still Photography - AU$30 per permit
All filming at rock art sites must be accompanied by a member of Park staff and overseen by traditional Aboriginal owners of the site. Still photography in public areas and at the three main art sites of Ubirr, Nourlangie Rock and Nangalawur may be done without accompaniment. Photography at other art sites may be arranged and may need to be accompanied by Park staff and overseen by traditional owners.
Traditional owners will negotiate a fee for their time but is generally $130 per site.
Permittees are required to receive a briefing by Park staff prior to commencing of filming and or photography.
How to apply for this permit
Download the permit application form
If you intend to apply for this permit, please download the application form, complete it, print it out, sign it, and post or fax the signed form with all required attachments to:
Permits Officer
Kakadu National Park
PO Box 71
Jabiru NT 0886
Please allow between 14 to 28 days for processing. Some projects require a minimum of 56 days notice, particularly those requesting involvement from Aboriginal people or parks staff, or areas that are not accessible to the general public.
For efficient permit processing, please ensure your application includes the following:
- The completed application form. Provide as much detail as possible by including a full project description and proposed itinerary.
- Payment details for permit fees and/or supervision fees (where necessary). If you are unsure about what fees are required, please contact us.
If we require additional information or need to discuss your application in more detail, we will contact you.
Should your permit application be approved, you will receive a confirmation email. Prior to commencing any filming or photography in the park, you must attend a briefing session given by Kakadu National Park staff. At this point you will receive your permit and conditions and any outstanding permit fees must be paid.
